Parties conduct informal discussions on proposed budget

Political parties have begun another round of informal discussions in order to “propose opinions and find common terms” on the budget proposed by the government for the coming year.

In a meeting of the Budget Committee of the People’s Majilis, members tabled some proposals, although some others suggested that it is no longer the best way to cater for new proposals to a budget that has been set at MVR 24.3 billion, the largest in the country’s history.

Ahmad Saleem, representing Eydhafushi Constituency at the Majilis, said that work on the budget had been carried out with utmost diligence and that he does not see it wise to entertain any additional proposals.

“We have thought about the budget over and over, and I don’t think now is the time to bring out this and that recommendation and spend our time juggling with those”, said Saleem, speaking at the meeting.

Riyaaz Rasheed, Deputy Leader of Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) Parliamentary Group and MP for Vilufushi Constituency, said that recommendations by some members are not acceptable.

“There are some recommendations which cannot be accepted. They cannot be approved”, said Riyaaz.

New proposals have been proposed at the Committee by leaders of PPM the leading party in the ruling coalition, Jumhoory Party, and the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Individual members have also made some recommendations.