Jumhooree Party's presidential candidate, Qasim Ibrahim, has pledged to waive off all loans given to small and medium enterprises by the government during the party's rule.
Qasim, during his campaign tour of Alif Alif atoll for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for September 9, alleged that the government is providing SME loans without adhering to any regulations and with a specific political agenda in mind. He emphasized that such practices ultimately harm the individuals running these small businesses.
"...The state will immediately waive off all SME loans given by the government," said Qasim, a successful businessman and a candidate in the upcoming presidential election.
"Whether it is on the islands or in Malé city, or anywhere else, the government has issued loans, even if they amount to two million or three million. From the day the government [JP] comes to power, we will forgive those loans," Qasim said.
During his address to the people of Mathiveri, he also raised questions about the relationship between the government and India, criticizing their interactions and connections.
He alleged that India was making significant efforts to secure a second term for Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential candidate, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Referring to the presence of Indian troops in the Maldives and the significant loans being provided by the country, he expressed concern that if this government is reelected, the nation's independence and sovereignty might be compromised.
Qasim urged the people to consider all these factors when casting their votes in the upcoming presidential election.