The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has rescheduled its planned protest in the capital, Male', to the night of August 13. The demonstration aims to voice public concern over the rising cost of living and other socio-economic challenges.
Speaking at a press conference today, former MDP Vice President Mohamed Shifaz said that August 12 and 13 are historic dates that proved to Maldivians that an oppressive, long-standing regime could be overturned.
Shifaz asserted that as the country approaches these dates this year, the current situation necessitates a change in government. He emphasized that the MDP must intensify its activities to steer the nation toward that objective.
"We are designating August 13 as a day of protest to pressure the government into rectifying the current state of the country. We call upon our general members and the public to join us," Shifaz said.
Under President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, the cost of goods has surged significantly. According to official government statistics, the price of essential food items has risen by eight percent within a single year.
The Essential Commodities Price Index released by the Bureau of Statistics indicates that the sharpest increases over the past year were seen in fuel and cooking gas. Prices for food, beverages, and personal care products have also trended upward.
Furthermore, due to a failure to curb dollar expenditure and insufficient growth in foreign currency revenue, the value of the US dollar on the parallel market has spiked. Currently, the dollar is trading at approximately MVR 21.70.
