Govt must focus on economic relief, not social media, says Nasheed

Former President and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed on Thursday called on the government to revise its economic policies and address the financial difficulties facing citizens, arguing that public concerns cannot be dismissed through messaging campaigns or social media content.

Nasheed made the remarks during the MDP’s “Dhathi Vejje” (“Things Have Become Difficult”) protest in Malé, which focused on rising commodity prices, increasing US dollar exchange rates and proposed changes to the decentralisation framework.

The demonstration’s key demands included reducing the dollar exchange rate to MVR 19 within 10 days and to MVR 17 within one month.

The protest was held on Majeedhee Magu, where police blocked demonstrators from proceeding along parts of the route.

Addressing supporters, Nasheed said the Maldives was facing mounting economic pressures and that many households were struggling with the rising cost of living.

He argued that the current situation was the result of policy decisions taken by the administration after assuming office.

According to Nasheed, government officials had previously stated that they had secured financial support and solutions to address the country's economic challenges. However, he said those expectations had not materialised.

Nasheed also criticised the government's approach to managing external debt, claiming that foreign currency reserves accumulated under the previous administration had been used to repay debt rather than pursue restructuring options.

He said repeated warnings had been made against exhausting the country's foreign currency reserves and argued that the resulting shortage of dollars had contributed to rising exchange rates and higher import costs.

“As a result, the Maldives is now short of US dollars and the exchange rate has risen sharply,” Nasheed said.

He further warned that continued pressure on foreign currency availability could lead to further increases in the cost of imported goods.

“The MDP is calling on the government to solve these issues. Change your policies. Work on relieving citizens from the suffering and difficulties they are facing, instead of spending time playing TikToks. These are by no means small matters,” he said.

Nasheed said the increase in commodity prices was already being felt by households across the country.

“The fact that commodity prices are rising in the Maldives is no secret to any citizen. Citizens are feeling the burden. It is affecting household finances and placing pressure on families,” he said.

The former president also defended the opposition’s decision to raise concerns over economic conditions, arguing that political parties have a responsibility to represent public grievances.

He said the Constitution guarantees the right of political parties to advocate on behalf of citizens and that remaining silent in the face of economic hardship would be a failure of that responsibility.

Nasheed further stated that the MDP had experience in attracting foreign currency inflows and reiterated calls for dialogue between the government and the opposition on economic issues.

He criticised recent government claims that media reporting was contributing to increases in dollar exchange rates, arguing instead that the rise reflected underlying market conditions.

According to Nasheed, attempts to dismiss concerns over the dollar shortage would not resolve the issue and could further undermine confidence in the economy.

The protest formed part of a wider opposition campaign focusing on the rising cost of living, foreign exchange shortages and broader economic challenges facing the country.