Chakwera criticised for focusing on MCP politics over national concerns

Former president Lazarus Chakwera has come under fierce criticism after a press conference intended to address internal MCP affairs was branded a missed opportunity to speak to the struggles facing ordinary Malawians.

In a strongly worded critique, political commentator Martha Ziya Zimba accused Chakwera of focusing on party structures, nomination fees and future political battles while ignoring the economic hardships many citizens continue to endure.

The criticism follows Chakwera’s appearance before the media, where he addressed issues surrounding the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), including party elections and internal governance.

But Zimba argued that many Malawians had expected the former head of state to address broader national concerns, including the rising cost of living, food insecurity, unemployment and corruption.

“Today we all stopped what we were doing to listen to Dr Lazarus Chakwera,” she wrote. “We thought, finally, he will speak to us. Finally, he will address the pain we are living every single day.”

Instead, she claimed, the former president delivered “a party meeting disguised as a press conference”.

A recurring theme in the critique is the assertion that Chakwera has failed to fully embrace his status as a former president following his election defeat in September 2025.

According to Zimba, his remarks gave the impression of a leader still focused on political power rather than reflecting on the challenges confronting citizens.

She accused him of failing to address widespread concerns over hunger and rising food prices, arguing that families across the country are struggling to afford basic necessities.

The economy also featured prominently in the criticism, with Zimba pointing to inflation, foreign exchange shortages, fuel challenges and the difficulties facing businesses and workers.

She further questioned what had become of the promises made to young people during Chakwera’s rise to power in 2020, claiming many graduates remain unemployed or are seeking opportunities outside the country.

The former president was also criticised over corruption, with the writer arguing that he missed an opportunity to acknowledge shortcomings during his administration and address concerns about accountability.

Zimba additionally rejected suggestions that failures could be attributed solely to MCP, insisting that ultimate responsibility rested with Chakwera as the country’s leader during the period in question.

The article reserved some of its sharpest criticism for discussions surrounding the 2029 elections, arguing that many Malawians are more concerned with day-to-day survival than future political contests.

While supporters may view Chakwera’s engagement with party matters as a necessary step in rebuilding MCP after its electoral defeat, critics argue that national issues should remain at the forefront of public discourse.

The critique concludes with a blunt assessment of the former president’s performance.

“You had the microphone, you had the nation, and you missed it,” Zimba wrote.

The comments add to a growing debate over the role former presidents should play after leaving office, and whether their public interventions should focus on party politics, national challenges or their own political futures.