President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that striking a balance between structural and human development will be one of the fundamental policies of this starting presidential term. He made these remarks in his Inaugural Address after assuming office.
In his address, President Muizzu stated that it was a historic day full of hope as the Maldivians set sail to return to their homeland. He highlighted his administration’s goals to instill morals, religious values, and skills in the youth, as these will aid in the Maldives' progress and greater prosperity.
The president declared that his administration would uphold the autonomy of the three branches of government, emphasising that it would refrain from interfering in the legal system.
Furthermore, President Muizzu noted that the state's total debt when he assumed office was USD7.7 billion, the biggest in the financial history of the Maldives. Noting that the Maldives remains strong enough to overcome the economic fallout, he disclosed that his government would take swift steps to deal with the situation. In this regard, he highlighted completing the Velana International Airport (VIA) expansion project, the expeditious opening of a new modern terminal, generating more tourism revenue and developing methods to reduce costs.
Furthermore, President Muizzu declared that his administration will highly prioritise the tourism industry, which he said is one of the strongest pillars of the nation's economy. He emphasised that the government would develop new approaches to managing and furthering the tourism industry. He additionally noted that his administration would make living conditions easier, including housing accommodations for workers in the tourism industry.
Stressing that the government will continue its land and housing policy, President Muizzu stated that Maldivians will see a golden era of housing and land ownership during his presidency. He further avowed his government’s plans to build garlands of magnificent gardens and state-of-the-art buildings, starting from Uthuru Thila Falhu to Fushi Dhiggaru Falhu, for which most of the planning and paperwork is complete.
Moroever, President Muizzu emphasised the need for the government to have a sustainable, fair development framework to carry out development operations. The president stated that the government's development efforts will follow this vision, which he described as a new model to share the advantages of growth and urbanisation to diverse parts of the country. Emphasising medium and long-term objectives, he added that the goal is to construct a master plan for national development for the next 20 years and give it legal power to build the future that the people desire based on their proposals. Stating that the government would open up an opportunity to share the aspirations and views of the people in this regard, he urged the learned professionals from all walks of life to help the government with their research and experience.
Additionally, President Muizzu highlighted this administration's further development plan, which includes establishing two integrated development zones in the northern and southernmost parts of the country and developing seven urban centres throughout the country.