Parliament rejects resolution alleging political firings at SOEs

The Parliament on Wednesday rejected a resolution submitted by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), accusing the government of using the initiative to reduce the number of employees at state-owned enterprises (SOEs) by 33 percent as a cover for political retaliation.

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) used its supermajority to reject the resolution, submitted by Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir back in June, with a majority vote of 45-6.

The PNC administration insists that the layoffs are part of efforts to cut costs.

However, the resolution accuses the government of using the initiative as a cover to unfairly punish employees who do not support President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.

The MDP is offering legal assistance to people allegedly dismissed from SOEs for political reasons.

Back in June, the party said it had helped 37 individuals file wrongful termination cases with the Employment Tribunal.