Nasheed pledges policies to double public income within 5 years

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) would introduce policies and economic initiatives aimed at doubling public income within the next five to six years.

Nasheed made the remarks on Sunday during a campaign event in Ha. Hoarafushi as part of his bid for the MDP chairpersonship.

Speaking to party supporters, Nasheed said development projects alone should not be the primary measure of economic progress. Instead, he argued that increasing household income should be the central focus of government policy.

“God willing, within the next five or six years, we will introduce businesses and policies that will double the amount going into your pockets,” Nasheed said.

He added that the MDP has historically been a party that has introduced change and said the party remains capable of delivering economic reforms.

According to Nasheed, the current administration is not in a position to achieve similar outcomes.

“The reality is that they do not have people around them who have a broader understanding of or can think deeply about these matters. The capable individuals who were with President Yameen in the PNC have left. Therefore, I do not believe this government can achieve much right now,” he said.

Nasheed said public discussion often focuses on infrastructure and development projects, but argued that policies should be assessed based on their impact on household finances.

“In my view, what matters now is not this or that project. What matters is finding a way to increase the money entering people’s pockets,” he said.

He estimated that while some households with family members employed in the public sector may earn up to MVR 30,000 per month, many households receive less than MVR 20,000.

Nasheed also referred to income earned by residents of Hoarafushi who work in Malé and send money back to their families on the island. He estimated those contributions at between MVR 20,000 and MVR 30,000 per household.

He said rising living costs, including expenditure on fuel, electricity and water, have placed pressure on household budgets.

“Given the current costs of fuel, electricity, water and these services, MVR 20,000 is not enough to make ends meet,” Nasheed said.

“Our target will be to work towards making ends meet.”

Nasheed is contesting the MDP chairperson election against South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem. The election is scheduled to take place next month.