Received green light from some countries to refinance loans: Dr. Muizzu

Opposition presidential candidate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said on Saturday that countries they have friendly ties with have already given them the green signal to refinance loans the current administration has taken from various foreign banks and nations.

While most of the loans have to be repaid within the next five years, Dr. Muizzu’s solution is to refinance the loans. Speaking at Haa Dhaalu atoll Kurinbi, the presidential candidate for People's National Congress (PNC) and Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) said that he knows how to put the economy on track and repay the loans and there was no concern on his minds over whether this can be achieved.

"We already have a friendly group of people who have given the green signal to refinance the huge loans. So, we don't have to worry, we really really don’t have any concerns in addressing this economy," Dr. Muizzu said.

He also called on the people to take inspiration from the national struggle of past heroes like Bodu Thakurufaanu, and to work with the nation’s spirit and determination in mind. He urged people to unite under the national spirit and vote as one on September 30.

Speaking at a rally in Marandhoo, Dr. Muizzu also announced that he would start a tour of all the islands of the Maldives if he wins the elections. He also said that Marandhoo would be placed at the top of the list.

Dr. Muizzu said his government would be one that works closely with the people and would be run through dialogue. This will be done by ensuring complete decentralisation and giving up power to the rural areas, he said.

He said a government ministry would be created to provide services to the councils and the Local Governance Authority (LGA) would be given full powers.

“I have been at two sides. At the government and at the council as well. Therefore I know how we can connect these two sides. The civic bodies will be run in coordination with the government by giving them money from the budget as well,” he said.

Dr. Muizzu expressed his concern about the current government's mismanagement of public funds and the lack of accountability in overseeing these expenditures. He called on the people to vote for a government that would liberate them from this situation and ensure more responsible and efficient use of public funds in the future.