In his QnA appearance before Parliament yesterday, President Lazarus Chakwera not only defended his integrity against accusations of falsehoods in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) speech, but also unveiled a firm commitment to combat the pressing issues of inflation and an identified cartel that has orchestrated it in concert with opposition politicians.
During his first-term final appearance for question time in the august House, Chakwera painted a stark picture of the challenges facing the nation, underscoring how the burden of economic instability has amplified due to deliberate malicious activities orchestrated by corrupt entities comprised of foreign and domestic individuals. He reiterated that his government would take determined action against these entities and practices, which he characterized as a cartel of inflation and dishonest trading.
“Madam Speaker,” he stated emphatically, “I say to the leaders of the political party in collusion with some traders perpetuating these unjust price increases: your secret plans have been exposed, and they will not prevail. I refuse to be intimidated in my own country, and I am prepared to fight against all foreign and domestic enemies of Malawi’s economic sovereignty until the suffering Malawians are liberated from this yoke.”
Chakwera’s remarks come against the backdrop of artificial rising commodity prices and increasing public outcry over the impact of inflation on everyday life. He revealed that investigations by the government’s Intelligence Service unearthed evidence pointing to a deliberate inflation strategy executed by a network of Asian traders in collaboration with an identified opposition party [the DPP]. The President described this behavior as a betrayal of the Malawian people and categorized it as a political maneuver designed to undermine his governance and distract from his administration’s efforts in advancing the nation.
With a patriotic fervor, he called upon all stakeholders in the economy to unite in the fight against these corrupt practices. “This is not a battle I will fight alone; I urge every Malawian to stand with me as we address these injustices together,” he urged, emphasizing the need for solidarity in the face of adversity.
The President underscored that his administration’s fight against the identified cartel and its economic crimes is not merely about rhetoric but paired with actionable steps, conveying a clear message of urgency and strategy to address the rampant inflation that has affected the livelihoods of many citizens.
“I am determined to liberate Malawians from the economic shackles of this cartel, come what may,” Chakwera vowed. He reiterated that his administration has initiated measures such as designating some goods as ‘protected commodities’, with a Bill making its way to Parliament soon to emerge with a law that would restrict ridiculous profiteering on essential and protected commodities in the country, stating that his Government will protect Malawians.
Throughout his speech, Chakwera highlighted the broader implications of corruption and inflation on national development, underscoring how these issues hinder the realization of the vision for a prosperous Malawi. The President called for an informed public and a vigilant Parliament to assist in holding all parties accountable, stressing that a united front is necessary to safeguard the nation’s future.
Chakwera’s address laid out a patriotic roadmap aimed at dismantling the influences of inflation and corruption that threaten the economic sovereignty of the country which has recently seen the ugly face of the cartel. With unwavering commitment, he urged citizens to remain engaged and proactive in the governance processes, signaling that the road to a stronger nation lies not just within the corridors of power but within the hearts and hands of every Malawian.
