Mutharika opens 52nd Parliament session, bemoans deepening economic, service delivery crisis
President Peter Mutharika today officially opened the 52nd Session of Parliament, outlining his administration’s five-year development agenda while acknowledging the deep economic and governance challenges confronting the nation.
In his address, Mutharika painted a sobering picture of the country’s current state, describing it as a “multi-faceted crisis” driven by economic instability, resource shortages, and a breakdown in public service delivery.
Economic Instability and Debt Crisis
Mutharika said the economy remains under severe strain, with key macroeconomic indicators showing worrying trends. Inflation has surged to 28.2 percent, while the national budget deficit now stands at K2.4 trillion.
He revealed that the country’s public debt has ballooned to K21.6 trillion as of April 2025, a sharp increase from K4.1 trillion in 2020. Economic growth is projected at a sluggish 2.8 percent this year, raising concerns about long-term fiscal sustainability.
Resource and humanitarian pressures
Mutharika noted that persistent shortages of foreign exchange have disrupted supply chains, pushing up prices of basic commodities such as food, soap, and sugar. The forex crisis has also led to intermittent fuel supplies, further straining businesses and households.
The President disclosed that over four million Malawians currently face hunger, and has declared a state of disaster in affected districts.
Fertilizer scarcity, erratic power supply, and persistent shortages of essential drugs in public hospitals were also mentioner as pressing concerns.
Governance and service delivery breakdown
Mutharika decried what he termed the “collapse of service delivery” across key sectors, saying Malawians continue to face challenges accessing education, healthcare, potable water, and essential documents such as passports and driving licences.
He vowed to restore discipline and integrity in the public sector, announcing directives to halt all unbudgeted recruitments and unprocedural promotions. Mutharika reiterated his administration’s commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, promising reforms aimed at rebuilding confidence in the civil service.
Mutharika’s speech has somehow set the tone for what is expected to be a heated parliamentary session as legislators debate his government’s proposed policies and budget priorities for the 2025/26 fiscal year.
