Maldives is among the countries granting most subsidies to the people- President
President Dr. Mohamed Waheed has said that Maldives is among the countries granting the most subsidies in various areas to the people.
The President made this remark meeting with the Maldivian families and students residing in Sri Lanka, during his visit to the country.
The President noted that the government has been granting subsidies in the areas such as health, education, housing and other areas.
“The state does not earn enough to cover all these subsidies and the salaries and allowances of the government staffs. Therefore, it is important to cut down the expenditure and increase the income. And there is not much that can be done to earn more. So we have to find a way to increasing our income through economical activities,” he said.
Highlighting the rapid recovery of the tourism sector, the President spoke on the difficulties currently being faced by the government. The President also said that a number of steps have been taken in the past six months since his assumption of office, to minimize the debt and vast expenses the country had been facing for years.
Speaking on the political situation in the Maldives, the President reiterated the government’s efforts in maintaining peace and harmony in the Maldives, and creating a peaceful environment for political parties to hold discussions. He also said that he would commence talks among all party leaders after he had concluded this visit.
In his speech, the President raised his concerns over the current state of parliamentary inactivity in the Maldives. He expressed his hopes for the resumption of parliamentary sessions in due course.
Speaking at the function, the President said that the emergence of political parties should not “wound” our country, or create conflict among family members. He said that the birth of political parties must not sow the seeds of factious dissension among our people, and that today we have lost the brotherhood that our society had once typified so well.
In his speech, President Waheed noted that every one of us wishes for the country to run smoothly and efficiently, and that those reform actions needed, would not be completed as speedily as we desire. The President then drew on the importance of patience and maintaining communal friendship and love. The President also said that this was the time to set aside our personal interests, and strive to build closer brotherly relations among us.