Politicians in the country, including former presidents have urged Malawians to remain resolute in dealing with the socio-economic challenges facing the country and hope for the best in the New Year 2025.
In separate interviews and statements, they asked Malawians to celebrate the New Year with caution, especially on the roads and ensure that they vote during the September 16 2025 General Elections.
Former president Peter Mutharika, in his New Year has become unbearable for Malawians due to rising prices of goods.
He decried that some families cannot afford the basics such as food and soap as inflation has weakened their buying power while farmers are also stranded without fertiliser or seeds under the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP).
Mutharika , who is Democratic Progressive Party president, also bemoaned forex and fuel shortages, unavailability of food and high unemployment rate.
He said: “This is more than just a time to bid farewell to one year and welcome another. It is a moment to pause, reflect on our shared journey and acknowledge the challenges we have faced together.”
Like Mutharika, People’s Democratic Party president Kondwani Nankhumwa decried the food, economic, fuel and forex situation.
He said: “When we entered 2024, we thought things would be better. But look, we are leaving the year and entering 2025 with no fuel, no forex, the economy is bad, people are sleeping on empty stomachs.”
On his part, United Democratic Front president Atupele Muluzi said 2025 will be a year of change and a pivotal moment for Malawi.
“This is the year when the people of Malawi will make their voices heard through the ballot box, reshaping the destiny of our country. As we step into this crucial year, I wish all Malawians abundant health, happiness, and prosperity. Together, let us strive for a brighter future for our beloved nation,” he said.
Atupele’s father, Bakili Muluzi, who ruled Malawi between 1994 and 2004, wished Malawians a happy and prosperous 2025, but urged caution for those using the country’s roads.
“People just have to be careful because this is the time when accidents happen. They have to take care when driving, some drink and drive which is not good at all. Let the New Year be a blessing,” he said.
Malawi will this year hold a general election on September 16 to elect a President, members of Parliament and ward councillors.
The economy is reeling under multiple crises of foreign exchange scarcity, fuel shortages and hunger. The foreign exchange crisis is attributed to the country’s low export earnings at $1 billion against an annual import bill of $3 billion.
