By Suleman Chitera
Former Minister of Trade Vitumbiko Mumba has launched a blistering attack on the DPP-led government, dismissing its much-touted austerity measures as unrealistic and directionless.
The remarks come barely a day after Mumba was granted bail following his arrest last week.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Mumba thanked supporters for standing by him during what he described as a difficult period, before turning his fire on the administration, which he said “seems not to have found its feet yet.”
He criticised the so-called austerity budget, saying it is dominated by “a lot of freebies,” which, in his view, point to a lack of clear economic strategy at a time when Malawians are grappling with severe economic hardship.
“The country needs serious, well-thought-out economic decisions, not populist giveaways dressed up as austerity,” Mumba said.
In the same post, the former minister announced that he is extending his self-imposed 90-day political hiatus, invoking reggae legend Bunny Wailer’s song The Conquerer: “When a lion is resting, never you try to wake him.”
The statement has already sparked debate on social media, with supporters praising his candour while critics accuse him of grandstanding.
The DPP leadership has not yet responded to Mumba’s criticism.
