Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed has accused former leaders, specifically targeting ex-President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, of being unable to accept the leadership roles of their successors. This criticism follows Yameen’s disparaging remarks about the current administration’s economic management and attributing the reduction in the dollar rate to natural market fluctuations rather than government intervention.
Saeed, a prominent member of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)/People’s National Congress (PNC), has defended President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, claiming that significant progress is being made in advancing previously stalled development projects. The minister’s assertions on social media platform X aim to counter Yameen’s narrative, emphasising that the government’s efforts have been instrumental in the country’s recent economic developments.
The backdrop to this political discourse includes a contentious history between Yameen and the current government. Yameen, serving an 11-year sentence for money laundering under house arrest—a concession made by the Solih administration following Muizzu’s request—has remained vocally critical of the government’s policies and achievements.
Adding to the controversy, President Muizzu shared a post from Deputy Youth Minister Mariyam Shiuna, suspended for mocking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which accused Yameen of orchestrating a “devious” plan by allowing the People’s National Congress (PNC) to field a backup candidate in the last presidential election. The post suggested Yameen’s intention was to undermine Muizzu within the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and secure his defeat in the primaries, a plot Shiuna alleges was thwarted by divine intervention.
Yameen’s counter-accusations against senior officials of Muizzu’s government, claiming efforts to dismantle PPM, reflect a broader narrative of political manoeuvring and retaliation that has come to characterise the Maldives’ current political landscape.
These exchanges, while personal on the surface, underscore a significant struggle for control and influence within the ruling party and its opposition, highlighting the intricate dynamics of power, loyalty, and strategy.
