MDP members issue statement condemning decision to increase salaries for Speaker of Parliament and Cabinet Ministers
25 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | އާދީއްތަ 22:34MDP members have condemned the decision to increase the salaries of the Speaker of Parliament and cabinet ministers amidst a declining economic situation. Warning that the move will add an estimated 40 million Rufiyaa to annual state expenditure, the members called for the decision to be reversed in favor of prioritizing public services.
From a press conference held by the MDP Parliamentary Group. | RaajjeMV
Members of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in the People’s Majlis have issued a signed press statement condemning the decision to increase the salaries of the Speaker of Parliament and cabinet ministers.
In a statement signed by 12 MDP members, the party condemned in the strongest terms the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee's decision to increase the salaries and allowances of the Speaker of Parliament and Cabinet Ministers. The members described the move as highly irresponsible and clarified that the party had no involvement in the decision, noting that it comes at a time when the national economy has significantly deteriorated and the cost of living for ordinary citizens has risen beyond affordable levels.
The statement noted that the government’s expenditure has exceeded its revenue by MVR 4.5 billion so far this year, leading to a daily increase in the national debt. It further highlighted that the 20th People’s Majlis has amended several laws to facilitate an increase in the taxes levied on the public.
The statement noted that local councils are expressing concern over potential changes to the salaries of councilors and council presidents without adjusting the block grants. It emphasized that since these grants are allocated from the state budget to meet numerous public needs, any such move would disrupt the essential services provided to citizens.
Furthermore, the statement noted that many citizens are expressing concern over these salary changes while numerous issues regarding pay harmonization remain unresolved. It highlighted that a resolution titled "Regulations on Overtime Pay for Education Sector Employees and the Establishment of a Fair Working Environment," which was submitted to Parliament on June 16, 2025, remains pending. The resolution had been referred to a joint committee of the National Development and Heritage Committee and the Social Affairs Committee for review, but its work has yet to be completed.
The statement further noted that although the Constitution mandates Members of Parliament to prevent such actions and hold the government accountable, the administration has obstructed these efforts by leveraging the PNC’s supermajority.
The statement noted that MDP members are calling for a reversal of the Public Accounts Committee's decision to increase the salaries and allowances of top officials, as the move would add an estimated 40 million MVR to annual state expenditure. The statement further urged the government to prioritize the more pressing needs of the Maldivian people over increasing the benefits of cabinet ministers and the Speaker of Parliament.
Furthermore, the MDP statement called upon both the government and the People’s Majlis to work with sincerity to reduce state expenditure and alleviate the hardships currently faced by the public.
