President calls for economic independence, urges national interests above politics

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called on Maldivians to prioritise national development, security and economic independence over political differences, personal ambitions and rivalries, saying the country must undertake economic reforms rather than merely observe the progress of other nations.

Speaking at the official Victory Day ceremony held at Republic Square on Monday evening, the President said the occasion served as a reminder that loyalty to the nation leads to success, while betrayal results in failure.

Muizzu said one of his principal commitments upon assuming office was to rescue the Maldivian economy from its financial difficulties and protect the country from the risks associated with debt.

He said another priority was to uphold Maldivian national identity, respect the values of the nation and preserve its cultural and religious foundations.

The President said his administration had also pledged to give equal importance to human development and economic development, with the aim of building a generation that understands national values and contributing to infrastructure development.

He reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the Maldives' independence, sovereignty and autonomy while implementing these policies.

According to Muizzu, the government has undertaken several measures to fulfil these commitments.

He claimed that the administration had protected the Maldives from warnings of bankruptcy, ended irresponsible borrowing and money printing, and was working to repay outstanding debts.

He also said confidence among foreign investors in the Maldivian economy was increasing.

The President argued that economic independence was essential to protecting a country's language, religion, traditions and sovereignty.

He said the Maldives must free itself from dependence on creditors, drawing a comparison between the country's liberation from armed aggression in 1988 and the need to overcome what he described as the burden of debt.

Muizzu also urged Maldivians to set aside prejudice, political hostility and internal divisions in favour of the national interest.

He said the purpose of safeguarding independence was not limited to protecting territorial sovereignty but also involved strengthening the country's intellectual and financial capabilities, preserving its national identity and ensuring security and stability for its citizens.

"Instead of merely watching other countries advance, we must develop our own thinking and undertake transformative changes that benefit the entire Maldivian economy, while ensuring that our national identity and sovereignty are not compromised," he said.

The President said such reforms would strengthen the Maldives' economic position in its dealings with other countries, promote self-reliance and enable the nation to advance in both individual and national development.

He maintained that development was the right of every Maldivian and that economic progress should contribute to the dignity and prosperity of the nation.

Muizzu also said he would not make decisions that could undermine the Maldives' religion, national identity or independence.

"Standing here at this historic square, I give you my full assurance that I will do nothing that would in any way diminish the Maldives' status as a 100 per cent Muslim nation, the complete independence of Maldivians or any other pillar of our national identity," he said.

He added that every decision taken by his administration would be guided by the objective of protecting and strengthening the foundations of Maldivian nationhood.

The President concluded by pledging to pursue policies aimed at improving living standards, strengthening national security and ensuring greater prosperity for Maldivians.

Victory Day, observed annually on 3 November, commemorates the defeat of the attempted coup against the Maldives in 1988.