The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) have described the 2025-2026 national budget as unrealistic in addressing the country's economic woes.

Responding to the fiscal plan in Parliament today on behalf of the DPP lawmaker for Thyolo Central, Ben Phiri, said the budget has failed to meet realistic revenue projections, adding it will continue to suffocate the Malawi economy.

"We are worried about this budget since it is not clear how the government is going to bail out Malawians from the economic hardships." He said.

United Democratic Front (UDF) spokesperson on finance Ismael Nkumba indicated that the budget has high borrowing costs and overdependence on donor funding.

But the finance minister disagrees with the two opposition political parties, saying the government has put in place measures that will assist in reviving the country's economy.

Parliament has resumed meeting on Monday after a two-week breakaway session in clusters where the legislators have been analysing the proposed 2025/2026 K8.05 trillion National Budget.