President Mohamed Muizzu has slammed the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), labeling their ideology as "destructive."
The remarks come at a time when the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has faced setbacks in recent local council elections and referendums, as well as failing to secure victories in the latest parliamentary by-election. However, the PNC recently managed to win a seat on the Dhaalu Meedhoo Council following a re-vote triggered by a tie.
Speaking at a rally held in Meedhoo last night to celebrate that victory, Muizzu—accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed—centered his speech on contrasting the PNC’s "constructive ideology" with what he described as the MDP’s "harmful" influence on the nation. During the address, Muizzu leaned heavily on religious rhetoric to bolster political support.
"The people have two paths to choose from: the path of success or the path of loss and ruin. I am highlighting what happened every time the path of ruin was chosen. Was it not this destructive ideology that sought to eliminate Arabic and Islamic education? From the first MDP administration through the second, they worked to dismantle Arabic and Islamic education," Muizzu said.
Muizzu further claimed that while his administration has moved to ban Israeli passports, the MDP had previously sought to strengthen ties with Israel. He also alleged that the MDP’s foreign policy had left the Maldives "enslaved" to a specific country. Although he did not name this country, the reference was clearly directed at India—a country with which Muizzu himself is now maintaining close diplomatic ties.
"Was it not their policy to normalize drugs, vapes, and such substances? When we took over the government, vaping and drugs were rampant and widespread. A constructive ideology implements policies differently, does it not?" he added.
During his speech, Muizzu also delivered a presentation regarding debt repayment. While every successive Maldivian administration has serviced debts incurred by their predecessors, Muizzu framed this routine fiscal responsibility as a singular landmark achievement.
These comments follow recent assertions by the President that the Maldives lacks a "responsible opposition." His latest broadside against the country’s largest opposition party comes as the MDP begins to intensify its political activities and public engagement.
