The main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has denied claims by the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) that it is conniving with Asians to deliberately rise prices of basic necessities to bring down the current leadership.
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Lazarus Chakwera accused some opposition leaders of conniving with Asian traders to rise prices of goods to make Malawians suffer, so that they use the pain being inflicted on Malawians as a campaign tool in the forthcoming elections.
Without mentioning the party, Chakwera warned traders that he wont sit down and watch them bringing disorder in the country, saying “I can’t be intimidated in my own country.”
“But as far as I am concerned, Madam Speaker, that is betrayal of the Malawian people. In fact, I want to categorically tell the leaders of this political party that your secret plans have been exposed and will not prevail. I say to the leaders of this political party that your plot to overthrow my government through by instigating an illegal hyperinflation of prices will not succeed,” he said
However, it was MCP spokesperson Jessy Kabwira who mentioned DPP as a party behind the move.
DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba, denied the accusations saying the party stand by its unwavering commitment to the fundamental principles of patriotism, hard work, and justice, which define the very core of our party.
“Our primary goal is to promote economic progress for all citizens through a flourishing private sector. The current economic struggles faced by our citizens are a pressing concern for the DPP leadership. With the skyrocketing prices of basic necessities and essential services, inflation has undoubtedly taken a toll on the country. This dire situation can be attributed to the incompetent leadership of the MCP government, who, instead of providing solutions, resorts to empty rhetoric, propaganda, and false accusations against the DPP.
“It is absurd to suggest that the DPP would collude with the private sector to manipulate prices and harm our fellow Malawians. We do not own any shops; our focus is solely on creating an environment conducive for businesses to thrive. The shop owners themselves face the harsh reality of procuring raw materials from abroad, which has become increasingly difficult due to the scarcity of foreign exchange, mostly available at exorbitant rates on the black market.
“The MCP government’s failure to address these critical issues only serves to waste the precious time of our people. For the past five years, they have consistently shifted blame to external factors such as COVID-19, cyclones, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and now, baseless accusations against the DPP. However, the people of Malawi are not easily swayed and can see through these excuses behind their struggles.
“With the upcoming elections on September 16, 2025, we urge all Malawians to rally behind His Excellency, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, as he is the leader who can lift our nation out of these challenging times.
“Jessie Kabwira is exhibiting a dangerous thirst for power. Time has proven that those who have treaded down this path have ultimately faded into irrelevance. The DPP adamantly rejects any attempt to engage in discussions regarding MCP’s deceitful propaganda. Instead, our undivided attention remains on the vital concerns of the Malawian citizens,” he said
