President Peter Mutharika and other political leaders have extended best wishes to Malawians on Christmas Day today, appealing for responsible celebration and to reflect on their lives.
The President, speaking through presidential press secretary Cathy Maulidi, said he will spend the festive season with his family and close friends and that at national level he will use the moment to encourage national solidarity and responsible celebration.
“The President extends a heartfelt message of hope, unity, and resilience to all Malawians. He calls upon citizens to celebrate responsibly while remembering those who continue to face hardships within our communities,” she said.
Reflecting on the state of the nation, Mutharika acknowledged the economic pressures that defined much of the year and described 2025 as a turning point.
Said Maulidi: “He acknowledges that it has been a year of profound transition, marked by the challenges of the 4Fs: shortages of food, fuel, forex, and fertilisers. Since assuming office in October, His Excellency has devoted his focus and energy to addressing the systemic challenges facing our country.”
Celebrate
responsibly.
| Nation
Looking ahead, Mutharika, who returned to State House after a five-year break following his triumph in the September 16 2025 General Election, expressed hope and determination, declaring 2026 as the “year of rescuing the nation” with a firm commitment to restoring economic stability and improving the lives of all Malawians.
In a separate interview, the country’s first post-independence multiparty president Bakili Muluzi emphasised on gratitude, family and national cohesion during Christmas.
He observed that Christmas is a time of joy, love and togetherness and that he will spend this festive period celebrating with his family and dear friends.
Muluzi, a devout Muslim, then urged Malawians to celebrate both Christmas and New Year responsibly, cautioning against reckless behaviour during the holidays.
“Please avoid excessive alcohol consumption. To those travelling, I implore you to exercise extreme caution on our roads. Arriving late is far better than not arriving at all,” he said.
Beyond the festivities, Muluzi called for unity after the elections, saying: “The elections are now behind us. In any democracy, there is a time for competition and a time for cohesion. That time for cohesion is now. We are one people with one destiny.”
Former president Joyce Banda, who served between 2012 and 2014, also wished Malawians a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year 2026.
She said the year 2025 was satisfying to her as she fed over 5 000 elderly persons, most of whom were her deceased mother’s peers.
UTM Party president Dalitso Kabambe described the festive season as a time of reflection, compassion and renewed purpose.
He stressed the importance of caring for the vulnerable, noting that Christmas should remind Malawians of shared humanity.
Reflecting on the year, Kabambe described 2025 as one of the most defining periods of his public life.
“The election results reaffirmed for me that leadership is not confined to holding office, but is rooted in purpose, conviction and service to the nation. My commitment to this nation is life-long. Malawi has always come first and it will continue to come first,” said the former Reserve Bank of Malawi governor.
Former vice-president Michael Usi, who leads Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu party, said he would dedicate the festive season to the underprivileged.
He said: “Christmas is not about spending. It’s about celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ and thinking about those who are less privileged.
“Don’t spend what you don’t have because it’s Christmas or New Year. Overspending has the potential of putting someone in trouble. Let’s celebrate responsibly.”
United Democratic Front president Atupele Muluzi said he would spend the holidays quietly with family in the village.
He said Christmas will be a quiet and reflective time for him, saying it is “a special opportunity to appreciate family, community and the blessings of the year”.
Meanwhile, People’s Development Party (PDP) president Kondwani Nankhumwa said he plans to spend Christmas and New Year visiting patients in hospitals.
Reflecting on the year, he described it as a mixed bag, saying: “Malawians have been in long queues for basic needs such as fuel and sugar, and food prices skyrocketed. This made 2025 a bad year as most Malawians suffered economic hardship.”
Mutharika’s predecessor Lazarus Chakwera could not be reached for his views as his spokesperson Gift Nankhuni was yet to respond by press time.
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Malawi.
