Political

Inability of past government hiked price of staple food in 2016: Economic Minister

Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed has stated President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was forced to hike the prices of staple foods in 2016, following the responsibilities inherited due to inefficiency of the administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed.
Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed revealed President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was forced to nullify the subsidy granted on staple food items due to the burden inherited from the irresponsible decisions of the former President while speaking on a programme aired on PSM News. The government spent over USD 300 million to bring back Velana International Airport to the control of Maldives, further noted the Maldivian Economic Minister.
Highlighting business entities owe over millions of dollars to the state, Economic Minister said staple food prices would not have been increased in 2016, if the businesses had made tax payments accordingly.