Nasheed says Maldives reserves have dollars for less than two weeks of imports, calls government directionless

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has sharply criticised the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, stating that the country's usable foreign reserves do not have enough dollars to cover even two weeks of essential imports. Speaking at a press conference during a by-election campaign event in Hulhudhoo, Addu Atoll, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson described the current government as directionless and harmful to the people. Nasheed pointed to soaring commodity prices, saying prices of some goods had risen by 20 to 30 percent. He highlighted that the dollar exchange rate has exceeded 23 rufiyaa. He also noted the government's repeated and contradictory policy changes to address the dollar shortage – first requiring tourists to exchange $500, then 20 percent, later 40 percent – none of which had worked. He warned that continuing with the Muizzu government would bring further losses to the nation and its citizens.