By Burnett Munthali
Blantyre, Malawi – Former President and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Peter Mutharika has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current government’s decision to move certain government offices from Blantyre to Lilongwe. Speaking in Blantyre, Mutharika criticized the government’s actions, saying that they are harming the city and diminishing its importance.
Mutharika, who will be entering his first term in office if re-elected in the upcoming election, voiced his concern about the move, which he believes is detrimental to Blantyre’s status as an economic and administrative hub. “I am concerned that this current administration is killing the city of Blantyre by moving key government offices to Lilongwe,” Mutharika remarked.
Mutharika emphasized that should he return to power, one of his first actions will be to reverse the decision and bring the government offices back to Blantyre. He argued that such offices play a critical role in the development and prosperity of the city and the southern region as a whole.
“The government offices that were moved to Lilongwe should be returned to Blantyre, where they belong. This will not only restore Blantyre’s dignity but also boost the region’s economy,” he said, further asserting that the Southern Region, home to Malawi’s economic heart, should not be sidelined.
Mutharika’s comments come at a time when many Blantyre residents feel that the city is being neglected in favor of the capital, Lilongwe. The relocation of government offices has been viewed by some as a move that sidelines the city’s long-established role in governance and administration. Blantyre, which has historically been the country’s commercial center, is now seeing its prominence reduced in the political sphere.
Mutharika’s stance highlights the economic implications of such decisions. “Blantyre is a city with a rich history and plays a major role in Malawi’s economic growth. Moving government offices to Lilongwe undermines the city’s strategic importance,” he stated.
As he looks ahead to next year’s elections, Mutharika’s message is clear: he intends to restore Blantyre’s political and economic significance. By bringing back the government offices, he believes it will help create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and give the city the recognition it deserves.
The DPP leader has also vowed to implement policies that will promote development in Blantyre and the southern region, calling for better infrastructure and more investments in the area.
Peter Mutharika’s call for the return of government offices to Blantyre signals his determination to fight for the city’s future. With the upcoming elections on the horizon, his stance on this issue could become a key part of his campaign, as he seeks to revive Blantyre’s status as a central force in Malawi’s governance and economy.
As the debate continues, Blantyre residents and political analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this issue shapes the political landscape moving forward.
