Expenses not reflective of cut in political posts: Ghafoor

Although the current government confirmed dismissal of 248 political appointees as part of the austerity measures President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced, Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa has claimed this is not reflected on the state’s expenses.

During a press briefing held by the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) parliamentary group, Ghafoor highlighted the state’s recurrent expenditure has increased by MVR 1.5 billion. Ghafoor said this expense should be controlled in light of planned new taxes.

The MP also expressed concern the incumbent government has not disclosed details about the dismissal of political appointees despite its claims otherwise.

“What are the details of the 280 [political] appointees who were dismissed? The government claims they were terminated, but the expenses do not reflect this,” Ghafoor said.

He further criticized the government, alleging it had been regularly concealing public domain information while constantly acting against procedures. Ghafoor urged this administration to publicize the state expenditure details to the public.

“We do not see any reason why recurrent expenditure should increase. Expenses made towards the public’s interests are being restrained day by day,” Ghafoor said.

While noting the proposed MVR 56.6 billion state budget for 2025 is the highest-ever till date, the MP has claimed parliament members have not received the budget book so far. He questioned the prospects of completing budget review before November 20^th when they have not received the budget book.

Ghafoor further alleged the small-window for budget review was another deliberate attempt by the government to minimize scrutiny.

“The purpose being, limiting the timeframe for a proper review and scrutinization of the budget. The hallmarks to concealing and misrepresenting information paving way for corruption,” he alleged.

The government has faced criticism due to the high number of political appointments and subsequently concealing details about the total number of political appointees. Moreover, the state on multiple occasions, have refused to disclose this information.

While President Dr. Muizzu earlier on October 15^th announced the decision to remove 228 political appointees, he had not disclosed the full number of individuals holding political posts. Earlier in November, President’s Office Spokesperson Heena Waleed confirmed the removal of 248 political appointees from their posts, but had not explained the significance of this decision.

According to President Muizzu, the state would save up to MVR 5.7 million per month once the 228 individuals were dismissed.

As per the Weekly Fiscal Development as of October 24, the state has incurred MVR 27.2 billion on recurrent expenditure – which include the salaries, wages and pensions given to public sector employees and subsidies. This figure is an MVR 2.1 billion increase compared to the figure in the corresponding period last year.

MDP earlier alleged the total number of current administration’s political appointees would exceed 2,000.