Do the Job or Leave: Mutharika’s Tough Talk on Austerity and Discipline
President Peter Mutharika has ordered public officials under his new administration to embrace austerity — including holding virtual meetings to cut costs — but critics say the call comes at a time when his government is already accused of manufacturing crises to unlock “emergency” funding.
Speaking at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre yesterday during the inauguration of newly appointed top officials, Mutharika appeared determined to project an image of fiscal discipline, warning against incompetence and wasteful spending.
“Reduce the number of meetings and, if possible, embrace virtual meetings so that we save public money. I will not be spying on you, but let’s do the work correctly so that, together, we develop this country,” Mutharika said.
The newly inaugurated team includes heavyweights George Chaponda (Minister of Foreign Affairs), Joseph Mwanamvekha (Minister of Finance, Trade and Economic Planning), and Alfred Gangata (Minister of State). Also sworn in were Chief Secretary Justin Saidi and his deputy Stuart Ligomeka — two key technocrats expected to drive Mutharika’s policy agenda.
Mutharika’s call for belt-tightening, however, comes amid mounting suspicion that his government is already setting the stage for massive spending under the guise of “emergency repairs” at State House.
Just days before the Sanjika event, DPP-aligned media and fake social media pages flooded the internet with alarming photos claiming that Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe was “vandalised and filthy.” The images — some unverifiable — were accompanied by reports of missing furniture, broken fixtures, and walls allegedly “smeared with faeces.”
Insiders say the narrative was designed to justify fast-tracked renovation funds, which fall under emergency expenditure and therefore bypass Treasury controls.
“This is classic DPP strategy,” a political analyst told this paper. “They create a story of destruction, amplify it through sympathetic outlets, and then classify repairs as urgent — meaning no delays, no questions, and no oversight. Once the funds move, it’s campaign season disguised as crisis response.”
Defensive but defiant, Mutharika lashed out at civil society and the media for questioning his appointments and governance style, accusing them of hypocrisy.
“Some of the comments are ridiculous. People are very eager to criticise APM such that they cannot wait to point out what they think is wrong,” he said. “There will be more than 200 appointments and I have just appointed nine. You are already complaining.”
He also brushed aside concerns of gender imbalance, turning the fire on civil society organisations for what he called “undemocratic” practices within their own ranks.
“It is ironic that these CSOs, which lack democratic ideals, are busy barking at government as if they are innocent,” he said in a tone that drew laughter from his loyalists in the room.
As Mutharika preaches austerity and discipline, the optics tell a different story. Holding high-profile ceremonies at Sanjika Palace, surrounded by long-time loyalists, sends a mixed message about genuine cost-saving.
The new Chief Secretary, Justin Saidi, struck a diplomatic note after the event, pledging loyalty and performance.
“We will do our best to help government implement its projects, more so because the Civil Service is the backbone of the country,” Saidi said.
Yet behind the speeches and smiles, the pattern is familiar: promises of reform masking a return to the old ways. Austerity talk for the cameras — and, quietly behind the scenes, an open cheque for “emergencies” that no one can verify.
If virtual meetings are Mutharika’s symbol of prudence, perhaps the first one should be with his own party’s accountants — before austerity becomes another word for access.
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