Millions spent for staff accompanying president on World Cup trip
During his visit, the President watched the semi-finals of the tournament.
By
Aminath Shifleen
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady travelled to Qatar to watch last year's FIFA World Cup tournament and it has been revealed that millions of Rufiyaa were spent on the expenses of the security and other staff who accompanied the first couple.
President and First Lady Fazna Ahmed arrived in Qatar on December 12 at the invitation of Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The President's Office said at the time:
-
President Solih will personally fund the travel tickets
-
Qatar to provide accommodation and food
The President's Office has released the details of the state's budgetary allocation for the visit. According to the notification, the total cost of the visit is MVR 997,743.28.
-
For pocket money - MVR 150,822
-
Incidental expenses - MVR 76,950
-
Accommodation and food – MVR 414,555
-
For tickets - MVR 355,415.
When questioned about it on Tuesday, spokesperson for the President's Office, Miuvaan Mohamed, said it was the cost of the security and other staff who attended the visit. The president and the first lady's expenses were met on their own, he said.
During his visit, the president watched the semi-finals of the tournament. He returned after a gap of four days.
