By Suleman Chitera
Lilongwe, Malawi – Growing frustration with rising living costs, rising living costs, persistent fuel shortages, and corruption scandals under President Lazarus Chakwera have sparked growing anger among citizens across the Southern African nation. Many people in the Warm Heart of Africa say daily expenses have become unbearable, businesses are struggling, and households can no longer cope with the economic crisis facing Malawi.” The return of former President Peter Mutharika with many Malawians crediting his past leadership with good governance, economic stability, and infrastructure development.
Nostalgia for Mutharika’s Leadership
Public debates, social media campaigns, and even street demonstrations have emerged across Malawi, urging Mutharika, who served from 2014 to 2020, to stage a political comeback ahead of the 2025 Malawi elections. Citizens argue that his presidency brought lower inflation, stable fertilizer and fuel prices, and major infrastructure projects such as roads and universities.
“During Mutharika’s time, businesses thrived and the economy was stable,” said Grace Banda, a market vendor in Blantyre. “Now, life is harder under the current government. We want him back.”
Discontent With the Chakwera Administration
The Tonse Alliance government, led by Lazarus Chakwera, is facing criticism over unfulfilled promises and Malawi’s deepening economic crisis in 2025. Rising commodity prices, persistent fuel shortages, and allegations of corruption have intensified public dissatisfaction.
Political analyst Dr. Henry Phiri explained, “There’s a growing perception that Peter Mutharika’s government managed the economy better. Whether that is entirely accurate or not, the nostalgia is strong enough to reshape Malawi’s political discourse as the next election approaches.”
