MDP criticises 2026 presidential address as 'colourless dream'

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Tuesday criticised President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Presidential Address, stating that it did not reflect the current situation of the country.

President Muizzu delivered the address during the opening session of the People’s Majlis in February. Ibrahim Nazil, Leader of the MDP Parliamentary Group and Member for Hithadhoo South, presented the opposition’s response during a sitting of the Majlis.

Under the Constitution, the Presidential Address is delivered annually to outline the state of the nation. In his response, Nazil said the address did not reflect existing conditions and did not include measures to address current issues.

“Therefore, I must state that the 2025 Presidential Address is merely a colourless copy of the presidential addresses of 2024 and 2025,” Nazil said.

Nazil said the address repeated points from previous statements and that projects announced earlier remain incomplete, with revised timelines provided. He also said that following reforms to the Aasandha health insurance scheme, service delivery has declined, and that medicines are not readily available.

He quoted a line to question the government’s approach and called for a focus on implementation.

During his remarks, members of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) interrupted proceedings, accusing Nazil of making false statements.

Nazil also said the address did not include details on proposals such as revenue from bunkering services, a financial centre in Funadhoo, and transport links including a monorail and an undersea connection between Malé and Rasmalé.

On housing, Nazil said the government had described the previous budget as focused on housing but that no housing units had been delivered. He cited a project for 1,000 flats in B. Eydhafushi, stating that no work has commenced despite earlier announcements.

He said MVR 2.68 billion allocated for housing in the previous budget has been spent and questioned how the funds were used.

Addressing economic policy, Nazil said the administration had criticised earlier borrowing but is now increasing debt. He said loans are being taken to repay existing obligations without visible outcomes.

Nazil further stated that the parallel market rate for foreign currency has risen despite earlier assurances, and that there is no indication of expenditure reductions recommended by international financial institutions. He added that while some ministry staff were dismissed, recruitment in state-owned enterprises has increased.

He called for disclosure of figures relating to the Sovereign Development Fund, usable reserves, total reserves and foreign exchange reserves, stating that current figures require clarification.