Malé City Mayor Adam Azim has delivered a stark critique of the current economic conditions in the Maldives, accusing the government of financial mismanagement and urging citizens to take to the streets in protest on October 3.

Speaking at a rally held by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in the capital Malé City on Sunday evening, Mayor Azim described the economic situation as increasingly unsustainable for ordinary citizens.

He alleged that the national budget has been exhausted without any tangible progress, leaving the public to shoulder the burden of rising living costs and deteriorating public services.

According to the mayor, utility costs such as electricity and water have surged sharply, while food prices continue to climb at an alarming rate. He noted that many households are now struggling to cover basic expenses, with salaries often depleted well before the month ends.

Azim also pointed to the rising value of the USD in the parallel market as a major contributor to inflation. While the official rate remains fixed, the dollar is reportedly trading for more than MVR 20 on the open market, well above the pegged rate of MVR 15. This, he argued, has led to a steep increase in the cost of imported goods, placing further strain on household budgets.

The mayor criticized the government's lack of transparency in public spending, particularly regarding how tax revenues and state funds are being utilized. He called for regular public disclosure of government expenditures, asserting that accountability is essential to restoring trust and ensuring that taxpayer money is directed toward genuine national development.

Azim framed the upcoming protest as a necessary step for those who are concerned about the direction of the country. He urged MDP members, as well as all citizens who value integrity and accountability, to participate in the planned demonstration on October 3.

The protest is expected to be a major opposition-led mobilization against what critics are calling widespread economic mismanagement, erosion of public trust, and increasing hardship for the Maldivian public.