Majlis reconvenes with debate on food subsidy cut
The People’s Majlis reconvened after a one-month recess today with a heated debate about the doubling of prices for staple foods after the government’s abrupt decision to target subsidies for the needy.
06 Oct 2016, 9:00 AM
The People’s Majlis reconvened after a one-month recess today with a majority of MPs calling on the government to reverse its decision to target subsidies after staple food prices doubled overnight in Malé.
All 52 MPs in attendance voted in favour of a motion without notice to debate the price hike as a matter of urgent national concern.
Several MPs of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives also criticised the government for abruptly enforcing the policy change without consulting lawmakers.
But others defended the move, claiming 40 percent of subsidies are enjoyed by expatriates and tourists and citing longstanding recommendations by international financial institutions to reduce recurrent expenditure.
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