President Muizzu's administration is using the war as a pretext to cover up its failings: Nasheed

Former President Mohamed Nasheed, who is contesting for the position of MDP Chairperson, has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is making no effort to ensure the safety and security of the Maldives and its citizens amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Instead, Nasheed alleged that the government is focused on covering up issues and concealing the truth.

Speaking at a rally held at the MDP headquarters, former President Mohamed Nasheed stated that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused significant global instability, which is now adversely affecting the Maldives' tourism-dependent economy. He further alleged that while international travel faces increasing challenges during this period, the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has failed to take any meaningful action to steer the country toward economic safety.

President Nasheed stated that the government is attempting to distort the truth and cover up the reality of the situation. Highlighting the country's deteriorating financial state, he noted that reports of the Bank of Maldives seeking a $300 million loan clearly indicate that the bank is facing significant challenges. Nasheed asserted that the bank, which previously functioned as a lender, is now forced to borrow because the government has withdrawn public funds from the institution to settle state debts. He further pointed out that this situation has escalated to the point where the public is unable to conduct dollar transactions using their bank cards.

In reality, what the government should have done to repay those loans was to reduce wasteful spending. However, that is not what they did. Instead, they have recruited local youth into redundant government positions to the extent that fishing vessels can no longer find crews to go to sea. These individuals remain in their islands, earning ten to twelve thousand Rufiyaa while remaining idle. The tragedy is that twelve thousand Rufiyaa is actually far less than what is required for a person to sustain a livelihood today. It is well known that even when living in one's own home without paying rent, a monthly income of at least twenty thousand Rufiyaa is necessary. One can earn that by fishing; a fisherman earns twenty to thirty thousand Rufiyaa a month. Nevertheless, the government is working hard to transform the very nature of these islands by providing jobs that turn the population into an unproductive workforce. It appears they believe that the only way they can win elections is by deceiving the Maldivian people.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed

Reflecting on the current political landscape, Nasheed stated that President Muizzu’s administration now holds only 30 percent public support, a decline he claims was clearly evidenced in recent elections. He noted that despite attempts to influence election outcomes through bribery and illicit advantages, the Maldivian people remain vigilant and are unwilling to follow the government into a downward spiral.

President Nasheed further stated that the Maldives is currently in need of a major transformation. He noted that this entails not only constitutional amendments but also a fundamental shift in people's mindsets, ethics, and conduct. President Nasheed added that the MDP is the only institution capable of introducing such a significant change to Maldivian society.