Nasheed: Projects need to be halted, next pres. should pledge to ‘slow down’

Former president Mohamed Nasheed, citing projects need to be halted, states an individual campaigning for presidency next should pledge to “slow down”.

Nasheed, who has increasingly shared his views regarding Maldives’ developmental projects and financial state on social media recently, via a post on X on Friday evening, said it is important to halt infrastructure projects underway as part of developmental plans for at least four to five years.

In this regard, he said the slogan for the upcoming elections should be “wait for now’, and the next elected president should pledge to ‘slow down’ when it comes to implementing projects.

Nasheed emphasized that development is not defined by concrete structures alone. He added that public wealth can only grow by cutting state expenditures, generating surplus, boosting national reserves, and lowering debt. He added that Maldivians are individuals that are educated and well-aware.

The PNC-supermajority Parliament passed a state budget of MVR 56.6 billion for 2025: the first state budget since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office.

While MVR 12 billion was allocated in the budget for PSIP projects – the latest statistics show that only MVR 7.1 billion has been utilized as of September 18^th.

There have been mounting concerns over stalled projects at majority of islands. However, President Muizzu has affirmed that projects will see completion over the next two years.

Notably, the President has also inaugurated many projects in islands, including airport development projects, road development projects and housing projects.

Nasheed has called to halt projects after President Muizzu had remarked last Wednesday night that MVR 3 billion would be allocated for new projects in the proposed budget for next year.