Faith Leaders Call for Cabinet Reshuffle, Public Service Reforms
Citing the ruling Malawi Congress Party's 2019 election manifesto, Thawale said many of Chakwera's policy decisions have failed to reduce uncertainty and risk in economic decision-making as pledged.
LILONGWE, Malawi— The Public Affairs Committee (PAC), an influential faith organisation in Malawi, on Tuesday called on President Lazarus Chakwera to take decisive action to address the country's economic crisis and governance issues, writes Winston Mwale.
In remarks delivered to Chakwera during their meeting with the president at KAMUZU PALACE, LILONGWE, PAC chair Msgr. Dr. Patrick Thawale said the president's "indecisiveness and slowness to respond to crucial issues remain a great enemy to your leadership legacy."
Thawale urged Chakwera to dissolve his cabinet and appoint only 15 ministers "with gravitas and convening power" in an effort to reduce government spending. He also recommended new leadership for the Office of the President and Cabinet following a series of questionable civil service appointments.
"We refuse to condone leadership that frustrates the entire civil service. We must at all times act for the greater good," Thawale said.
Citing the ruling Malawi Congress Party's 2019 election manifesto, Thawale said many of Chakwera's policy decisions have failed to reduce uncertainty and risk in economic decision-making as pledged.
He expressed concern about the impact of the recent 44% currency devaluation on the livelihoods of poor Malawians.
“Already, when the government devalued the currency by 25% last year, the impact on rural Malawians was big. Now 44% more suffering is expected among the majority of Malawians,” Thawale said.
In conclusion, Thawale told Chakwera: “Indecisiveness and slowness to respond to crucial issues remain a great enemy to your leadership legacy...Your success will be our success – so too if you fail, the faith community fails.”
