News Desk
Vice President Hussain Mohammed Latheef says the government will continue to provide services to the people despite the economic challenges it faced when taking office two years ago. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sangu TV, a channel affiliated with Youth Minister Asward, VP Hussain Latheef reflected on the second anniversary of President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu’s administration.
He recalled that the country was burdened with debt when the government began its term. “The economy was very low when we took office,” he said. “The President is still working to repay the country’s debt and get the economy back on track.”
VP Hussain Latheef pointed to the completion and opening of the new terminal at Velana International Airport as a milestone in strengthening the state’s economic base. He said the expansion would increase tourist arrivals and help ease the shortage of foreign currency. He added that several islands have already been opened for tourism and more will follow, creating new opportunities for communities and expanding access to dollars as the economy recovers.
Looking ahead, VP Hussain Latheef said the next three years will be marked by rapid development projects. He noted that during the early months of the administration, the opposition held a majority in parliament and imposed financial restrictions on many initiatives. “They tried to overthrow a legally elected government through parliament,” he said. Despite those challenges, he emphasized that the President’s vision remains focused on national development and prosperity.
The Vice President highlighted progress in transport and infrastructure, including the acceleration of work at Velana International Airport, the expansion of domestic flights, and improvements to the broader transport system. He also underscored the government’s social agenda, citing the establishment of rehabilitation centres to build a drug-free society. “Those arrested in the drug network will be tried and punished,” he said. Recently, the government has conducted a countrywide drug operation and apprehended dealers and peddlers.
VP Hussain Latheef said the government has extended benefits to children with thalassemia and to single mothers, aiming to strengthen social equality. He added that the 2026 budget includes allocations to upgrade regional hospitals to the level of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Malé, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.
He also pledged that the government will raise the price of fish purchased from fishermen as the economy stabilizes. Soft loans will be provided to expand fishing and agriculture, he said, assuring citizens that “there is a bright future for the people in this government.”
