By Twink Jones Gadama
President Lazarus Chakwera’s recent announcement of austerity measures to salvage Malawi’s ailing economy has been met with skepticism, and rightly so. Barely a month after his pronouncement, Chakwera is embarking on a lavish trip to California, USA, from January 20 to 31, with billions of kwachas expected to be spent on the excursion.
This move has raised eyebrows, with many Malawians questioning the president’s commitment to austerity. It appears that Chakwera’s call for belt-tightening only applies to the masses, while he and his entourage continue to indulge in extravagant spending.
Chakwera’s trip to California is not an isolated incident. His administration has been criticized for its profligate spending on foreign trips, which often yield little to no tangible benefits for Malawi. The president’s penchant for luxury travel is not only a drain on the country’s resources but also a slap in the face to ordinary Malawians who are struggling to make ends meet.
Malawi is currently grappling with severe economic hardships, including inflation, fuel shortages, and a crippling forex shortage. The country’s economic woes have been exacerbated by external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, Chakwera’s administration has also been accused of mismanaging the economy and failing to implement effective policies to mitigate the crisis.
The president’s spending spree is particularly galling given that he has only seven months left in office before handing over power to a new president in September. One would expect Chakwera to be more mindful of his legacy and the welfare of Malawians, rather than indulging in frivolous spending.
President Chakwera’s decision to embark on a lavish trip to California while preaching austerity to Malawians is a classic case of “do as I say, not as I do.” This blatant disregard for the welfare of his citizens is a betrayal of the trust placed in him and a stark reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in governance.
