By Burnett Munthali
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera officially opened the 51st session of Parliament in Lilongwe, marking the beginning of the 2025/2026 Budget Meeting. The highly anticipated event took place in the National Assembly, where the president delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA) at 10 o’clock in the morning. Lawmakers, government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps attended the session, eager to hear the government’s vision for the upcoming fiscal year.
During his speech, President Chakwera outlined his administration’s priorities, focusing on economic recovery, governance reforms, and social development. He acknowledged the economic challenges facing the country, including rising inflation, unemployment, and fiscal constraints, and emphasized the government’s commitment to implementing policies aimed at stabilizing the economy.
The president reiterated his government’s focus on agriculture as a key driver of economic growth. He announced plans to increase investment in the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), irrigation schemes, and mechanized farming to boost productivity. He also spoke about the need for Malawi to diversify its economy by promoting industrialization and trade, reducing the country’s reliance on agriculture.
Infrastructure development featured prominently in his address. He highlighted ongoing road and energy projects, including the expansion of the electricity grid to rural areas. He assured Malawians that his administration remained committed to completing major infrastructure projects aimed at improving transportation and access to essential services.
The opening of Parliament also marked the commencement of the 2025/2026 Budget Meeting, which was set to run until April 11, 2025. During this period, Members of Parliament (MPs) were expected to debate the national budget, scrutinize government expenditure, and pass key financial bills.
Finance Minister Simplex Chithyola Banda was expected to present the national budget in the coming days, detailing how the government planned to allocate resources to critical sectors such as health, education, and social welfare. The budget discussions were anticipated to be intense, with opposition MPs pushing for increased funding towards social programs, while government representatives defended the administration’s spending priorities.
The president’s address received mixed reactions from different political parties. Lawmakers from the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and its allies praised the government’s economic recovery efforts and commitment to social development. However, opposition parties, including the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), expressed skepticism about the feasibility of some of the proposed policies.
Some opposition MPs criticized the government for failing to curb corruption and mismanagement of public funds. They argued that without strict financial discipline, the proposed economic policies would not yield the desired results. Others called for increased efforts in addressing unemployment, particularly among the youth, urging the government to implement programs that would create more job opportunities.
Security was heightened around Parliament as the event attracted a significant number of attendees. Law enforcement officers were deployed to ensure a peaceful session, and all guests followed strict security procedures before entering the National Assembly.
Inside the chamber, parliamentary proceedings followed protocol, with the Speaker of the National Assembly ensuring that all members adhered to the rules of debate. The event was broadcast live on national television and radio, allowing Malawians across the country to follow the proceedings.
As the 51st session of Parliament commenced, it was clear that the coming weeks would be critical in shaping Malawi’s economic and political landscape. The government’s ability to implement its proposed policies would depend on Parliament’s approval of the budget and the cooperation of all stakeholders.
With economic hardships and political tensions in the background, Malawians looked forward to seeing whether the government’s plans would translate into real improvements in their daily lives. The success of this parliamentary session would ultimately determine the trajectory of the country in the coming year.
