Solih criticises presidential address, questions feasibility of promises

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Saturday that President Mohamed Muizzu made promises in this year’s presidential address that cannot be implemented.

Solih made the remarks while speaking at a campaign event for the upcoming local council and women’s development committee elections in Fokaidhoo.

He said the presidential address delivered in Parliament on Thursday did not include proposals to reform or strengthen the decentralisation system. Solih said the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has opposed decentralisation and that the current administration is undermining existing local governance arrangements.

Solih said President Muizzu’s address repeated promises that lack practical basis. He referred to a statement in which the President said every Maldivian would receive at least USD 400 annually from resorts developed by state-owned companies.

Solih said distributing USD 400 per person each year would require around USD 200 million in net profit, which in turn would require investments of about USD 800 million. He questioned the source of such funding.

He said that despite previous commitments by the government, progress has been limited to initiating projects that later stall. He alleged that the administration has focused on providing political appointments rather than supporting local economic activity.

Solih cited an example from an island in Laamu Atoll, where he said around 60 residents had been given political jobs in a population of about 300, resulting in a halt to fishing activity. He said he was not opposed to political appointments but said they should be limited to operational needs.

Solih said development during his administration was based on policies that placed authority with local communities. He called on voters to elect councillors from the Maldivian Democratic Party to oppose the current administration, adding that the campaign would face challenges.