MDP Chairperson Nasheed Warns Party Is Facing Fourth Crisis Over Hardline Shift

Former President and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed has warned that the party is currently facing its fourth crisis, attributing growing internal divisions to the government's decision to sell land from the Rasmalé reclamation project to a foreign investor. In a post on X, Nasheed stated that the MDP's current trajectory has moved away from the foundational principles and democratic values upon which the party was established. He expressed concern that recent policies reflect a hardline nationalist sentiment and animosity towards foreign entities, describing this as a dangerous path that deviates from the party's original philosophy. Nasheed warned that many within the party now believe electoral success can be achieved by instilling fear, anger, and division among the public, and that such populist tactics could undermine the MDP's foundational pillars. He added that fostering animosity towards foreign entities would harm the party and cause significant setbacks to the country's democratic system and economy. The issue escalated following the government's decision to sell 500 hectares of land from the Rasmalé reclamation project to the UAE-based Eagle Hills company. An emergency session of the People's Majlis is scheduled to determine the MDP's official stance on the project, with major divisions emerging between the party leadership and its Members of Parliament.