Deputy Speaker of the Parliament MP Eva Abdulla has said President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration spends millions on the media to promote their agendas.
Eva criticized the government while the Maldives has dropped 15 spots in the Reporters Without Borders' most recent Press Freedom Index.
In a tweet published on World Press Freedom Day, Eva said the state control of media through sponsorship was a worrying trend. She said using government funds, including millions from the President's Office, ministries, and state companies, to further the government's agenda can be classified as manipulation. She added that the government's role must be to encourage independent journalism instead of buying off the media.
The opposing Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) also issued a statement on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day. In their message, the party said their main concern was the Maldivian media being influenced by India. The party also said the government does not cooperate in providing information to news agencies that publish content regarding the opposition.
