Politics

Speaking in connection with the Rasmale' project on 26 September 2026, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that land will only be leased to foreign investors in this project and that ownership of land will not be granted to any foreign party. The President also noted that the government will not provide any sovereign guarantee for this project, and that 60 to 70 percent of the land reclamation has now been completed. However, opposition parties and religious scholars have expressed concern over the agreements to grant land to foreign companies from Rasmale' on long-term leases, strongly criticizing the government's policies. In response to these criticisms, senior officials of the ruling party have stated that President Muizzu's government will not sell any national assets and that the project will proceed with the rights of the citizens protected.

It has been announced on September 26, 2026, that the "Ahaa" forum—held for ministers to answer public questions regarding the work carried out by government ministries—is scheduled to resume after a long hiatus. The forum, conducted jointly by the President's Office and Public Service Media (PSM), is scheduled to be held on Sunday night, September 27, at 21:00. Minister of Sports Abdulla Rafiu, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, and Minister of Fisheries Ahmed Shiyam will participate in this forum. Furthermore, opportunities have now been opened to the public to submit questions by attending the venue where the forum is being held or via the PSM Air app.

The work to identify the most needed development projects across various islands of the Maldives and compile a list of those projects commenced on September 26, 2026. The main objective of this effort is to prioritize the essential services and infrastructure critical for the economic and social development of the islands and integrate them into the government's development plan. Compiling this list will facilitate planning projects in areas most needed by the citizens and swiftly executing those works in the future.

It was announced on 26 September 2026 that the President and the First Lady have departed for Singapore on an unofficial visit. This visit is being undertaken by the couple for personal and unofficial reasons, and they are scheduled to spend time in Singapore during its duration. Such unofficial visits are generally regarded as trips taken for holidays and various personal matters. The official date of return to the Maldives following the conclusion of the President and First Lady's visit will be announced once the arrangements for the trip are finalized.

In connection with the occasion marking the 18th anniversary of the Supreme Court of the Maldives, it was announced on 26 September 2026 that a plot of land in a prime location of Malé has been allocated for the construction of a new building, aiming to provide a permanent solution to the court's space constraints. Announcing this, Chief Justice Ahmed Abdul Ghanee Mohamed stated that with the government allocating this land, the hope of obtaining an independent shelter for the highest court—currently operating at the former presidential palace Theemuge—has been greatly renewed. He also noted that work on the new building will commence soon and highlighted that this land symbolizes the vision for the future of the Supreme Court.

The Mayor of Addu City has faced significant pressure and challenges in connection with the development work of the Addu City Link Road project. As the condition of the Link Road deteriorated and public concerns grew over the execution of the reconstruction work and related decisions, criticism directed at the Mayor and the council has increased. Many parties are urging the council leaders to find a swift solution to the difficulties faced by road users and to complete the project's work as quickly as possible and in accordance with the public's wishes.

The President highlighted the importance of working with a robust development plan in steering the affairs of the nation. He stated that setting long-term goals and proceeding in an orderly manner under an appropriate plan is imperative for achieving sustainable development. Furthermore, the President noted that inter-institutional collaboration in alignment with the formulated development plans is the most crucial step toward delivering prompt and desirable outcomes for the public.

Former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has questioned and criticized the competence of Speaker of the People's Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla. Questioning Abdul Raheem's competence in presiding over the Majlis and discharging the responsibilities of the position, Dr. Jameel expressed concern over his decisions and the manner in which parliament's affairs are proceeding. In this vein, stating that he lacks the competence to adequately fulfill the responsibilities required of the head of an essential branch of the state, Dr. Jameel directed direct political criticism toward Abdul Raheem.

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration is undertaking significant efforts to alleviate the various burdens borne by the people. In this regard, he noted that the government is formulating and implementing policies to elevate the public's standard of living and to find permanent solutions to their grievances. Furthermore, Saeed highlighted that President Muizzu's goal is to organize affairs to ease the financial strain on citizens' pockets and to deliver services with ease.