Opposition leader and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has challenged Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed and Finance Minister Moosa Zameer to a public debate on the country’s growing state debt.
Speaking at the MDP National Assembly on Wednesday, Fayyaz, who previously served as economic minister, said he and former finance minister Ibrahim Ameer are prepared to face Saeed and Zameer in front of the nation.
“I am calling on the current economic minister and the current finance minister to come before the people of Maldives, together with me and our former finance minister, and have a proper discussion on the issue of debt. Come if you dare,” he said.
Fayyaz added that the MDP would formally invite the two ministers to a public debate at a time and venue of their choosing, with the option to bring any advisors they wish.
The former economic minister criticised the Muizzu government for repeatedly blaming the previous administration when facing criticism over debt and alleged corruption.
“Every time pressure builds over their own corruption and rising debt, they try to deceive the people by talking about the previous government. These are the same lies they keep repeating,” Fayyaz said. “We have explained these things many times. Yet, after just two months, they come back with the same lies.”
As of Thursday, there has been no public response from the government, Minister Saeed, or Minister Zameer regarding the challenge.