A leader who centralizes power will not be able to manage Male' City: President Solih

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that a leader like President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who centralizes power, would be unable to effectively govern Male' City.

Speaking at the launch of the Male' City manifesto, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih stated that the work undertaken by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his tenure as the Mayor of Male' City remains visible on the streets of the capital.

President Solih stated that President Muizzu had partitioned Malé's streets and leased them to various parties. Solih noted that although parking zones and solutions had been established previously, Muizzu, upon becoming Mayor, carved up the city's main roads and allocated those spaces after collecting advance payments from various individuals.

President Solih stated that, fortunately, those properties were saved. He noted that had more time passed, the properties would have been registered to the lessees, ownership documents issued, and perimeter walls constructed. President Solih asserted that this reflects the policy of President Muizzu.

He is stepping forward with a team, claiming to advocate for the decentralization of Male’ and the rest of the country. However, how can someone who implements such policies effectively manage Male’ City? Even today, he continues to centralize power. You can see his actions for yourselves while he is in office. The purpose of a government is to accomplish what the people cannot do for themselves—to facilitate opportunities and open doors for the public as much as possible. This is not what we are seeing from Dr. Muizzu. His primary policy involves establishing a paving stone manufacturing company, despite this being a thriving private sector industry in Male’. Secondly, he is forming a company to manufacture eyewear. Thirdly, he proposes that the government develop resorts and distribute shares to the public. All of these are activities that are already being successfully carried out in the Maldives without any need for government intervention.

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih

President Solih stated that the government should not intervene in these businesses. Instead, he emphasized that the government's role is to facilitate opportunities and provide the necessary space for entrepreneurs to operate and grow.

President Solih stated that during his administration, 25 hectares of land were reclaimed in Maafushi to provide housing for the residents and to facilitate economic activities. However, he noted that upon visiting the site, the area appears neglected and remains nothing more than a stretch of reclaimed sand. President Solih further remarked that the land has been left isolated and abandoned, as essential services such as water, sewerage, and electricity have not yet been provided to the area.

Former President Solih stated that President Muizzu is incapable of governing the Maldives through a decentralized system. He emphasized that in the upcoming local council elections, residents of both Malé and the islands must reflect deeply on their choices.