The Democrats slam Muizzu for undermining decentralization system

The Democrats have voiced concern and strongly condemned President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's statements, accusing him of undermining the decentralization system.

The Democrats issued a press releasing, noting that it is deeply concerning that Muizzu, who as the Mayor of Malé City spoke the most about the difficulties in implementing the decentralization system and came to power with an ambitious promise to champion decentralization, is now deliberately working to belittle and devalue the system and is continuously spreading false information.

The party said that in one of his podcast episodes, he claimed that the block grants given to the councils are being used for 'experience trips' to Bangkok.

Further, the press release stated that during his speech at the official ceremony of last year's Republic Day, he deliberately made false statements by saying that, "even in islands with less than a hundred people, there are five councilors. The councils consist of fathers, mothers, and children, with some going fishing."

In addition to this, the party mentioned that influential parliamentarians representing the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) have been made to say that "things were better when there were island chiefs before."

The Democrats has reminded President Muizzu of the promises he made when he came to power and advised him to act in accordance with those promises.