In a decisive move to enhance governmental efficiency and fiscal responsibility, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced a series of reforms during a press conference held today at the President’s Office in Malé. These initiatives aim to instill a culture of accountability among political appointees and introduce stringent austerity measures to streamline government expenditure.
Quarterly Performance Reviews for Political Appointees
President Muizzu emphasized the implementation of a novel appraisal system for political figures, marking a significant departure from previous administrative practices. “We have now established a policy and an appraisal system for those in political positions. They will be appraised and reviewed every three months, and measures will be taken to dismiss those who are negligent,” he stated, highlighting the administration’s commitment to performance-based evaluations.
This initiative aligns with President Muizzu’s broader agenda of overseeing the execution of over 2,100 development projects across the nation. He clarified that political appointments are strategically made to ensure effective project implementation, rather than serving as mere ceremonial positions. “Every minister will have a report prepared, which must be sent from the ministry to the President’s Office. If they are negligent, we will let them go,” he asserted.
Fiscal Transparency and Salary Reductions
Addressing concerns regarding the financial implications of political appointments, President Muizzu provided a detailed breakdown of the state’s salary expenditures. He revealed that the total monthly salary expenditure for the state’s 49,000 employees stands at MVR 997 million, with political positions accounting for MVR 32 million—approximately 3% of the total salary budget.
In a further demonstration of fiscal prudence, President Muizzu announced a series of austerity measures, including a personal decision to forgo 50% of his presidential salary. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce government spending and promote economic stability. Additionally, a 10% salary reduction has been implemented for political appointees and employees of government-owned companies, with a salary cap of MVR 90,000 per month established for executives of state-owned enterprises.
These reforms are indicative of President Muizzu’s dedication to fostering a culture of accountability and financial responsibility within the Maldivian government. By instituting regular performance evaluations and implementing cost-cutting measures, the administration aims to enhance public trust and ensure the effective utilization of state resources.
As the Maldives navigates its path toward sustainable development, these initiatives underscore a commitment to transparent governance and the prudent management of public funds.
