The Parliament rejected three out of the 22-member cabinet formed by the President due to an order on the opposition by a foreign country, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has alleged.
The President is currently on a tour of northern atolls. Speaking in Haa Dhaal Nolhivaramfaru on Sunday night, Muizzu said the Parliament was obstructing the government's work.
"We are receiving information on why it was done. They were forced to do it because of an order from groups outside of Maldives that have influence over them," Muizzu said referring to the Parliament's rejection of three ministers.
Although he did not name a specific country, Maldives relations with India have deteriorated since Muizzu assumed office. The government also believes that the opposition maintains a close relationship with India.
"We must reject three, four ministers. They were telling this to our MPs. That they can't approve all the ministers. That they have to reject two, three ministers, no matter what. This is the language they used," he said.
The President has recently been criticizing the opposition majority in Parliament. He also raised questions about the legal powers and authority of the Parliament.
"So this is how this Parliament functions. This is not a Parliament that is on the people's side," he said.
The three ministers rejected by the Parliament were Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Housing Minister Dr. Ali Haidar and Attorney General Ahmed Usham.
MDP decided to reject Shaheem because of corruption allegations while both the MDP and Democrats blamed decisions over the flats and housing for Haidar's rejection.
However, President Muizzu reappointed the three ministers that same day and sought the Parliament's approval. The Parliament has not yet taken a vote on matter.
