Politics

Former Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Sham'aan Waheed was released from custody on Thursday, December 25, 2025. Relevant authorities decided to release him after investigations into the accusations against him, and after determining that there was no legal reason to keep him in custody any longer. With this decision, Sham'aan was released from custody that day.

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has ordered the eviction by December 25, 2025, of units within the social housing units released by the corporation that have been rented to foreigners. This decision is a strong step taken to address the issue of parties who, in violation of social housing principles, are subletting the flats they have acquired to foreign parties. HDC has stated that work has now begun on seizing the flats of those acting in violation of the agreement. The corporation informs that the main purpose of this measure is to ensure that the benefits of social housing are directly available to the citizens of Maldives.

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) today strongly condemned the acts of harassment targeting Supreme Court Judge Al-Ustaza Aishath Shujoon Mohamed. In a statement issued by the Commission on Thursday, December 25, 2025, it stated that such acts that impede the performance of judges' responsibilities are unacceptable and called on the relevant institutions to investigate and take action on the matter. In connection with this incident, the Commission has highlighted the importance of protecting the safety and dignity of judges.

Following an important meeting held today between Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the two former presidents of the Maldives, they have decided to work together in the future. This meeting, held on Thursday, December 25, 2025, is a strong step towards eliminating political differences and moving forward together for the national interest. In this meeting, the two presidents discussed providing mutual support in upcoming political matters and ways to work together. It is noted that with this decision, the supporters of the two leaders and the political arena have received a hopeful message.

The new regulation concerning the provision of financial assistance to media outlets from the state budget was published in the Government Gazette on Thursday, 25 December 2025. This policy details the criteria for disbursing funds to media outlets, the procedures for applying for assistance, and the requirements that media outlets must fulfill. By allocating a specific percentage of the state budget to media outlets, the gazetting of this regulation is an important step towards strengthening the Maldivian journalism sector and ensuring the financial independence of media outlets.

The government has decided to discontinue the benefits and allowances previously received by retired police officers who take up new government positions, starting today. According to this regulation, which was publicized on December 25th, if a retired police officer is appointed to a political or other salaried position in the government, the special allowances they received from the police service will be stopped from the moment of their appointment. This decision is seen as a step towards reducing government expenditure and limiting financial benefits from more than one position. Therefore, former police officers who take up new government positions will only receive the salary and benefits stipulated for that position.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met with the Th. Madifushi Council and the Women's Development Committee on 25 December 2025, and assured them that important projects would be carried out for the development of the island. During the meeting, discussions were held regarding the needs for the social and economic progress of the island, and the President reiterated the promises of land reclamation and infrastructural development. Highlighting the government's prioritization of Madifushi's development, he said that he would work with the relevant institutions to bring about the changes that the people want. This trip to develop the atolls is an important step taken to listen to the voices of the people closely and to accelerate development projects.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met with representatives of the Taxi Drivers Association on 25 December 2025 and discussed the challenges facing the sector and ways to improve services. During the meeting, the taxi drivers submitted proposals to the President regarding parking issues, difficulties in taxi registration, and the changes needed to reduce traffic congestion in Male'. President Muizzu highlighted the importance of compiling a register of taxi drivers and assured that the government would provide additional opportunities and facilities for those working in the sector. In addition, the drivers' opinions were sought at this meeting regarding the new taxi line that the government has decided to introduce.

Today, at political gatherings held on 25 December 2025, the opposition heavily criticized the government's large expenditures and called for vigilance. Participants in these gatherings are saying that wasteful spending from the state budget is adversely affecting the country's economy and that the government must be held accountable for this. Opposition political leaders have also emphasized the importance of streamlining financial matters, noting that government extravagance has been particularly high during this period.