Muizzu pledges debt restructure, bold economic policies

Aug 13, 2023, 8:31 AM
Muizzu speaking at Kulhudhuffushi rally. -- Photo: PPM

Muizzu speaking at Kulhudhuffushi rally. -- Photo: PPM

People's National Congress (PNC) candidate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu pledged on Saturday night to restructure public debt and strengthen the economy if elected as president.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Kulhudhuffushi, the Male' mayor said he would introduce a new fiscal policy law to prevent wasteful spending and improve the management of state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

"Government SOEs are run with budgets provided by the Finance Ministry. We need to bring an end to that. These companies need to be regulated and able to run on their own finances. We will make laws for that," Muizzu said.

"Companies giving out 100 jobs a day will stop then."

Muizzu said a development bank would be set up under his administration, expressing confidence in strengthening and revitalizing the economy.

The other main change proposed by Muizzu was to reform political appointments. A minister or managing director of a company should not seek the post for prestige, he said.

"I will only appoint people who can bear the job responsibility. I will appoint people who can produce results," he said.

Muizzu pledged to expand tourism in Haa Dhaal atoll and to generate an income from the Keylakunu island in the atoll without damaging its environment.

Other pledges

  1. Developing all roads in Kulhudhuffushi with bricks or tar
  2. Upgrading the Kulhudhuffushi hospital with capability to treat all illnesses
  3. Providing treatment for heart diseases
  4. Creating jobs in Kulhudhuffushi
  5. Obtaining loans at 5 percent
  6. Developing the airport
  7. Offering loans at 5 percent

Muizzu was due to travel to Hanimaadhoo and Nohivaram for his campaign on Sunday.

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