Ex-pres lambasts govt for sacrificing projects for political payroll

Former President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih has said that the current government has stopped the projects initiated in the islands during the previous administration citing lack of fundsbut had increased the expenditure on political posts by MVR 300 million.

Solih, an adviser to the main opposition party, heavily criticized President Mohammed Muizzu's government while speaking at a campaign event held in Sh.Milandhoo, for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

"From the little information we have, they have spent MVR 270 million and MVR 300 million more on salaries in the last two months compared to 2023," he said.

Speaking at the event, Solih said his government had not hesitated to implement projects for the development of islands like Milandhoo despite the difficulties faced with the Covid-19 pandemic. He said the MDP government gave priority to doing what the people wanted by raising revenue.

"I think this country can be developed by providing people with easy, comfortable ways to live with their families. You can talk about great development. But first you have to provide comfortable, easy lives for the communities," he said, noting that he had focused on providing the people with these easements during his regime.

With that goal, he had looked to develop Maldives in the best possible way, he said. The positive changes are being seen in the Bodu Thiladhummathi, which includes Shaviyani atoll, as well as the entire country, he said.

"Today, this government has made big promises, even before it came to power. However, in the past three months, have any of them been implemented in any of these islands," he questioned.

Answering the question himself, Solih said he could not see it. The same complaint comes from every island he visits to campaign, he said.

"It is sad that in these three months, this government has not been able to live up to the mandate of our people. Almost all the work that was started [in my government] has been stopped. They say there is no money. Companies are at a standstill. They say there is no money in the companies," he said, taking another dig at the current government.

Despite the government's “excuses”, Solih said the number of political positions in the government is increasing day by day. He added:

"About an additional MVR 270-300 million has been paid to those appointed. This is the reason why there is no money in the budget," he said.

The MVR 300 million increase in salary is enough to complete the airport project that both he and President Muizzu had promised during the presidential campaign.

The government's direction is not on the right track, he said, adding that the MDP candidates should be elected in the upcoming parliamentary elections. The party will ensure that development for the people is unhindered, he said.