Sacked politicians to get govt company jobs, Ghafoor says

Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Gafoor Moosa criticized the Maldives government today for its economic strategies, particularly addressing the recent announcement of terminating 228 political employees in an attempt to reduce state expenditures. Speaking during the debate on the Tourism Act Amendment Bill, Gafoor expressed concerns that these layoffs would not lead to real savings, as the dismissed employees are expected to be reappointed in government-owned companies.

The government’s decision to sack these political employees follows President Mohamed Muizzu’s announcement of the cuts, scheduled to take effect in the coming two weeks. However, Gafoor argued that such actions do not align with genuine efforts to reduce public spending, stating, "Tomorrow, they will be in government companies. That is what has happened so far." 

The debate took place as parliament considered three separate tax bills proposed by the government, all aimed at increasing different taxes. One of these bills seeks to double the green tax imposed on tourists, which has drawn criticism from members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Gafoor, an MDP lawmaker serving his third term, voiced the party’s opposition to the tax hikes, arguing that increasing taxes without significantly reducing government expenses will have limited benefit.

Gafoor highlighted the government’s rising public debt, warning that the policies implemented are unsustainable and burdensome on citizens. "The government has taken more than $1 billion in debt today. This government has taken out $1 billion in debt in one year," he said, underscoring concerns about reckless borrowing and mismanagement.  

He also listed several costly programs and projects, including:

Despite the significant debt taken on, Gafoor argued that the public has not benefited meaningfully from these initiatives. 

In addition to fiscal concerns, Gafoor pointed to political and financial missteps that have damaged investor trust. He referenced earlier comments made by officials claiming that the Bank of Maldives was subject to a “coup,” stating that no police investigation had followed the accusations. "These baseless claims have weakened investor confidence and hurt the financial system," he warned.

The MP further highlighted a decline in Indian tourist arrivals, noting that the downturn had caused serious economic damage. Given that tourism is a key sector in the Maldivian economy, such disruptions could have long-term implications.

During the parliamentary debate, Gafoor also criticized the lack of a clear economic strategy, stating that the government’s plans rely too heavily on taxation. "There is nothing that will not be taxed," he said, warning metaphorically that "people may soon be taxed for protesting in the streets."

His remarks reflect growing frustration among MDP members, who argue that raising taxes without credible expenditure cuts will only increase the burden on citizens without addressing the underlying issues in public finance.