Former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer has stated that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) opposes raising taxes without first cutting government spending.
Ameer made the comments during a press conference today, where he criticized the current government's financial management.
Ameer emphasized the need for the government to reduce wasteful expenditures but claimed that there has been no genuine effort to address this issue. He pointed out that political appointments alone cost the government approximately MVR 2 billion annually, while recent efforts to abolish 228 posts would only save MVR 5 million, a figure he deemed insufficient.
The MDP is against increasing taxes without a sincere attempt to reduce government spending, Ameer said.
He further noted that the government's failure in financing strategies led to the proposed tax hikes. According to Ameer, the government aimed to raise $400 million for the 2024 budget but lacks a clear plan for financing the 2025 budget.
Ameer also accused the government of going against its initial promises, highlighting that the President had previously pledged not to increase the Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) further.
During the press conference, Ameer also addressed concerns about his tenure as finance minister, particularly to the Maldives’ financial laws. He affirmed that he had not violated any laws and expressed his willingness to face any charges brought against him.
Ameer made the comments during a press conference today, where he criticized the current government's financial management.
Ameer emphasized the need for the government to reduce wasteful expenditures but claimed that there has been no genuine effort to address this issue. He pointed out that political appointments alone cost the government approximately MVR 2 billion annually, while recent efforts to abolish 228 posts would only save MVR 5 million, a figure he deemed insufficient.
The MDP is against increasing taxes without a sincere attempt to reduce government spending, Ameer said.
He further noted that the government's failure in financing strategies led to the proposed tax hikes. According to Ameer, the government aimed to raise $400 million for the 2024 budget but lacks a clear plan for financing the 2025 budget.
Ameer also accused the government of going against its initial promises, highlighting that the President had previously pledged not to increase the Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) further.
During the press conference, Ameer also addressed concerns about his tenure as finance minister, particularly to the Maldives’ financial laws. He affirmed that he had not violated any laws and expressed his willingness to face any charges brought against him.
