This govt begins projects with no funds, plans: Solih

Mar 31, 2024, 7:30 AM
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. -- Photo: MDP

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. -- Photo: MDP

The government of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu begins projects without any plans and funds, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Saturday night.

Speaking at a campaign event for two opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidates for Galolhu constituency, the party's advisor said the economy was not in good shape when he assumed office in November 2018, but the funds needed to run the government were secured within three months.

"We secured USD 200 million for the budget. We guaranteed USD 800 million as project financing. We arranged a USD 400 million currency swap to address the foreign reserve shortfall," he stated.

The Gulhifalhu reclamation project was launched during the last year of his government after completing the necessary studies and raising funds, the former President claimed. Criticizing the Rasmale' project launched by the current administration, Solih noted that the Gulhifalhu project is continuing without any interruptions.

"Fushidhiggaru lagoon has stopped because there were no plans. This government is doing things without a plan, without planning, without getting money just to take a photo," he said.

Solih also said the government's foreign policy has led to a decline in the number of Indian tourists and this was affecting the economy.

"The tourism sector alone has lost USD 58 million in these three months. If you include other related sectors, about USD 68 million has been lost," Solih claimed.

The government has no economic policy and vision and has not done anything to increase state revenue, he said. The MDP must win the majority in the Parliament to put the country on the right track economically, he said.

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