By Burnett Munthali
Looking back at the exclusive interview with Times Television, former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika shared candid reflections on Malawi’s economic situation and leadership expectations.
During the interview, host Brian Banda posed a critical question to Mutharika regarding the current global economic downturn and whether Malawi would have fared better had he remained president.
Brian Banda asked, “Do you think the economy could have been better if you were still president, because the global economy has changed? These economic changes are global. Do you think these global changes would have spared Malawi if you were still the president?”
In response, Mutharika began by acknowledging the inherent nature of economic instability.
He remarked, “I don’t think so. Currencies always fluctuate and that’s the nature of economy.”
Mutharika emphasized that price fluctuations are a constant feature of global markets, and no nation is entirely immune to such pressures.
He went on to say, “Prices will always go, obviously.” This statement underlined his view that price increases are inevitable in any economy.
The former president then offered a broader reflection on governance, saying, “There is no perfect government.”
He added that if Malawians are searching for an ideal or flawless leadership, they are likely to be disappointed.
In his words, “If my Malawians are looking for a perfect leader, perfect government, unfortunately they will never find one.”
This comment served both as a philosophical reminder of human limitations and a subtle defense of his own tenure, suggesting that every administration has its own share of challenges.
Conclusion
Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s remarks during the Times Television interview offer an important perspective on both the global nature of economic turbulence and the often unrealistic expectations placed on leaders.
By highlighting the inevitability of market fluctuations and the imperfection of governments, APM invited Malawians to assess national progress with a balanced understanding.
His response subtly positioned him as a realist, drawing attention to the limits of leadership in the face of global economic forces.
As the country heads toward the 2025 elections, such reflections may shape public discourse around accountability, leadership, and economic resilience.
