Former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer has criticized the government for not adhering to this year’s budget plan, raising concerns about potential financial challenges.
Speaking at a press conference organized by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Ameer explained that the government had initially aimed to implement measures that would cut expenditures and save MVR 7 billion. However, by the end of this month, it appears the government is straying from this plan, he noted.
Ameer pointed out that the government's budget for this year included several measures, such as providing basic pensions only to those entitled, implementing subsidies, and introducing pension reforms. However, recent actions and statements from government officials, including President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, suggest a shift away from these outlined strategies.
The former minister also highlighted an increase in the number of employees and political appointees hired by various companies, questioning how the government plans to achieve savings of MVR 7.7 billion if this trend continues.
Ameer warned that if the government does not adjust its spending, it may need to submit another supplementary budget of MVR 7 billion this year.
Last year, in addition to the initial budget of MVR 49.8 billion, the government passed a supplementary budget of MVR 5.1 billion, bringing the total budget to MVR 55 billion. When presenting this year’s budget, the government had pledged to avoid additional supplementary budgets and adhere to the approved allocation. However, Ameer’s comments suggest concerns over the government's ability to follow through on these promises.
Speaking at a press conference organized by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Ameer explained that the government had initially aimed to implement measures that would cut expenditures and save MVR 7 billion. However, by the end of this month, it appears the government is straying from this plan, he noted.
Ameer pointed out that the government's budget for this year included several measures, such as providing basic pensions only to those entitled, implementing subsidies, and introducing pension reforms. However, recent actions and statements from government officials, including President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, suggest a shift away from these outlined strategies.
The former minister also highlighted an increase in the number of employees and political appointees hired by various companies, questioning how the government plans to achieve savings of MVR 7.7 billion if this trend continues.
Ameer warned that if the government does not adjust its spending, it may need to submit another supplementary budget of MVR 7 billion this year.
Last year, in addition to the initial budget of MVR 49.8 billion, the government passed a supplementary budget of MVR 5.1 billion, bringing the total budget to MVR 55 billion. When presenting this year’s budget, the government had pledged to avoid additional supplementary budgets and adhere to the approved allocation. However, Ameer’s comments suggest concerns over the government's ability to follow through on these promises.
