DPP calls Malawi Pres. Banda’s speech ‘catalogue of wishful thinking’
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has branded President Joyce Banda’s State of the Nation Address as “a catalogue of wishful thinking”.
Leader of DPP in Parliament George Chaponda said this in Parliament on Monday when he officially reposnded to the President’s address .
“Normally, a budgetary speech from the President is expected to provide a strategy. But what we have received is a catalogue of wishful thinking,” said Chaponda.
“For example, the Mudzi Transformation is merely political rhetoric, meant as a campaign tool, and donors will most likely not allow to fund such a project,” he said as he was hurled by insults from the government benches.
“There is no hope given in the speech and one wonders if government is justified to claim that during the past year, it has laid a foundation for hope, prosperity and growth.”
Chaponda further said government needs to find tangible solutions to sustain the appreciation of the kwacha instead of rushing to celebrate.
“The appreciation of the kwacha has come about as a result of the usual seasonal tobacco sales which have generated forex. It is, therefore, not something to excite the public as we are aware of this short-term phenomenon which occurs during sales of tobacco,” he said.
Chaponda also accused government of playing double standards on issues of economic austerity measures.
The motion to debate the President’s State of the Nation Address was moved by Chikhwawa South Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Tembo and seconded by Karonga North West MP Beatrice Mwangonde.
Joseph Tembo hailed the President for restoring sound economic policies that are benefiting Malawians.
