MP for North Thinadhoo North constituency Saudulla Hilmy has stated that the steady increase in the state budget each year is driven by the government’s need to provide essential infrastructure such as airports, harbors, and roads for citizens.

Speaking during Wednesday’s parliamentary debate on the proposed 2026 state budget, Saudulla explained that in the 1980s and earlier, when a president visited an island, residents would request only basic necessities, such as a well cover for the mosque, a spade, or a small amount of oil for lighting. In contrast, he said that citizens today demand large-scale infrastructure projects, including airports, harbors, and roads.

He emphasized that the government must now include these major projects in the budget to meet the evolving expectations and needs of the public. Saudullanoted that the cost of citizens’ demands has risen significantly as their ideas and priorities have become more advanced.

He added that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has visited every island in the Maldives and personally met with residents, gaining a clear understanding of their concerns and difficulties. According to Saudulla, both the president and the government are now well aware of the needs of the people.

The lawmaker stated that the state has an obligation to fulfill citizens’ requests and expressed confidence that the president will give these matters strong priority in preparing next year’s budget. He also highlighted the importance of educating the public on the need for government spending to remain proportionate to national revenue.