By Suleman Chitera
Lilongwe, Malawi – In an unexpected turn of events, a growing chorus of voices in Malawi’s capital is calling for the return of former President Peter Mutharika, citing the unbearable cost of living under the current administration.
At a bustling market in Area 25, frustrated vendors and shoppers erupted into spontaneous chants of “APM abwerenso!” (APM must come back!), claiming that life was far more affordable during his tenure.
“A bag of maize was K5,000, cooking oil was cheap, and fuel prices didn’t change every week!” exclaimed Mary Phiri, a vegetable seller. “Now, we’re struggling just to eat. We want Mutharika back!”
The sentiment was echoed by minibus driver James Banda: “Under DPP, things weren’t perfect, but at least we could breathe. Now, every month prices shoot up—where is this government taking us?”
Political analysts say the outcry reflects deep economic frustration, with inflation and rising commodity prices squeezing ordinary Malawians. While Mutharika’s administration faced criticism for corruption and inefficiency, some now nostalgically recall it as a time of “manageable hardship.”
The DPP has seized on the discontent, with senior officials urging Malawians to “remember the difference.” Meanwhile, the Tonse Alliance government faces mounting pressure to stabilize prices or risk losing public trust
