The Democrats have a responsibility to stop the government's mismanagement of public finance, the party's Vice President Mohamed Shifaz has said.
The opposition-aligned party resumed its street rallies on Wednesday night.
Appearing on Adhadhu's Etherefuh talk show, Shifaz blamed the current financial crisis on overspending.
"Then we have to look at whether it was a necessary expenditure at that time. What is the purpose of it? Are we able to maintain the security of the Maldives' economic zone? Is it being done? Is it being used for that?" he said.
The former Vice President of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) was referring to three drones purchased from Turkey for USD 37 million earlier this year.
Shifaz questioned whether it was the actual amount spent on the drones and criticized the government's secrecy in such transactions. He also expressed concern as the government is not held accountable.
He warned that the state would face difficulties in affording essential commodities by mid-2025 despite increasing revenue by hiking taxes. This is because of high debt and mismanagement of finances, he added.
Shifaz said the Democrats have a responsibility in working to put the government on the right track.
Some members of the Democrats supported President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during last year's presidential election.
"We are coming out because we have a responsibility to always hold the government accountable. So we have to tell Dr. Muizzu, that we are the most suitable group to do that and we are coming out to do that," Shifaz said.
