By Burnett Munthali
Former Tonse Alliance partner, the United Transformation Movement (UTM), has sharply criticized President Lazarus Chakwera, accusing him of misleading Malawians in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on Friday. UTM argues that the President failed to present an honest account of his administration’s achievements, instead choosing to paint a picture that does not reflect the realities on the ground.
Speaking in reaction to the SONA, UTM officials expressed disappointment, stating that President Chakwera’s speech lacked transparency and failed to address the pressing economic and governance challenges currently facing Malawi. According to the party, the address was filled with self-praise and exaggerated claims, which do not match the lived experiences of ordinary Malawians.
One of the key issues raised by UTM is the worsening economic situation in the country. Despite the President’s claims of progress in stabilizing the economy, UTM insists that inflation remains high, businesses are struggling, and the cost of living has become unbearable for many Malawians. The party also questioned the government’s commitment to tackling corruption, arguing that Chakwera’s administration has failed to act decisively against high-profile cases involving public officials.
Furthermore, UTM criticized the President for failing to acknowledge the breakdown of trust within the Tonse Alliance, the coalition that brought him to power in 2020. Since the alliance was formed, there have been growing tensions between the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), which Chakwera leads, and UTM, led by Vice President Saulos Chilima. UTM believes that Chakwera’s speech deliberately ignored the challenges within the alliance, which have contributed to a lack of coordination in government policies and decision-making.
Political analysts suggest that UTM’s reaction signals a further widening of the rift between the former allies, with some speculating that the party may be preparing to position itself as an independent force ahead of the next elections. Observers have noted that since the 2020 elections, UTM has increasingly distanced itself from the MCP-led government, often criticizing its policies and governance approach.
The criticism from UTM adds to the growing public scrutiny of President Chakwera’s leadership. Many Malawians, including civil society organizations and opposition parties, have also expressed disappointment with the President’s address, arguing that it failed to offer concrete solutions to the country’s economic hardships and governance concerns.
As the political landscape continues to shift, it remains to be seen how the relationship between UTM and MCP will evolve in the coming months. With elections on the horizon, the dynamics between the two parties could play a crucial role in shaping Malawi’s political future. Meanwhile, Malawians continue to demand accountability and truthful leadership, urging the government to focus on real solutions rather than political rhetoric.
