Chakwera says Malawi ‘poverty by choice’: Calls for national development agenda

Leader of opposition Lazarus Chakwera argues that while Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world the continued impoverishment is no longer of circumstances but by choice.

Chakwera told parliament that the country needs to develop an inclusive and long term agenda for the development of the nation.

“It is unacceptable that 50 years after independence, the majority of our people are poorer and worse than before,” said Chakwera.

He said it is “inexcusable” that Malawi is still ranked amongst the poorest in the world.

“Ours is no longer poverty of circumstances but poverty by choice, perpetuated by leaders too cowardly to make the top choices that can move us forward,” stated Chakwera, who is also Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president.

“Someone actually said – Why Africa’s people are poor is because their leaders have made this choice. “

Chakwera advocates for the national development agenda which he said requires collaboration between all sections of society and effective courageous leadership from government.

“In a society with social and economic divisions as deep as ours, neither social nor economic transformation is possible without a capable, viable and functioning state. The state provides institutions and infrastructure that enable the economy and society to operate based on a reformed electoral system that everyone has trust in,” said Chakwera whose party maintains his election victory in 2014 was robbed by DPP for Peter Mutharika the incumbent.

Chakwera accused the Mutharika administration of failing to alleviate poverty but hell bent on leaders’ wrongful self-enrichment.

“On behalf of every Malawian who wants justice and on behalf of every Malawian who is waiting for a government that will have nothing for us without us, I say that we are not impressed with this administration,” said Chakwera.