By Jones Gadama
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker Ben Phiri has launched a scathing attack on the current administration, saying the Malawi economy is worse off today than it was when his party left office in 2020.
Phiri, who is also the member of Parliament for Thyolo Central, made the remarks in his response to the 2025-26 national budget.
He highlighted the skyrocketing fuel prices as one of the key indicators of the economy’s downward spiral.
“In June 2020, petrol was selling at K690.50 per litre, while diesel was selling at K664.80. Fast forward to today, petrol is selling at K2,530 per litre, while the pump price for diesel is at K2,734. This is more than double what we had when we left office,” Phiri said.
He also criticized the current administration for failing to honour its pledge to create one million jobs.
Phiri noted that instead of creating jobs, the government has lost about 800,000 jobs due to the closure and reduction of staff at State-run institutions such as Admarc, PTC, and the Commodity Exchange.
Phiri’s remarks come at a time when the Malawi government is facing criticism for its handling of the economy.
The government has been accused of failing to address the rising cost of living, high inflation, and unemployment.
The DPP lawmaker’s comments also echo the sentiments of many Malawians who are struggling to make ends meet.
With the cost of basic commodities skyrocketing, many people are finding it difficult to afford even the most basic necessities.
Phiri’s criticism of the government’s economic policies is not new.
He has been a vocal critic of the current administration’s handling of the economy, and has repeatedly called for more to be done to address the rising cost of living and unemployment.
The government has yet to respond to Phiri’s comments, but it is clear that the DPP lawmaker’s remarks have struck a chord with many Malawians who are struggling to make ends meet.
As the debate over the 2025-26 national budget continues, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the criticism.
One thing is clear, however: the Malawi economy is in need of urgent attention, and it is up to the government to take decisive action to address the challenges facing the country.
