Friday 27 Mar 2026
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih inaugurates the MDP Addu campaign for the local council elections, March 26, 2026. (Photo/MDP Secretariat)
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih recently voiced significant criticism regarding the current government's fiscal management and its broader strategies for electoral reform. During a political rally in Addu City, Solih highlighted the substantial financial burden of public sector salaries, noting that the administration allocates MVR 4.8 billion annually toward this sector. He argued that despite this significant expenditure, the current government fails to garner meaningful support from the populace. Furthermore, Solih scrutinized the administration's rationale for holding presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously, challenging the claim that such consolidation would yield substantial cost savings, particularly in the face of what he perceives as broader governance failures.
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said Thursday that although the government spends MVR 4.8 billion annually on public‑sector salaries, it still lacks broad public support.
Speaking at a rally in Addu, Solih criticised the government’s push to hold the presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day, saying the administration is justifying the move by claiming it will save around MVR 50 million.
Solih said the previous administration spent about MVR 900 million per month on salaries in its final year, while the current government spends around MVR 400 million per month — amounting to MVR 4.8 billion a year. If the government is serious about reducing expenditure, he said, it should begin by addressing salary‑related spending.
With elections approaching, political parties and candidates are actively campaigning. Solih said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s policies no longer enjoy public backing, claiming “not one in a hundred” supports the government.
His remarks come as former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and the opposition MDP continue efforts to stop the April 4 referendum. The PNF has filed a civil suit, while MDP lawyers submitted two constitutional cases to the Supreme Court. One case was dismissed, and the other has already been heard and decided.
