Mutharika to name ministers before Parliament commences
Malawi President, Peter Mutharika, is next week expected to name his cabinet after the disputed outcome in last month’s elections.
In the meantime, the Executive is run by a trio comprising the President, Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and newly appointed Minister of Finance, Goodal Gondwe.
Gondwe was the only one named as Minister on Friday and was sworn-in at a ceremony that took place in Lilongwe at Mtunthama State Residence which was presided over by Clerk to Cabinet, Ernest Kantchentche.
Speaking after Gondwe had taken his oath, President Mutharika said he will name a full cabinet next week which starts Sunday.
“I have had to appoint Finance Minister so that he acquaints himself with the budget process before Parliament commences next week,” explained Mutharika.
Mutharika will streamline the Cabinet, reduce its size, merge functions and portfolios. Analysts say putting the new cabinet together will not be easy hence the delay.
The President said he would be naming the full cabinet members before Parliament commences.
Elected Members of Parliament will start taking their oaths on Monday at Parliament building in Lilongwe before Chief Justice and then undergo a week-long orientation workshop.
National Assembly is expected to sit for budget session immediately after the orientation.
Mutharika said he appointed a Finance minister first in view of the national budget and other related issues which he said could not wait.
After donors, who finance about 40 percent of the recurrent budget pulled out, the 2014/15 is expected to have a zero-deficit financial plan relying on local resources – revenue from people’s tax.
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