“Malawi’s budget is hopeless” -Chithyola

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Simplex Chithyola-Banda, has expressed his disapproval of the recently approved national budget, stating that it provides no optimism for Malawians, especially the youth and civil servants.

During his remarks this evening, Chithyola-Banda indicated that the K10.9 trillion budget does not adequately address issues related to punitive taxation, cautioning that this could adversely affect civil servants through delayed promotions, lack of salary increases, and potential pay reductions, which would ultimately result in diminished service delivery.

Additionally, he contended that the budget imposes further challenges on young individuals, whose job prospects have been significantly reduced, thereby restricting their capacity to make meaningful contributions to the economy.

Chithyola-Banda asserted that the budget ought to have prioritized the agricultural sector to address the persistent issue of food insecurity and enhance productivity.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged the government’s commitment to the Agriculture, Tourism, Mining, and Manufacturing (ATMM) strategy.

He underscored that the opposition will vigilantly observe the government’s execution of its priorities in the forthcoming financial year.

Following its passage into law yesterday, Parliament has now approved and allocated the budget.