Why did clashes erupt in Maldives Parliament?
The clashes that erupted in the Maldives Parliament on Sunday were sparked during a special session called to gain parliamentary approval for President Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet ministers.
The chaos unfolded when government MPs, belonging to the People’s National Congress (PNC) and the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM), disrupted the proceedings, leading to a confrontation with the Speakers.
During the altercation, a scuffle broke out between two MPs, Abdulla Shaheem Abdul Hakeem Shaheem and Ahmed Easa, triggered by an accidental collision.
The clash resulted in injuries to Shaheem's head as both MPs fell near the chamber. Minority leader Moosa Siraj intervened in an attempt to stop the scuffle, and Shaheem was reportedly taken to the hospital.
The root cause of the protests lies in the decision by the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), led by former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, to withhold approval for four cabinet members.
Concerns were voiced by protesters who feared that the rejection of President Muizzu's cabinet ministers could hinder progress. They also called for the resignation of the Parliament's speaker.
The ruling coalition parties, the PNC and PPP, released a statement framing the rejection of ministers as a hindrance to public service delivery. Chief Advisor to Muizzu and PNC Chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdullah defended the ministers' right to be reappointed, even without authorization, criticizing the refusal to approve them as irresponsible.
It's worth noting that in December, the parliament's government oversight committee approved the cabinet, stating that all members met constitutional requirements, according to reports from Sun Online. The clashes and protests highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding the approval process for the Muizzu government's ministers.
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