President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated last night that the result of the ongoing development in Maldives is a "refined Maldives" and that this is the vision.
He said this during the ceremony in celebration of Victory Day 2026.
During the ceremony held at Republic Square, President Muizzu said making Maldives a refined nation is a vision held by every Maldivian and that development is the right of every citizen.
"Progress will uplift the honor and dignity of the nation. That is the hope of every Maldivian who wants the best for the country. It is the prayer in every Maldivian's heart," said the President.
According to President Muizzu, he still remembers the speech he gave while addressing the nation after the oath he took on 17th November 2023 near the flag at Republic Square. One of the important points from the speech was about the economic state of Maldives, said the President while recalling that day.
President Muizzu said he had told citizens of the dire state of the Maldivian economy and pledged to put it back on track and steer the country out of debt during his address to the nation.
He said his second pledge was to uphold respect for the national flag and prioritise Maldivian identity and nationalism.
The President said he is proudly working to make these things a reality.
"The country has been saved by the grace of God even while warnings that Maldives may go bankrupt were being given. The culture of irresponsibly taking on debt and printing money has ended, and the debts that have been taken on are being paid off. Because of that, trust in our beloved nation from foreign investors is increasing day after day," spoke the President.
President Muizzu went on to say that the national service program, which started with the ideology to produce patriotic youth, is already underway. He stated there are more than 1,000 graduates, with hundreds of them currently in the program.
President Muizzu continued, stating that foreign military forces in Maldives have been sent away and a foreign policy that prioritizes the interests of Maldives has been established.
"The letter seeking to relinquish control of a significant maritime area under the full sovereign authority of the Maldives has been withdrawn. Efforts to address the matter concerning the area previously relinquished have begun on the international stage. We are strengthening our national defence capabilities in every possible way," President Muizzu said.
He said the purpose for this is to safeguard the nation's independence. Even ideologically or financially, the point is to increase the country's own capabilities, the President continued.
"...To prove the nation's own identity. The purpose of this is to ensure peace and safety for its citizens. To lead a life of prosperity, sufficiency and joy."
As per the President, the foundation of finding such a life is economic independence. He stated that even if it is a country, association or an individual, freedom of speech can only be assured freely and without influence if they themselves have freedom.
"As we commemorate Victory Day and reflect on our country's independence, I believe we must give serious thought to these issues. Just as Maldivians liberated the country from the oppression of weapons, we must now free our nation from the burden of debt," the President said.
"The fires of civil unrest and prejudice must be put out in the name of national interest. We need to identify and learn what is best for the country. We must find and facilitate those opportunities to the point where the red line of the nation's freedom, sovereignty and independence must not fade."
