PNC Celebrates Government’s Transparency Achievements, Calls Out Opposition Misinformation

News

The People’s National Congress (PNC), the ruling party led by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has highlighted the government’s significant strides in managing public finances and ensuring transparency over the past year. The party says these efforts mark a turning point in how the Maldives is governed, focusing on responsible spending and open communication with the public.

One of the key achievements the PNC highlighted is the government’s success in reining in spending. For years, government expenditure increased by an average of 15% annually. This year, however, it grew by just 2.5%, reflecting the administration’s focus on fiscal discipline. As a result, the budget deficit has been reduced to MVR 378 million—a 3.6% drop from the previous year.

To ensure citizens stay informed, the Ministry of Finance now releases weekly reports on how public funds are spent and earned. This level of transparency is unprecedented and addresses long-standing issues inherited from previous administrations, including inaccuracies in reporting foreign-funded projects.

The government has also set a new standard for responsiveness by ensuring every Right to Information (RTI) request submitted to the President’s Office is answered. Ministries and state-owned companies have been encouraged to follow suit, responding to requests for information on everything from political appointees to salary expenditures.

In a historic first, the government has begun publishing Cabinet decisions on a dedicated website, a move aimed at giving the public greater insight into decision-making processes. Since March 2024, every Cabinet decision has been accessible online, marking a major step forward in open governance.

The PNC also pointed to improved communication with the media. Over the past year, the administration has held more than 70 press conferences and conducted over 700 media briefings. Importantly, there have been no actions taken to restrict or undermine press freedom.

However, the PNC voiced strong criticism of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for what it called “misleading” the public. The PNC urged the MDP to fulfill its role as a responsible opposition by focusing on constructive criticism instead of distorting facts and undermining progress.

“We are committed to serving the people with integrity and openness,” the PNC said in a statement. “Our priority remains the welfare of the Maldivian people and ensuring that the government operates in a way that is both responsible and transparent.”

The ruling party assured the public that under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s leadership, the government would continue working to improve accountability, foster trust, and create a brighter future for all Maldivians.