Govt: Zameer resigned due to health issues, not because President asked

The government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), on Monday, clarified that the resignation of Finance Minister Moosa Zameer was instructed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, but was rather personal decision prompted by ongoing health concerns.

Responding to questions regarding Zameer’s unexpected departure, Shareef told Sun that the former minister had cited health-related reasons in his resignation letter. He noted that Zameer was hospitalized last year and is currently admitted at the hospital for medical treatment.

According to Shareef, Zameer acknowledged in his resignation letter that his health condition could hinder his ability to devote the level of time and attention required for a position carrying such significant responsibilities, hence, concluded that stepping down would be in the best interests of both the government and the public.

"[Zameer] resigned because his health condition prevents him from fulfilling his duties," the Spokesperson stressed.

The government has expressed appreciation for Zameer’s contributions during his tenure in two key ministries. He initially served as the Foreign Minister before being appointed Finance Minister in September 2024. In addition to his ministerial responsibilities, Zameer also served as Chairman of the President’s Special Ministerial Committee on Middle East Conflicts and as President of the Local Government Authority (LGA) Board.

Shareef further noted that although Zameer has resigned from his cabinet position, he has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the President and the administration’s broader national agenda.

Following the resignation, President Muizzu appointed Hassan Zareer, the former Commissioner General of Taxation, as the country’s new Finance Minister.

The leadership change comes as the Maldives continues to confront significant economic pressures and fiscal challenges. According to the government, the state has already repaid approximately USD 1 billion in debt so far this year.

President Muizzu took office on November 17, 2023, with a 22-member cabinet—the largest in the nation’s history. Since then, the administration has undergone several changes to ministerial portfolios and responsibilities. The most extensive restructuring took place in April, when 10 ministers resigned as part of a government initiative to reduce the number of ministries from 22 to 15.