Maldives Parliament: Opposition Outcry Over President Muizzu’s Cabinet, Allegations of Partiality on Speaker
On Sunday, there was heavy fighting in the Maldives Parliament, leading to chaos. According to media reports, President Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet had sought approval from the parliament on Sunday. When opposition MPs tried to enter the parliament, guards attempted to stop them.
Muizzu Supports China
Mohamed Muizzu had chanted slogans against India during his election campaign. After coming to power, he ordered the removal of Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives. India announced the termination of the hydrographic survey agreement. Following this, Maldivian ministers criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visit to the Lakshadweep islands, calling it provocative against India.
Meeting Postponed to Remove Indian Soldiers
In a meeting of the Core Committee held in the Maldives on January 14, the government postponed the time to remove 88 Indian soldiers present there until March 15. On November 15, 2023, the new president of the Maldives and Mohamed Muizzu, who is said to be a supporter of China, took oath. Since then, there has been a strain in relations between India and the Maldives.
Muizzu Interview with Times of India
In an interview given to Times of India at the beginning of January, Muizzu was asked a question regarding the presence of Indian troops in India. The question was whether India is concerned about calling back its soldiers. In response, Muizzu stated that in this year’s presidential election, the people of the Maldives made it clear that they do not want foreign troops in their country. Currently, India is the only country where foreign troops are present. Considering the wishes of Maldivian citizens, I have told India to call back its troops.
Opposition Aligns with India
In the Maldives, the two main opposition parties opposed President Muizzu’s anti-India policy. The Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats said that India has been our ally for a long time. Ignoring such a country is not good for the development of the country.
MDP President Faiyaz Ismail, Deputy Speaker of the Maldives Parliament Ahmed Salim, Democratic Party’s Chief MP Hassan Latif, and Parliamentary Group Leader Ali Azim recently held a joint press conference. They said that the government should work with all stakeholders for the benefit and development of the people of the Maldives. This has always been the case.
Parliamentary Composition and Muizzu’s Visit to China
MPs from MDP and Democrats hold 55 out of 87 seats in the Maldives Parliament. Muizzu had visited China a few days ago. This was his first political visit, while it is common for the Maldives President to take his first political visit to India.
