President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has criticised that while the Maldives has long been recognised as politically independent, recent events over the past five years have posed challenges to this independence. Speaking at a campaign event for a parliamentary candidate from the main ruling coalition, President Dr. Muizzu reflected on the historical pride of the Maldives as an independent nation for centuries but expressed concern over recent threats to its autonomy.
President Dr. Muizzu pointed out instances where the country's sovereignty was compromised, such as Maldivians needing foreign high commissioner approval for routine activities like training trips abroad. He highlighted the government's efforts to address these challenges, including stabilizing the economy without resorting to excessive currency printing and responsibly repaying foreign debts. Additionally, ongoing projects in the islands aim to settle debts incurred by the previous administration.
President Dr. Muizzu acknowledged the halting of some projects initiated by the previous government but clarified that this was due to financial constraints rather than deliberate obstruction. He emphasised the importance of facing realities and making decisions based on truth.
Moreover, President Dr. Muizzu stressed the need for strong parliamentary support to strengthen the economy and uphold national independence. He urged parliamentarians to adopt a cooperative mindset to facilitate these efforts, highlighting the crucial role of parliamentary cooperation in achieving national goals.