By Burnett Munthali
Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has been described as the leader Malawians need to rescue the country from its current economic collapse.
Speaking at a rally, former Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha accused the administration of President Lazarus Chakwera of destroying the economy through poor management.
He noted that when President Chakwera came into power, the cost of basic goods was affordable and the economy was relatively stable.
For example, Mwanamvekha pointed out that sugar was priced at K550 but has now skyrocketed to K4,500, and even at that price it is hard to find.
He added that a bar of washing soap, which once cost only K50, is now selling at K1,000.
Similarly, fertilizer, which used to be at K18,000, is now trading at K155,000, leaving many farmers unable to afford it.
Mwanamvekha also cited fuel prices, which were at K700 per litre, but have now reached K2,730 per litre under the current government.
He lamented that foreign exchange, which was previously available, has become scarce, crippling imports and business operations.
According to him, these are just a few examples of how Chakwera’s leadership has left Malawians suffering daily hardships.
Mwanamvekha reassured Malawians not to despair because Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is returning to restore the country’s economy.
He recalled that in 2014, when Mutharika became president, he implemented strong economic reforms that stabilized prices and created hope for ordinary citizens.
He promised that starting from September 16, Malawians will begin to see real change once Mutharika is voted back into office.
He urged the people to vote decisively for Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to rescue Malawi from the current crisis.
He emphasized that by voting wisely, Malawians will pull the nation out of economic fire and into stability.
Concluding Analysis
The message from Mwanamvekha reflects a broader narrative within the Democratic Progressive Party that positions Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika as the savior of Malawi’s struggling economy.
By highlighting sharp increases in the prices of essential goods and fuel, he appeals directly to the daily frustrations of ordinary Malawians.
However, while the promises of a return to stability may inspire hope, the challenge for voters is to critically assess whether Mutharika’s previous policies can be successfully reapplied in today’s more complex global and domestic environment.
Ultimately, the September 16 elections will serve as a test of whether Malawians trust in the promise of economic restoration under Mutharika or whether they will seek alternative solutions to the crisis.
