Former parliamentarian for Alifushi constituency Mohamed Rasheed “Bigey” Hussain has stated that the 2025 budget allocates MVR 4,000 for the elderly, instead of the previously proposed MVR 5,000.

Speaking at a Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) campaign site meeting, the former lawmaker claimed that the incumbent administration has lied, deceived, and misled.

He claimed that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu came to power through lies, deception, and misleading tactics.

He added that since coming to power, the incumbent has oppressed the people, raised prices of goods to unbearable levels, and that this is unacceptable.

Shedding light on the budget, the ex-MP said that it was submitted in violation of the Constitution of Maldives as well as the law.

Emphasizing that the Constitution and law clearly state that block grants must be given to councils, and councils are obligated to do this and can even sue regarding this matter, the ex-MP stressed that the block grants that should be given through the Decentralization Act were reduced significantly for many, in violation of the law and Constitution.

The ex-MP stressed that this is something the people need to think about, and it's not something that can be left solely to council members to deal with.

The former lawmaker emphasized that the current administration is engaging in several unlawful actions, with the most concerning being the reduction of funds mandated by the Decentralization Act, which are crucial for advancing local affairs and ensuring progress.

Further, he argued that the current Minister of Finance's submission of the budget to the People’s Majlis in violation of the law demonstrates a lack of the qualities required by legal standards and urged ministers who do not comply with the law and Constitution to resign voluntarily.

Stressing that the prices of goods have changed significantly, the former parliamentarian criticized the budget, stating that tax increases have become oppressive, subsidies for essential items have been significantly reduced, and without adequate income for the people, this will lead to increased hardship.