A contingency budget of 2 billion Rufiyaa exists to provide fuel at affordable rates, yet the government continues to burden the public: Ghafoor

The Interim Chairperson of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, has stated that the government is deliberately causing hardship for the public despite having access to a 2-billion-Rufiyaa contingency fund allocated in the state budget. He noted that these funds could be utilized to alleviate the burden on citizens and reduce fuel prices, yet the administration has chosen not to do so.

Ghafoor made these remarks during an MDP press conference, where he criticized the government's policies regarding the rising cost of fuel.

Ghafoor stated that the price of a liter of diesel and petrol, which was previously available in the Maldives for 9 Rufiyaa, has now surged to between 28 and 30 Rufiyaa. Noting that the Maldives currently has some of the highest fuel prices in the world, he argued that the stock being sold was imported at lower rates and that citizens should not be subjected to such exorbitant prices. He further alleged that instead of utilizing contingency funds from the budget to provide relief during these difficult times, the government is instead engaged in wasteful spending.

I am proposing that the state utilize the two billion Rufiyaa contingency fund allocated in the budget. This is exactly what those funds are for—to be drawn upon to provide affordable fuel to the public. However, during every period of hardship, this administration acts contrary to global best practices. As soon as global prices rise, they hike the price of jet fuel, domestic airfare, and other essential services. By doing so, they are merely adding fuel to the fire. We cannot progress this way; we are only moving backward. Instead of providing support or exercising sound judgment, they are heading in the wrong direction. When logic is disregarded, we reap losses instead of the intended benefits. This is the path we are currently on.

MDP Chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gappo)

Highlighting government expenditure, Ghafoor noted that while citizens struggle with rising fuel prices, the administration has spent $10 million to import 300 cars, allocated significant funds for lavish Eid celebrations across the islands, and organized motorcycle rallies in Male' for political purposes. Furthermore, he stated that the hike in jet fuel prices has led to an increase in domestic airfares, further exacerbating the hardships faced by the public.

Ghafoor further stated that the current administration is aimless, alleging that the government is interfering wherever there is an opportunity to embezzle state funds. He noted that fuel prices could be lowered for the public simply by reducing about a hundred political appointees; however, he claimed the government has instead hired over 15,000 people through state-owned enterprises to coincide with elections. Ghafoor added that the administration continues to appoint individuals to political positions and distribute appointment letters even now.

State-owned enterprises do not need to hire 15,000 people just to win a local council election. This is the public's tax money; it is not coming out of your own pockets. This is not how things should be done. Even in the current situation, appointment letters are being distributed. They are being signed and handed out right now. If the citizens vote for these individuals while accepting this situation, this country will be lost beyond recognition. There will be no more elections. The voice of the people will no longer be heard in this nation. There will be no environment left for that to happen if these people win the election and this referendum. The country will head straight into a dictatorship. Therefore, I urge the citizens to carefully consider how these people are operating and how things are unfolding. You must reflect on this and recognize that these actions are fundamentally wrong.

MDP's Interim Chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa

Expressing grave concern over the current state of the nation, Ghafoor stated that the government’s actions are steering the Maldives toward a dictatorship. He urged citizens to reflect deeply on this trajectory in upcoming elections, alleging that instead of providing relief, the government is systematically marginalizing and impoverishing the public. Ghafoor further noted that no significant development projects are currently underway in any island across the country, with the government’s efforts limited to constructing small parks and swing sets. He dismissed these initiatives, stating they do not qualify as genuine projects but are instead akin to "debris washed up on the shore."