By Aubrey Thom Vakhani

United Democratic Front (UDF) President Atupele Muluzi has criticised President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s move to seek help from the Tony Blair Institute nearly a year into his administration.

In a statement, Muluzi asked what would be different this time, noting that TBI already advised the previous government at taxpayer expense.

“Yet Malawi was left with rising debt, foreign exchange shortages, inflation and weak investor confidence,” he said.Atupele Muluzi Urges Urgent Economic Reforms as Malawi Faces Deepening Crisis

Muluzi argued that Malawi does not have an adviser problem, but a leadership problem.

“Malawi does not lack advisers. It needs bold leadership and sound economic policies that restore confidence and attract investment,” he stated.

The UDF leader said the country’s future cannot depend on repeating old strategies.

“Our future will not be built on recycled ideas. It requires fresh thinking, decisive reforms and leaders willing to make the difficult choices,” Muluzi said.Malawi at 62: UDF President Atupele Muluzi Calls for ‘Third Liberation

He concluded: “Malawians deserve results, not another round of costly advice.”

The State House is yet to respond.

On Tuesday, President Arthur Peter Mutharika met former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair at Kamuzu Palace where among others, Mutharika asked the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change to help Malawi attract investment in mining and energy.

In his response, Blair pledged support, saying he has confidence in Mutharika’s leadership and that Malawi has “significant potential for investment.”UDF President Atupele Muluzi Denounces Unauthorized Press Briefing Amid Malawi Election Tensions