The People's National Congress (PNC) has refuted claims by State Minister of Tourism Mohamed Nihad regarding reports of opposition rallies at Malé Atoll resorts, describing them as baseless and potentially harmful.

In a statement released on December 24, PNC challenged Nihad's characterisation of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) protests as a terrorist threat to the tourism sector, arguing that such inflammatory rhetoric undermines democratic processes and economic stability.

"No responsible political organisation would deliberately damage our critical tourism industry," the PNC statement read.

It emphasised the importance of balancing political expression with economic considerations, while maintaining that all political activities must occur within legal boundaries.

PNC asserted these protests should not be equated with terrorist activities, and that institutional mechanisms exist to address potential legal violations.

Highlighting the delicate nature of political discourse in a tourism-dependent economy, PNC called for measured dialogue and responsible conduct. It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the Maldives' reputation as a safe and economically vibrant destination.

Both parties continue to navigate the fine line between political expression and economic preservation.