Ameer said that, despite the government's commitment to save MVR 7.7 billion through expenditure reductions, there are no signs of such cuts happening. Instead, he alleged, new promises are being made that further increase costs.
Former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer has criticized the government for failing to implement any cost-cutting measures outlined in this year’s budget, instead increasing expenditure without a concrete plan.
Speaking at a press conference held by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to discuss the country’s financial situation, Ameer said that while the budget included measures to reduce public expenditure such as subsidy cuts, Aasandha reforms, pension adjustments, and improved management of state-owned enterprises, none of these have been put into action.
He said that, despite the government's commitment to save MVR 7.7 billion through expenditure reductions, there are no signs of such cuts happening. Instead, he alleged, new promises are being made that further increase costs.
"If things continue on this path, a supplementary budget of MVR 7.7 billion will likely be proposed later this year to cover the shortfall," Ameer predicted.
During the press conference, he also pointed out that while no new development projects have been initiated, promises are being made to various islands without a clear implementation strategy.
“A development project can only be implemented if the budget is properly managed,” Ameer said, urging the government to handle its finances more responsibly.
He further said that if the current trend continues, national debt is expected to reach MVR 200 billion by the end of the government's five-year term.
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