Minister Mohamed Saeed Accused of Deceiving Public Over 'Debt of Lies' Claims

Maldivian Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has come under fire for repeatedly describing the country's state debt as a 'lie', a stance that critics say deceives the public and ignores legal and financial realities. Saeed, who has served in senior positions in various governments since 2013, has failed to deliver economic results, prompting many citizens to question whether he is the one truly deceiving them. The article explains that state debt is a legal and financial obligation that every government must inherit and repay, regardless of political changes, and that loans are given to the Maldivian State, not to specific presidents or terms. It also notes that debt repayment is a mandatory part of the annual state budget approved by the People's Majlis, and that refinancing or extending loans is a common practice worldwide. The piece criticizes Saeed for using the 'debt of lies' rhetoric to exert political pressure, while the public's real concern is the lack of economic progress under his tenure.