President: Families should produce as many children as they can manage

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom says he wants the population of Maldives to increase, and that families should produce as many children as they can manage of afford.

Yameen made the statement during a function by the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives, named “Maves PPM” held at Dharubaaruge this Sunday afternoon.

Speaking at the function, Yameen said the opposition claimed Maldivian children had debt hanging over their heads, even before they are born, which may discourage newlywed couples from having children.

“With the opposition saying even unborn Maldivian children have debt hanging over their heads, I think newlywed couples may not want to have children. Because their children are supposedly in debt even before they are born. So no one would want that, right?” said Yameen.

President Yameen said such statements by the opposition were completely basis, and urged the opposition to move forward.

“I want to say that I want a sizable population in Maldives. I want to take loans if it means fulfilling the needs of the people. So families should produce as many children as they can manage,” said Yameen.

The President said his administration took loans to fulfil the needs of the people, and provide assurance his administration will settle all debt.

He also said his administration inherited a debt of MVR 29 billion; out of which his administration has already settled MVR 13 billion.

“Maves PPM” function was held by the party to mark 2,696 new members.