MDP protest aims to seize power, destabilize nation: Gasim

Renowned businessman, Jumhoori Party Leader and MP for Maamigili constituency Gasim Ibrahim has stated today that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s protest planned for tonight aims to seize power and destabilize the nation. 

He stated that the protest, timed while the current administration is striving to repay debt inherited from previous governments and strengthen the economy, would only serve to further damage the nation. 

MDP is preparing to stage a protest in Male' at 8:30pm tonight, with participants coming from across the atolls, titled 'Lootuvaifi, Lootuvaifi' (Looted, Looted). 

Gasim, in a post on X, described the protest as harmful rather than constructive, alleging it to be a travesty driven by a thirst for power. 

Gasim accused MDP of organizing protests to obstruct the current administration's efforts to serve the nation and to sow discord as a means of paving the way for a power grab. 

Gasim called on Jumhoori Party members to not participate in this protest. 

"This government is now having to pay back loans taken by the previous three or four administrations. The majority of revenue is going towards paying back this debt. If these debts are not paid, the nation will go bankrupt. So, this government is paying off these debts even if through taking additional taxes. They are struggling even to pay salaries," Gasim said. 

Gasim further highlighted major corruption in State owned enterprises in previous administrations as well. He said that no action had been taken at the time, but in contrast, presently those responsible are being removed from their posts. 

Gasim stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has consistently taken a firm and vocal stance against corruption, and has been leading probes into any such corruption that comes to light. 

"My advise is that no one join this protest. To not do anything that will take away the peace and stability of this country," Gasim said.