Red carpet for head of corruption-hit Malawi ...and taxpayers foot bill for president’s 5-star stay
AN African leader was given a five-star welcome to Scotland at taxpayers’ expense – despite official warnings of corruption in his home country.
The President of Malawi, Peter Mutharika, visited Scotland in April and was welcomed by Nicola Sturgeon.
His entourage stayed in a luxury hotel, were chauffeured to various engagements and were treated to a £1,700 dinner at Bute House.
But official documents obtained by The Scottish Mail on Sunday show that the visit went ahead despite the First Minister being warned that corruption is widespread within Malawi.
The documents, obtained under Freedom of Information laws, show a cost of £12,510 to the public purse for Mr Mutharika’s visit, including almost £5,000 for three nights’ accommodation at Prestonfield House hotel in Edinburgh.
A further £5,814 was spent on ‘transportation’ – mostly by chauffeur-driven limousine. Last night John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: ‘Politicians should scrutinise the records of leaders before inviting them on luxurious holidays at Scottish taxpayers’ expense.’
Mr Mutharika has been leader of Malawi since 2014 – two years after his brother, President Bingu wa Mutharika, died. His election victory was marred by claims of voterigging and, as a former foreign minister, he was prominent in an administration blamed for ruining the economy and stealing millions of dollars in foreign aid money.
Malawi is one of the world’s poorest countries.
Before the visit, a briefing note for Miss Sturgeon referred to a corruption scandal in 2013, after which ‘all major donors to Malawi, including the UK, suspended direct budgetary support’.
It added: ‘The issue of corruption is still prevalent in Malawi.’
The Scottish Government said: ‘It is important and right that we maintain links, at every level, with the Government of Malawi.’ It has pledged £11.25 million to 20 development projects in Malawi over the next four years. This is on top of the UK’s foreign aid budget.