MDP threatens direct action until president resigns unless govt meets demands
The decision was made through a resolution proposed by the MDP leadership and approved by the party’s National Council on Monday night.
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The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Monday decided to launch a campaign of direct action calling for President Mohamed Muizzu to resign unless the government changes its economic policies and agrees to talks with the party.
The decision was made through a resolution proposed by the MDP leadership and approved by the party’s National Council on Monday night.
Of the 34 National Council members present at the meeting, 33 voted in favour of the resolution.
The resolution raised concerns over economic and monetary policies introduced by the government, including amendments to the Foreign Exchange Act requiring resorts to convert 40 per cent of their monthly foreign currency revenue through local banks.
The MDP set out two demands for the government.
The first calls on the administration to halt what the party described as “irresponsible measures” that it says could affect the stability of the Maldivian economy at a time when the country faces economic and financial pressures.
The second calls on the government to enter into talks with the MDP to discuss the country’s economic and financial situation and agree on measures to address the issues.
The party said it would begin a campaign of direct action seeking Muizzu’s resignation if the government does not respond to the demands.
“If the administration refuses to resolve these matters through dialogue and this framework, this party calls for continuous direct action activities until President Dr Mohamed Muizzu resigns from office,” the resolution said.
The resolution also called on businesses and entrepreneurs to provide financial and logistical support for the party’s planned activities.
The decision comes as the opposition steps up criticism of changes to the country’s foreign exchange framework.
President Muizzu on Monday ratified amendments to the Foreign Exchange Act requiring resorts to convert 40 per cent of their monthly foreign currency revenue through local banks.
The government says the measure will increase the amount of foreign currency available through the banking system and improve access to dollars for businesses and the public.
The MDP has criticised the requirement and other economic measures introduced by the administration, arguing that the government should address fiscal expenditure and debt management as part of efforts to resolve the country’s foreign currency shortage.
