MDP plans protests to 'save the country'

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to hold a series of protests to ‘save the country’, with a large demonstration planned for October 3 in the city.

The MDP National Assembly held on Monday unanimously passed the resolution, moved by Manadhoo Constituency President Mohamed Thorig and supported by Hoarafushi Constituency President Ahmed Saleem.

The resolution states that the Constitution has been altered and the constitutional system destroyed since the interim government assumed power. It further asserts that the government's ‘moronic’ economic measures have led to extremely high inflation and widespread suffering.

MDP President Abdullah Shahid, speaking at a meeting held at the MDP's main party center, was highly critical of the government. He accused the government of misusing and looting the state treasury and now attempting to strip the media of its power to suppress public discourse.

Shahid lamented the absence of development projects, which were a hallmark of the previous MDP government, stating that there is no hope for such initiatives now. He also expressed concern that government companies are on the verge of bankruptcy due to the appointment of politicians to manage them.

He highlighted the alarming exchange rate of the dollar at MVR 20.20, humorously remarking that it was a "good thing for blind people to get 20/20 sight" before seriously condemning the dollar's rise as a grave problem and accusing the government of "looting the state."

Shahid declared the MDP's readiness to make any necessary sacrifice to steer Maldives back on the right course.

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also addressed the meeting, stating that the current media bill in parliament is designed to silence the press and cannot be salvaged even through amendments. He emphasized that the bill aims to grant the President direct power over newspapers, asserting that the press is the most independent power in a democracy and that efforts are currently underway to undermine it.