The last four years have seen the government face numerous obstacles, said President Abdulla Yameen in his New Year’s message.

President Yameen said the obstacles and hardships faced by have increased each year, but that the government has still managed to find solutions to national issues.

He vowed to begin large-scale development projects in the New Year, noting that the 2018 State budget has prioritized fulfilling the pledges in the administration’s manifesto.

He also pointed to 2017 as the year when numerous projects were begun and completed to provide basic services to Maldivians.

Despite the President’s optimistic message, the past few years has also seen his administration dodge numerous controversies using every legal means it had, instead of facing them.