Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed responded tonight to MDP's decision to hold a protest regarding the rising cost of goods and other difficulties faced by the public.
The announcement that MDP had decided to hold a protest on the 12th of this month was made last night during a meeting of the party's National Council by the party's Chairperson and former President Mohamed Nasheed.
Responding to Nasheed's remarks, the Minister stated in a video published on social media today that August 12 and 13 of every year is a time when MDP gets "triggered."
In response to Nasheed's statements claiming that commodity prices were high, Saeed compared fuel prices in foreign countries with those in the Maldives during this period when oil prices have risen due to the Middle East war.
In that regard, Saeed stated that although a liter of petrol in the Maldives currently stands at MVR 16.01, a liter of petrol is available in Singapore for MVR 40.09. Saeed also noted that while a liter stands at MVR 14.07 in Dubai, a liter of petrol in India currently stands at MVR 18.08.
Saeed stated that although Nasheed claimed the price of infant formula milk tins had also increased, a 300g tin of Lactogen, one of its brands, is currently available for MVR 130 at MHA, which imports it most to the Maldives.
Furthermore, while Nasheed claimed that the price of beef was high, Saeed mentioned that different types of meat exist, and prices could be higher depending on quality, how the meat is cut, and the country of import. Saeed added that beef commonly used by the general public differs from such beef.
Saeed further stated that the opposition MDP always wants to "trick" the public. He also said such statements are made to achieve political objectives.
Saeed said that while this government is making numerous efforts to improve the Maldivian economy, MDP does not accept any of it. He also mentioned that after the value of Maldivian currency dropped and the nation's debt increased during MDP's administration, a large portion of that debt was also paid off by this government.
