By Lyson Swala
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Member of Parliament(MP ) for Lilongwe Nyanja, Baba Steven Malondera, has criticized the newly elected Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration under President Arthur Peter Mutharika for what he describes as ‘populist campaign promises’ that have failed to withstand economic realities.
In a Facebook post, Malondera says Malawians are now witnessing the truth behind the DPP’s campaign rhetoric, particularly its promise to reduce fertilizer prices to K50,000 per bag once elected back into power.
“During the campaign, the DPP told innocent Malawians exactly what they wanted to hear that fertilizer prices would drop drastically to K50,000.
“They blamed Lazarus Chakwera’s government for high fertilizer prices and called it a leadership failure.
“But when the Chakwera administration explained that global market shocks were responsible for the price surge including high shipping costs, fuel hikes, and disrupted supply chains, DPP dismissed it all as excuses,” says Malondera in a Facebook post.
He notes that the Fertilizer Association of Malawi(FAM), an independent body, has recently reported that global shipping costs have risen from US$366 to US$515 per metric tonne, pushing fertilizer prices even higher, a situation similar to what the previous MCP-led government faced.
“This is exactly what Chakwera’s administration said. The increase in prices is a ripple effect of global economic factors that no government can control.
“So, what will DPP tell Malawians now that the global market suddenly turned against them after they won the election?,” he asks .
The Lilongwe Nyanja legislator accuses the DPP of relying on populist tactics rather than presenting credible policy solutions during the campaign.
“DPP rose on a wave of populism, not realism.They sold a dream cheap fertilizer, instant prosperity, and quick fixes but without a credible plan or an honest understanding of global realities.Populism works in rallies, but it collapses in the real economy,” he says.
Malondera has however,urged the new administration to act responsibly and present a realistic Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament, assuring that MCP lawmakers will objectively analyze and support policies that serve the interests of Malawians.
“Now that DPP is in power, they must confront the truth they denied: Malawi’s economy is not insulated from the global market. Shipping costs do not take orders from political manifestos.
“As MCP, we will support constructive measures that promote accountability and economic stability,” he says.
In closing, Malondera has appealed for national unity and continued respect for the former president Chakwera, commending his leadership and calling for prayers for him and the MCP.
“Let us remember Dr. Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party in our prayers. Populism may win elections, but it never wins against economics,” he concludes.
