Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) has denied allegations that dollars received by the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) are being sold at discounted rates to individuals affiliated with the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).
During a press conference yesterday, a journalist questioned whether it was true that those connected to the PNC were purchasing dollars at the official rate of MVR 15.42, only to resell them at black market rates for illicit profit.
Responding to the inquiry from Dhauru, Shareef dismissed the claims, stating that he had received no complaints regarding such activity.
"That is false. Certainly, we have not received any such complaints from any party," Shareef said.
The black market rate for the US dollar currently stands at approximately MVR 20.50. However, reducing the exchange rate below the official peg remains a key government pledge. Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed is among the high-ranking officials who have previously vowed to strengthen the local currency.
"Simply by securing a parliamentary majority, the Maldivian Rufiyaa will strengthen against the dollar by 30 to 40 percent. The result will be the dollar rate falling even below 15.42 in the future," Saeed claimed during the 2024 parliamentary campaign.
The public granted the ruling party a supermajority in that election. The PNC secured 75 out of 93 seats in Parliament, while the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) won only 12 seats.
