The presidential address delivered by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on the first day of the new parliamentary term did not reflect on the current situation, only bringing more despair to the people, claimed opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) today.
In response to the address, minority parliamentary group leader representing MDP, south Hithadhoo MP Ibrahim Nazil said at today's sitting that the president failed to address policies on solving economic and financial issues of the country.
He also accused the government of frequently changing policies, and said it was evident the government lacked a long term economic vision.
According to Nazil, despite pledging that they would not take out more loans, the government acted in contradiction to the promise. As a result, credit rating agencies have downgraded Maldives' rating and the government has set an all time high debt record, he said.
However, none of this or facts related to this were included in the presidential address, he claimed, adding that this has further frustrated the public.
"[They] were not able to tell us what the policies are on solving the economic and financial issues. This year's presidential address was the most misleading presidential statement ever heard. What we saw was an attempt to create fantasy stories, omitting significant, important aspects," Nazil further said.
While tourism is the mainstay of the economy, the domestic tourism environment is changing, he said. However, the incumbent government does not think about this nor did the presidential address mention anything about tourism and its related sectors, Nazil continued.
"With no funds in the government, this administration has significantly reduced the prices of islands and lagoons being developed for tourism purposes, as a quick way to make money. The acquisition cost set by the MDP government was reduced and islands and lagoons have been put on sale," the lawmaker alleged.
The guesthouse tourism industry, which was banned for foreign companies, has also been opened to Chinese businesses without any restrictions, he said, adding that no stakeholder consultation was conducted prior to the decision being finalised.
According to MDP, Maldives' democracy, that was acquired by the hard work of Maldivians over many years, is being steered in the wrong direction, with rights narrowed and the president concentrating power.
"Rights are being restricted. The power of the ruler is being increased, Intimidation is at an extreme [high]. Secrecy is [also at an] extreme [high]. This honorable parliament is locked up," Nazil said.
"Maldives is heading towards a dictatorship. There is no rule of law."
Last year saw the government restricting the rights of independent media and it could be a challenging year ahead, he said.
Corruption and mismanagement have become commonplace in the first year of the government and the country's corruption index level fell three places, MDP pointed out in its response to the presidential statement.