PAC demands lean cabinet

The quasi-religious grouping Public Affair Committee (PAC) is demanding the reduction of members of cabinet as part of austerity measures. On Wednesday President Lazarus Chakwera announced measures that will turn the economy around following the devaluation of the kwacha by 44 percent.

He among others announced a suspension of all his international trips, including the COP 28 in Dubai. He also suspended international travels for cabinet ministers, senior government officials until March next year. Chakwera also ordered a cut by half of fuel for cabinet ministers, principal secretaries and directors.

Reacting to the development Gilford Matonga spokesperson for PAC stressed the need for the government to walk the talk.

‘’We have been lobbying the government through our meetings with the president to reduce the cabinet, this will help in reducing unnecessary expenditure,” he said.

He further called for the implementation of such measures by insisting that the president need to lead by example.

“This is not the first time that such austerity measures have been put in place as there was also an announcement of a reduction in external trips which was not adhered to and this made people lose trust,” lamented Matonga.

He is hopeful that the president will also consider reducing local trips and only take them when necessary.