Political and governance experts’ have urged legislators not to use political lens when deliberating the 2025/2026 national budget.
The remarks by political and governance expert, Victor Chipofya Jnr. Is in reaction to remarks made by UTM President Dr. Dalitso Kabambe who on Sunday rallied members of parliament to reject the proposed fiscal plan.
Kabambe said the intended fiscal policy plan will squeeze Malawians economically and exert more debt burden.
“One of the evils that has been crippling the economy of this country is the debt. This government continues to borrow and borrow for consumption which is not sustainable for our economy,” he said.
He suggested that the MPs conduct a rigorous scrutiny of the budget, vote by vote.
“For instance the state residences has been allocated 67 billion kwacha from 45 billion last fiscal year, for what? Cut that budget. The office of the president and cabinet has been allocated 53 billion for what trim that budget, unless they want to use the money for campaign,” he demanded.
Another governance expert, Chimwemwe Tsitsi, thinks Dr. Kabambe does not have the political muscle to sway a decision in the August House.
“He is not in parliament and his party (UTM) does not have the numbers in parliament to make such an impact. If he was from Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) which is the main opposition in parliament with more members, perhaps the move could have yielded some results.
However, Victor Chipofya has urged legislators NOT to view the budget with a political lens.
“The one speaking is a former budget director and governor of the reserve bank of Malawi. I feel it is fair to take what he is saying seriously because he knows what he is talking about. I would like the members of parliament to look at the issues raised with a sober approach,” said Chipofya.
The two experts have since asked lawmakers to consider trimming some allocation made to the budget that are not of any benefit to the Malawian population.
Minister of Finance Simplex Chithyola Banda presented an K8.05 trillion kwacha national budget on February 28.
