Cabinet Ministers have commended President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, stating that his long-term vision for the country would drive the Maldives towards new heights in terms of development and progress. Their remark followed the President’s 2025 Presidential Address at the opening session of the Parliament.
At a forum hosted by the Islamic University of the Maldives (IUM) to discuss the presidential address, the Minister of Finance and Planning, Moosa Zameer, Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam and Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib spoke extensively on the key aspects of the President’s speech. All four Ministers offered high praise for the President for his visionary address.
Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed acknowledged that President Muizzu inherited an economy in a dire financial state upon taking office in November 2023. While significant and swift efforts were taken to enhance the economy, it is a remarkable achievement that President Muizzu was able to steer the nation away from bankruptcy and towards economic growth, he noted.
“He inherited a debt of USD 8.1 billion. Of this, 60 percent was debt created by the previous government, and most of it does not generate revenue. The Rufiyaa equivalent of USD 5.1 million was printed, the value of local currency fell as a result. I have not seen any previous government make such large strides in tackling economic challenges in such a short time to tackle ,” Minister Saeed said.
Finance Minister Moosa Zameer described that the presidential address as one of the most comprehensive and detailed statement delivered by a Maldivian president in recent history. While matters closely linked to the people were addressed in the statement, he noted that the President had outlined his administration’s approach to fulfilling public expectation.
“We have been closely witnessing President Muizzu’s relentless efforts over the past year, even internationally. He enhanced international relations, engaged positively with key stakeholders and sought ways to bring tangible benefits to the people,” the Minister said.
Construction Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib noted President Muizzu’s commitment to sincerely working towards fulfilling the pledges he has made to the people, particularly in infrastructure and housing. When revealed that when the current govenrment took over, infrastructural projects worth over USD 2.59 billion had been signed with various parties, which caused challenges in their execution. However, President Muizzu identified cost-effective alternatives to move forward efficiently, he noted, praising the President’s vision to effectively address the housing issue faced by the country,
“In his presidential address, the President shared details of both ongoing projects and new projects. This is the year where we will witness a tangible result. Projects will be implemented with a special focus on addressing housing needs. The President’s vision is such that the government provides housing solutions to the people, as well as facilitates ways for those interested in building their homes,” the Minister said.
Speaking at the forums, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam noted that the President had solid plans to diversify the fisheries industry, with major initiatives to be kicked off this year. The President’s vision for the fishing sector includes fish processing, increasing fish storage capacity, and bringing revolutionary changes to the fisheries industry during his tenure.
“The expense incurred when fishing vessels travel a long distance for ice services is a significant cost. The President has now facilitated the installation of ice onboard ice-making systems. Many efforts are underway to ensure a revolutionary change to the sector,” he added.
The Presidential Address offered a detailed assessment of the Maldives’ current situation, including ongoing and upcoming projects. The President also outlined his economic recovery strategy, infrastructure initiatives and policy reforms.