Nankhumwa cautions government on economy

Leader of Opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa yesterday asked government to stop running the economy with propaganda, but to embrace constructive criticism and engage in tough dialogue to address issues affecting the country.

In his winding up statement before Parliament adjourned sine die, Nankhumwa, who titled his address ‘Building a Resilient Future: Navigating Challenges, Embracing Change’ indicated that during the past three years of Tonse Alliance administration, the House has implemented different budgets from those that were passed in Parliament. 

Said Nankhumwa: “Someone said you cannot run an economy with propaganda. This is because the economy reflects the true circumstances of its people, even in the midst of attempts to manipulate perceptions.”

Among others, Nankhumwa said government has made numerous claims about doing things right, such as justifying President Lazarus Chakwera’s foreign travels as necessary, but that the reality is there for everyone to see.

He also urged government to start implementing some policy changes such as the expensive tourist visas, which he said are a deterrence to the much-needed foreign exchange.

Commenting on the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), Nankhumwa pointed out that the country will face the same cycle of food shortage and widespread hunger because of poor handling of the programme.

He said: “Many Malawians are suffering because of the Tonse government’s shambolic management of the AIP last season, highlighted by empty Admarc [Agriculatural Development and Marketing Corporation] depots across the country and widespread hunger.”

He also faulted Chakwera for continuing to send soldiers on peacekeeping missions without adhering to the law, arguing that the President needs to first declare the state of national defence and also inform Parliament as per Section 161(7, 8, and 9) of the Republican Constitution.

But in his concluding statement, Leader of the House Richard Chimwendo Banda observed that Parliament in 2013 already gave clearance on the issue of sending troops to peacekeeping missions and that the President is not breaking any law.

Chimwendo Banda also stressed that improving the welfare of Malawians is at the top of the agenda of the current administration.

In an interview executive director for Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency Willy Kambwandira said Parliament did not live up to the expectations of the masses, saying critical issues such as hunger, AIP and devaluation were not fully tackled, “but politics dominated the session”.

Said Kambwandira: “We are also worried with continued rubber-stamping of issues, including budgetary votes without critical oversight.”

During the 3rd Meeting of the 50th Session of Parliament, the House among others passed the K4.3 trillion Mid-Year Budget.