Opposition Presidential candidate, former President Abdullah Yameen has stated that this administration has neglected youth, even though they are the energy that drives the nation.
Speaking in Friday evening’s rally, President Yameen said that youth constituted two-thirds of the population and was vital in the nation.
Youth, he said, was the cornerstone of his administration. He said his administration had created 104,000 jobs for youth, to ensure they were prosperous.
In contrast, this administration had managed to create only 2,000 jobs in their four years in office, he said.
The former President described this administration as a ‘sticker government’, highlighting the massive amounts earned by penalizing citizens, especially youth. Penalties, he said, was the biggest contributor to the state, with incomes generated going over MVR 100 million to MVR 200 million.
He highlighted that housing was still the biggest issue facing youth. This administration, he said, had failed to deliver on the pledge of housing. He sarcastically questioned whether the promised 40,000 flats were underwater.
President Yameen said this administration failed youth in every aspect, with zero thought given to a policy that would provide security and room for growth for youth.
The treatment of youth, he added, was a key metric to judge how well a government is performing.