Amru questions whether any salary remains after paying rent
15 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 08:46Former STO Managing Director Amru has criticized the government, stating that skyrocketing commodity prices have left citizens unable to balance their income with the rising cost of living. Highlighting the surge in state expenditure due to an increase in political appointees, he emphasized the urgent need for constitutional amendments to strengthen national governance and fiscal management.
Former STO Managing Director Hussain Amru addresses the MDP rally held at the party's headquarters on Wednesday night. | RaajjeMV
Husain Amru, the former Managing Director of STO, has questioned whether citizens have any savings left after paying their monthly rent and settling grocery bills at local shops.
Speaking at the MDP rally held on Wednesday night, Amru stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration lacks the competence to govern the country, asserting that the government's policies are driving an unprecedented surge in the cost of living across the Maldives.
Amru noted that a packet of Dutch Lady milk, which was available for 23 Rufiyaa two years ago, has now risen to 45 Rufiyaa. He further highlighted that the price of a kilogram of onions has doubled from 30 Rufiyaa a year ago to 60 Rufiyaa today. He emphasized that the cost of living has become unaffordable as the public's income fails to keep pace with rising expenses.
Highlighting the challenges in accessing healthcare, Amru stated that patients often find prescribed medicines unavailable at pharmacies after seeing a doctor. He further noted that difficulties have arisen across all aspects of the service.
We are witnessing, feeling, and hearing the same recurring struggle. Once the monthly salary is paid and the rent is settled, how much is actually left? After buying basic groceries from the local shop, is there anything remaining to save? Two years ago, a packet of Dutch Lady milk cost 23 Rufiyaa; today, it is 45 Rufiyaa. Just a year ago, a kilogram of chicken was 30 Rufiyaa; today, it has risen to 65 Rufiyaa. People are simply unable to make ends meet.Hussain Amru
Furthermore, Amru stated that there is a high risk of the current administration shifting toward authoritarianism, emphasizing that significant reforms are necessary to deliver good governance to the people. He further noted that constitutional amendments are required to restructure the state's governance system, asserting that such fundamental changes can only be achieved under an MDP administration.
Highlighting the discrepancy between the current administration's pledges and its actions, Amru noted that despite promises to cap the number of political appointees at 700, the government now employs enough political staff to form an entire political party.
