President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has asserted that the previous administration's failure to execute critical projects was due to the embezzlement of funds intended for the national budget.
At a campaign rally in Baa Kamadhoo on Tuesday, President Solih said the money that should have entered the state budget during former President Abdullah Yameen's tenure was deposited into the personal accounts of some of the government officials. He said a large percentage of the funds received by the state during Yameen's tenure was spent on pepper spray, batons, and keeping people in jail.
“This is clear when you take a look at the police office budget,” he said.
President Solih, who is seeking re-election, said the opposition criticizes his government for utilizing tax money for the people. He emphasized that the funds were being channeled to meeting the people's needs and pledged to continue serving the country similarly. He compared his government to that of his predecessor and said the previous government did not do much for the people in the opportunity they had to serve the people.
The President said all funds received by the government have been spent to fulfill pledges and that 90 percent of his presidential vows have been fulfilled. These include establishing water and sewerage in more than 140 islands and free degree education for more than 18,000 students, he noted.
