MMA independence compromised; Governor holding press conferences at President’s Office is unprecedented: Ameer
26 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ބުދަ 09:51Former Finance Minister Ameer has asserted that the Governor's participation in a press conference at the President's Office is clear evidence that the central bank’s independence has been compromised. Alleging that the government has printed 6.2 billion rufiyaa, Ameer warned that such undue influence over the monetary authority will lead to severe negative repercussions for the economy.
Former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer speaks during a press conference held at the MDP office. (File Photo) | MDP
Former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer has strongly criticized the government, stating that the extent to which the central bank, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), has lost its independence is becoming increasingly evident.
Speaking at a press conference held by the opposition MDP’s Macroeconomic Committee, Ameer expressed serious concerns regarding the Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority’s participation in a press briefing held at the President’s Office.
Ameer stated that the Governor holding a press conference within the President's Office is entirely unacceptable. He noted that under no previous administration has an MMA Governor held such a press conference alongside a government minister, or within any government ministry or the President's Office. Ameer further remarked that this action raises serious questions regarding the independence of the MMA.
Criticizing the current administration's fiscal policies, Ameer stated that statistics indicate the government has printed approximately MVR 6.2 billion to date. He alleged that these actions directly contradict the core policies of the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), further claiming that the central bank’s independence has been compromised as it falls under government influence.
Highlighting the critical importance of public confidence in the government's fiscal and economic policies, Ameer stated that the independence of the central bank must be guaranteed to maintain international investor confidence in the Maldivian economy. However, he noted that the recent press conference held at the President's Office clearly demonstrated the extent to which the Maldives Monetary Authority's (MMA) independence has been compromised.
During a press conference held by the MDP, Ameer urged the government to maintain the independence of state institutions and implement transparent policies to improve the country's economic situation. He also stated that printing money and exerting influence over financial institutions would have long-term negative impacts on the nation's economy.
