Nasheed: MDP Will Return to Government and Restore Positive Change
2 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 07:57MDP Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed has asserted that the Maldives' economic prosperity and social security are rooted in his party's policies. Accusing the current administration of deceiving the public, Nasheed vowed to change the government and assured that he would restore the nation to its proper course.
Former President and Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed addresses the opening ceremony of the 5th MDP Congress. | Raajje MV
The Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and former President, Mohamed Nasheed, has stated that the MDP is the foundation of the modern development and economic prosperity seen in the Maldives today. He further pledged to change the current administration and once again bring positive transformations to the nation.
He made these remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of the Maldives Democratic Party's (MDP) 5th National Congress.
President Nasheed stated that the MDP is the oldest political party in Maldivian history and the primary force that transformed the nation's trajectory. Highlighting that the modern tax system was introduced during the MDP's administration, he noted that while the state's annual revenue stood at 7 billion MVR in 2008, the positive impact of this system has seen state revenue increase to 40 billion MVR today.
Furthermore, he stated that it was the MDP that established a robust social security system in the Maldives, introducing old-age pensions, financial assistance for single mothers and orphans, and the free provision of stationery for students. He also highlighted that the party facilitated free healthcare through the 'Aasandha' scheme and provided opportunities for free first-degree education. He further noted that the MDP governments had delivered significant services, including leading the Maldivian people to safety during the perilous COVID-19 pandemic, connecting the islands through the RTL transport network, making the decentralization system a reality, and establishing a national minimum wage.
Highlighting infrastructure development and housing, President Nasheed stated that MDP’s policies have successfully secured flats and land plots for thousands of citizens. He further noted that the MDP has brought significant progress to the Maldives through the construction of quay walls, harbors, and coastal protection projects. He also credited the party with the development of school buildings, multipurpose halls, futsal pitches, health centers, hospitals, and the modernization of road networks across the country.
President Nasheed also stated that during this year's congress, an investment forum specifically for local councils will be held, where 78 revenue-generating projects for the islands will be proposed.
Sharply criticizing President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, former President Nasheed stated that the government’s only actions have been to deceive and mislead the public. He further alleged that the administration has been depleting the state’s dollar reserves through various means to settle debts, leading to a severe shortage of foreign currency that has caused significant hardships for ordinary citizens and businesses across the islands.
"We will change Muizzu; we will change this administration. I assure our party members and the general public that the MDP will step forward to change this government, restore order to the Maldives, and steer the nation back onto the right path."President Mohamed Nasheed
Furthermore, he recalled the killing of Evan Naseem at Maafushi Prison on September 19, 2003, as a pivotal historical event that ignited the reform movement and catalyzed significant national change in the Maldives.
