While some leaders dodge the hot seat of parliamentary scrutiny, Malawi’s 6th President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, has made it a habit to face the music. For the past four years, Chakwera has consistently appeared before Parliament to answer tough questions from the people’s representatives, in line with the country’s Constitution and Standing Order 70B.
Tomorrow, February 26th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., Chakwera will once again take the stage in Parliament. This session will provide opposition MPs with the opportunity to grill the President on pressing national matters. According to a statement by First Deputy Speaker Hon. Madalitso Kazombo, Chakwera will respond to five pre-submitted questions, followed by additional queries, as part of his constitutional duty.
Supporters claim this is proof that Chakwera is committed to fixing the damage caused by the previous Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regime. “The fact that he’s showing up means he has nothing to hide,” said one vendor on Tuesday. “Electricity was a disaster—he fixed it. Fuel shortages—he’s working on it. Even the M1 road, left in ruins by previous governments for 24 years, is finally being repaired. The economy and forex issues? We believe he’ll fix those too.”
Chakwera is no stranger to tough questions, but his willingness to face Parliament shows a leader unafraid of scrutiny.
