The People’s Revolution has described President Peter Mutharika’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) as a mix of encouraging commitments and missed opportunities.
In a statement, its leader Jani Grey Kasunda welcomed the President’s pledge to digitise government services and intensify the fight against corruption.
“If implemented sincerely, these measures can enhance transparency and service delivery,” China based Kasunda said.
The group also acknowledged what it termed as modest improvements in food availability, fertiliser distribution, passport processing and fuel supply.
He noted that such gains, while limited, show that progress is possible with focused leadership and implementation.
However, Kasunda, who is bidding to run in 2030 Presidential polls, questioned the credibility of the anti-corruption drive, arguing that leadership integrity must come first.
“While the law presumes innocence, appointing individuals facing active court cases to senior public office weakens public confidence in government’s anti-corruption agenda,” he said.
On the economy, the People’s Revolution said the SONA fell short of offering immediate relief to households grappling with rising prices and shrinking incomes.
“Malawians continue to face rising prices and shrinking incomes,” Kasunda said, adding that the Address missed an opportunity to propose urgent relief measures.
The movement proposed targeted tax relief as a short-term intervention, including reducing or removing VAT on essential goods such as sugar, cooking oil, bread, soap and school materials.
Kasunda warned that “high taxation without strict fiscal discipline discourages investment and places further strain on struggling families.”
The statement further expressed concern over what it described as the absence of a decisive response to worsening insecurity, citing recent murders, armed robberies and high-profile kidnappings.
The group said fear among citizens and the business community is eroding confidence.
“Investor confidence cannot grow in an environment of insecurity,” Kasunda said, urging authorities to prioritise public safety as a foundation for economic recovery and growth.
The People’s Revolution stressed that citizens need action beyond policy pronouncements.
“Malawians need more than strong words. They need decisive action, accountable leadership, economic relief and restored public safety,” Kasunda said.
The movement said it remains committed to building what it called a leadership alternative grounded in integrity, fiscal responsibility and practical solutions that protect livelihoods and restore dignity
