MDP Ex-President Ibra Warns Eagle Hills Project Will Widen Social Divisions

Former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) has said that the existing divisions in Maldivian society will further widen due to the Eagle Hills project. Responding to a post by Nashid on X, Ibra defended the MDP's foundational policies, stating that the party was founded on human rights and democratic principles, not on pluralism accommodating many religions and cultures. He noted that while the MDP has always respected the large number of foreigners working in the country, this does not mean allowing them to permanently settle in the Maldives with different religions and cultures. Ibra said that opposition to the Rasmalé deal is not based on a specific ideology or anti-Zionist mindset, noting that some of Nashid's earlier statements were not opposed within the party due to the delicate political situation at the time. He said people's thinking has now changed and true democracy requires space for different opinions, adding that handing over the country's assets and resources to large foreign companies threatens national sovereignty and independence. Disagreements exist within the party over the government's decision to sell 500 hectares of reclaimed land in Rasmalé to UAE-based Eagle Hills. The government agreed to hand over Rasmalé without charging execution fees or land rent, receiving only 10 percent of revenue from commercial property sales and four percent from apartment sales. A People's Majlis meeting has been scheduled for tonight to determine the party's stance.