Politics
Under the policy of reducing state expenditure, the Local Government Authority (LGA) has instructed councils to obtain written permission prior to hiring staff. In the case of submitting false population data to obtain city status, the Prosecutor General's Office has filed two charges against Thinadhoo City Mayor Saud Ali for providing a false document and giving false information to an official authority. At the MDP rally held on September 2, 2026, former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer stated that due to inflation, citizens have been pushed into poverty by 30 to 40 percent, and that this government is attempting to dismantle the decentralization system. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has faced criticism for mocking journalists by describing them as ancient storytellers. While an issue has surfaced regarding the lease of three islands in Th. Atoll for $864,000 to a company allegedly linked to President Muizzu's cousin Hassan Waheed, the President stated that a political employee who held shares in that company has been dismissed from their post. Allegations have also emerged that employees of state-owned enterprises are being forced to join the ruling PNC.
To streamline the recruitment of staff for councils and conduct it within a specific regulation, an announcement was made on 2 September 2026 requiring approval from the Local Government Authority (LGA). Following this directive, councils must ensure that additions to their administrative frameworks and newly recruited personnel meet the standards set by the LGA and obtain official permission from the authority. The main objective of this measure is to align staff recruitment appropriately with council budgets and resources, and to strengthen and coordinate administrative management.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to forward a case to the Prosecutor General's (PG) Office seeking misuse of official authority charges against the Mayor of GDh. Thinadhoo City, Saud Ali, regarding the leasing of plots of land to a private company without a bidding process. The ACC's investigation noted that although the regulations stipulate that commercially leased land must be opened for bidding, Saud signed the lease agreements contrary to procedures. It was also decided to forward charges against three councilors who supported the council's decision in this matter. In addition, the state has also filed charges against Saud in a case where he allegedly submitted falsified documents to obtain city status for Thinadhoo.
Former Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer attended the political gathering held by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on 2 September 2026 and delivered important remarks. Speaking at the event, Ameer touched upon the current state of the nation and economic affairs, strongly criticizing the government's policies. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of strengthening the work carried out by the MDP as an opposition party and solidifying the party's ranks for the sake of the country and its citizens. Furthermore, Ameer's speech stressed that the party will remain steadfast in voicing the concerns of the people in the future.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has faced heavy criticism following his mockery of a journalist. In connection with this incident, advocates for media freedom and many members of the public have expressed concern, stating that such behavior towards journalists by the highest authority of the state is unacceptable. Furthermore, emphasizing the importance of respecting journalists and providing information responsibly, widespread criticism has been directed at the President's actions, with many condemning his conduct.
Serious allegations have surfaced claiming that a family member of the President is leading efforts to develop 3 resorts. While this issue has garnered significant attention, reports state that there are calls to investigate whether state influence or abuse of office is involved in the development of these three resort projects. However, no detailed statement has yet been issued regarding these allegations by any official government entity or by the individual involved. Such allegations have sparked major debates in the political sphere and among the public.
Allegations have surfaced that employees of state-owned enterprises are being forced to sign up for the ruling People's National Congress (PNC). Expressing concern over the matter, many people are alleging that employees are being intimidated through senior company officials and warned that their jobs could be affected if they do not sign party membership forms. However, the government and senior officials of the PNC have denied these allegations, stating that the recruitment of party members is proceeding without any coercion, being kept open strictly to those who wish to join voluntarily.