CDEDI challenges MPs, President for pro poor 2021/2021 budget

Centre for democracy and economic development Initiatives CDEDI has challenged members of parliament MPs and president Chakwera that Malawians expect a pro-poor budget sitting of parliament

In a press statement a day before Chakwera opens the 2021 to 2022 parliament meeting executive director of CDEDI Sylvester Namiwa says the budget sitting should get rid of the current high cost of living caused by punitive tax policies among others

Namiwa says the meeting of parliament is coming at a time the majority of Malawians are struggling to meet their needs due to exorbitant prices on essential services such as water, electricity, fuel and mobile phone tariffs

Therefore CDEDI challenges parliamentarians to rise above party politics and introduce motions which should result into scrapping of 16.5 tax on cooking oil, review of some unjustifiable levies and tariffs.

Namiwa has also asked parliament to debate and review the 2011 pension act especially sections that give inhumane restrictions to access pension funds when the contributor loses job

“MPs  should ensure that government addresses gray areas in 6.2 billion kwacha covid-19 scandal and the 17.5 billion kwacha allocated for the same,” Namiwa

CDEDI warns that the initiative will mobilize the masses to stand up against selfish political interests if they disregard the will of people.