President says 'failed' opposition leaders driven by self-interest

President Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday criticised opposition leaders, stating that former political rivals seeking to unite had failed to offer an alternative vision for the country.

The remarks came after former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom expressed readiness to work with former presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on issues related to press freedom and the political situation in the country.

A meeting involving the three former presidents was reportedly scheduled for Friday night.

Speaking at a rally held at the headquarters of the People's National Congress, President Muizzu said the Maldives currently lacked a responsible opposition.

He said opposition leaders were motivated by personal interests and lacked consistency and unity.

“Their motives are driven purely by self-interest. There is no sincerity among them, let alone any priority for the nation,” the President said.

He added that opposition figures did not possess the conduct, resolve or capability required to function as an opposition to the current administration.

“There is no benefit to the nation from these individuals who treat politics like a game and lack any consistency,” he said.

The President also stated that the political record of former leaders remained visible to the public and could not be erased.

Referring to Yameen’s administration, Muizzu acknowledged the implementation of development projects during that period but said the government had also been associated with corruption and the imprisonment of political figures.

“Despite the development, the entire nation was plagued by corruption and tyranny. All political figures were imprisoned. That is an undeniable reality,” he said.

Muizzu also criticised the administrations of Nasheed and Solih, accusing them of economic mismanagement and governance failures.

He referred to corruption allegations, including the ventilator case, while discussing the records of previous administrations.

The President called on the public to assess political developments carefully and make informed decisions in order to maintain national stability.