Blantyre: Peter Mutharika, the veteran politician and leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has been sworn in for a second term as President of Malawi after securing a resounding victory in the September elections. At the age of 85, Mutharika now faces one of the most challenging tasks of his long political career: steering a struggling nation out of economic crisis while restoring public faith in governance.
Mutharika clinched the presidency with 56 percent of the vote, defeating outgoing President Lazarus Chakwera, who trailed with just 33 percent. The election marked the fourth time the two political heavyweights had faced off in the polls, underscoring the deeply entrenched rivalry that has shaped Malawi’s recent political landscape. The wide margin of victory has given Mutharika a strong mandate, yet it also amplifies the expectations of millions of Malawians yearning for relief from economic hardship.
The inauguration ceremony, staged at a packed stadium in Blantyre, drew thousands of supporters dressed in the DPP’s blue and white colors, alongside dignitaries and foreign envoys. While Chakwera himself was absent from the event, his Malawi Congress Party issued a message acknowledging the new president and wishing him good health and success in office. The atmosphere reflected both celebration and caution, as citizens balanced hope for reforms with memories of unmet promises from past governments.
In his inaugural address, Mutharika offered no illusions about the state of the nation. He described a grim economic reality marked by food shortages, soaring living costs, foreign exchange depletion, and persistent fuel scarcity. “There is no money in government,” he told the crowd, criticizing past borrowing practices and suggesting that funds had been mismanaged. With blunt honesty, he declared, “I don’t promise you milk and honey. I promise you hard work, tough and painful decisions.”
A central theme of his speech was the fight against corruption. Mutharika vowed to end the culture of misusing public funds that has long haunted Malawian politics. “The honeymoon of looting government is over,” he asserted, promising accountability and warning that his administration would not tolerate financial recklessness. His remarks drew loud applause from supporters who have grown weary of repeated corruption scandals under successive governments.
While pledging domestic reforms, Mutharika also reached out to the international community for investment and support. He specifically cited the United States as a key partner, announcing plans to dispatch a delegation to Washington to explore renewed aid and investment opportunities. The appeal comes at a time when Malawi is grappling with reduced foreign assistance and the urgent need to rebuild investor confidence.
The president’s second term begins under heavy pressure. Malawi’s economic woes rising debt, a weak currency, food insecurity, and unemployment threaten social stability. Analysts warn that Mutharika will need to balance tough austerity with measures that protect vulnerable communities. Success will depend not only on economic reforms but also on rebuilding trust in institutions and delivering tangible progress on corruption.
For Malawians, the message from their leader was both sobering and hopeful: there are no easy fixes, but with sacrifice and determination, the nation can chart a new course. Whether Mutharika can translate his sweeping mandate into meaningful change will be tested in the months to come.