Nasheed accuses President Muizzu of hypocrisy over nationalism and government policies

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has accused President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of hypocrisy, alleging that his administration is undermining the country's sovereignty despite having come to power on promises of defending Maldivian nationalism.

Speaking at a rally organised by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Wednesday night, Nasheed criticised the government's economic, social and education policies, warning that the country was deteriorating under the current administration.

Nasheed, who also serves as MDP chairperson, said President Muizzu had misled the public during his election campaign by presenting himself as a defender of national sovereignty.

He accused the President of abandoning those commitments after assuming office.

"If you are going to do something, you must explain it clearly. You cannot mislead the people. You cannot tell the public that you are coming to power to kiss the national flag and defend nationalism, and then, after taking office, sell the nation," Nasheed said.

He alleged that the government's actions contradicted its repeated emphasis on nationalism and national identity.

Nasheed also expressed concern over the country's economic and social conditions, attributing what he described as a deterioration to the government's inability to manage public affairs.

He said the administration's decisions were inconsistent, with policies frequently introduced, changed and subsequently reversed.

According to Nasheed, the government's approach was creating uncertainty and affecting the country's development.

The former President also criticised recent changes to the education system, particularly decisions affecting the school curriculum.

He said the curriculum had been developed through the collective knowledge and experience of numerous professionals and should not be altered without adequate consideration.

Nasheed warned that such decisions could place additional pressure on students and teachers, potentially reducing students' interest in education and increasing school dropout rates.

He also questioned the government's approach to promoting nationalism in schools.

Nasheed said President Muizzu regularly encouraged patriotism and respect for the national anthem during public appearances, while the government was now instructing schools not to sing the national anthem.

He accused the President of failing to address what he described as a contradiction between the government's statements and its actions.

Nasheed warned that these decisions could undermine efforts to develop an educated, capable and productive younger generation.

Turning to economic management, he alleged that the administration lacked an understanding of the fiscal and economic policies required to address the country's challenges.

He said Maldivians were being led towards further economic difficulties because of the government's decisions.

"With the economy in its present condition, what Maldivians are witnessing is something that cannot be described in any other way. It is hypocrisy. It is double standards. Today, this hypocrisy is something we cannot accept," Nasheed said.

The former President, who previously served as Speaker of Parliament, further accused Muizzu of making statements that lacked consistency and repeatedly changing government policies.

He said the introduction and reversal of decisions across different sectors were contributing to the country's worsening situation.

Nasheed maintained that the government's policies were affecting both the country's present economic conditions and the prospects of future generations.