Finance Minister Ahmed Munavvar has stated that development projects at constituencies of which the representative lawmakers refrained from voting to 2018 state budget, will be challenging.
While answering during the meeting by budget assessment committee on Saturday, Minister Munavvar said the voting member representing constituencies will be prioritized over those who refrained from voting.
"It would be difficult for us to commence development projects at constituencies of which the representative lawmakers had not voted. There would be many who would not cast vote for the budget approval, but this isn't the case in other foreign nations. The opposing lawmakers would vote for despite their opposing ideologies, because these are the rights of citizens," said Munavvar.
Finance Minister had stated that voting members' constituencies will receive top consideration for development projects regardless of their political party allegiances - suggesting opposition lawmakers who vote would have their constituencies considered for projects.
Munavvar had also said that while development projects are mounting the state debt is certain to rise while he stressed on adjusting and clearing the state debt. He also added that the government does not generate adequate revenue to fund for all the development projects in Maldives and loan supplements are necessary, resulting in the increase of state debt.
State has announced a MVR 28 billion budget for 2018, leading to heavy criticism from the opposition. The prime concern being the increase of state debt and exclusion of projects from several prominent atolls and constituencies.
While opposition had excused themselves from partaking in budget deliberation at parliament sessions, they gathered at Maafannu Kunooz to express their opinion and voice concerns on it.
Opposition allied lawmakers had refrained from participating in parliament sessions since they have 'renounced' Speaker Abdulla Maseeh from his designation and refuse to identify his authority.