MDP to hold nationwide protest on Thursday over stalled projects and political dismissals

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to hold a nationwide protest on Thursday in response to what it describes as the politically‑motivated dismissal of employees working in government‑owned companies.

The decision was taken at the first meeting of the MDP National Assembly chaired by former President Mohamed Nasheed, who now serves as the party’s chairman. The resolution, submitted by the MDP Secretariat, stated that actions taken by the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu are “causing harm to the public” and that the party “cannot remain silent while citizens suffer due to the government’s disregard for laws and regulations.”

The resolution highlighted two key concerns:

1. Stalled development projects

The MDP said development projects across the atolls have come to a halt, noting that nearly 90 percent of projects were completed by the end of the previous MDP administration. It said essential services such as electricity, water and sewerage remain unimplemented in several islands.

2. Political dismissals in SOEs

The resolution also condemned the dismissal of employees from state‑owned enterprises (SOEs), accusing the government of violating employment laws and targeting individuals based on their support for the MDP. The party said such actions lack legal justification and amount to political retaliation.

The resolution passed unanimously by all members present, and included three directives:

• To work closely with island councils on issues affecting local communities.  

• To hold nationwide protests on Thursday against political dismissals and the alleged targeting of individuals for political reasons.  

• To provide legal and other forms of assistance to those affected by such actions.

The issue of political dismissals has gained national attention in recent weeks. Finance Minister Hassan Zareer is already facing questions from North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) over the alleged removal of several SOE employees. Kudu argues that such dismissals violate constitutional protections against discrimination based on political affiliation.