Current administration's policy is to increase taxes only after squandering all public funds through wasteful spending: Azim

Male' City Mayor Adam Azim has stated that the policy of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration is to increase taxes only after depleting all funds through wasteful and reckless spending.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Mayor Azim stated that the government’s wasteful spending and inconsistent policies are causing significant damage to the economy.

Azim further alleged that funds from key state-owned enterprises and financial institutions, which serve as primary sources of foreign currency for the state, are being misappropriated.

Azim noted that the current administration is treating critical institutions such as the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL)—the country’s primary source of foreign currency—and the Bank of Maldives (BML) with a lack of seriousness. He stated that while the whereabouts of the revenue generated by these entities remain unknown, the public is unable to access dollars for telegraphic transfers (TTs), leading to visible shortages and empty shelves in shops.

Furthermore, Azim stated that the Ras Male' project was awarded to a foreign contractor through MACL instead of MTCC, leading to the depletion of MACL's dollar reserves. He described this as a consequence of the government's lack of sound policies.

Azim stated that the government's sole policy is to squander the hard-earned money of the citizens on their own personal pleasure and luxury.

Three years have passed with nothing to show for it. With only about a year remaining in their term, I do not believe there is anything left that they can or will achieve for the citizens. When I visited Maafushi, the land reclamation project had already been completed. Today, that land is among the most valuable assets available, yet it sits idle because they have failed to install the necessary water and sewerage systems. If the people of Maafushi were simply given the authority to manage it themselves, they have the means to get it done. It is a location with immense revenue potential. Instead, they are forcibly seizing every bit of public funds only to squander and waste it on their own luxury and entertainment. This is the only thing they are doing. I do not believe they are capable of anything else.

Adam Azim

Azim stated that no tangible benefits had been delivered to the public during the past period, adding that he does not believe much can be achieved for the people in the time remaining.