President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is facing increasing public outcry after it was revealed that the number of political appointees has ballooned to over 2,000, despite a campaign promise to keep the figure below 700. This increase has led to significant government expenditure, with salaries for these positions reportedly costing MVR 86 million per month.
When President Muizzu came to power, he assured voters that he would reduce the number of political appointees to cut unnecessary government spending. However, recent developments suggest that this promise has been abandoned, raising questions about the administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility. The exact number of political appointees remains undisclosed, with the government refusing to release this information even in response to Right to Information (RTI) requests.
Critics argue that the current government has created more political positions than any previous administration in the country’s history. In some ministries, the surge in political appointees has led to a lack of basic office resources, with many officials reportedly receiving large salaries without having adequate workspaces, chairs, or tables.
Furthermore, the families of cabinet ministers and influential government figures have reportedly benefited from high-paying jobs within the administration. Allegations suggest that some cabinet ministers’ families collectively earn over a million MVR per month. This nepotism and cronyism have fuelled public anger, as many Maldivians struggle with economic hardships.
Small businesses have also felt the impact of the government’s spending policies. State-owned enterprises (SoEs) have withheld payments to these businesses for months, leading to salary cuts and job losses. This has created a ripple effect throughout the economy, exacerbating financial difficulties for ordinary citizens.
As the government continues to recruit more political appointees, it has announced measures to cut spending. However, these steps appear contradictory given the expanding political payroll. Analysts warn that the economy may slow further in the coming days, compounding the challenges faced by Maldivians.
Public discontent is growing as the administration’s policies seemingly prioritise political patronage over economic stability and transparency. With pockets emptying and essential payments delayed, many Maldivians feel betrayed by the very leaders who promised to bring about positive change.