Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has sharply criticised the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), accusing the party of mismanaging the economy during its time in government while now seeking public support in the upcoming Local Council Elections.
Speaking at the inauguration of the People’s National Congress (PNC)’s North Maafannu campaign hub on Friday evening, Saeed alleged that the same figures who previously led the country are now returning to the political stage without offering new ideas. The ceremony was attended by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed as chief guest.
“It has only been about two years, and the same people are coming forward claiming they have better solutions,” Saeed said, referencing former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and other senior MDP leaders.
The minister claimed that during the previous administration, the Sovereign Development Fund declined from USD 200 million to USD 2 million. He further alleged that when President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office on November 17, 2023, the country’s reserves were insufficient to cover even 15 days’ worth of essential imports.
According to Saeed, the current administration has since increased reserves to USD 1.1 billion as part of broader economic stabilisation efforts.
He also questioned whether the opposition had introduced any new policies during the campaign period, stating that the MDP had yet to present fresh proposals or hold significant campaign events in some constituencies.
Saeed pointed to fiscal constraints towards the end of the previous administration, arguing that they had limited the State’s operational capacity and affected public confidence in institutions. He also questioned the progress made on decentralisation reforms during the MDP’s tenure, suggesting that commitments to strengthen local governance had not translated into substantial outcomes.
Highlighting measures undertaken over the past two years, the minister said the current government has prioritised economic recovery and fiscal consolidation. He also referred to steps taken to enhance the role of Women’s Development Committees, noting that council employees are now formally included within empowerment structures under updated legal provisions.
The remarks come as political parties intensify campaign efforts ahead of the upcoming local council elections, with both the ruling party and the opposition vying for support across key constituencies.
