Nasheed backs move to reduce pensions of ex-presidents

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has expressed support for reducing pensions allocated to former presidents.

In a post on X on Saturday, Nasheed said he believed the pension amounts for former presidents should be lowered. His message followed a statement by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu earlier this week, announcing plans to amend laws governing the benefits of former leaders and Members of Parliament.

President Muizzu said on Wednesday that the government would propose legislative changes to remove some of the privileges granted to former presidents and MPs. He added that pension benefits for public service retirees would be equalised.

According to Muizzu, amendments will also stipulate that when a person receiving pension benefits returns to public service, those benefits will be suspended during their employment.

Under the Former Presidents’ Allowances Act, a president who has served one term receives MVR 50,000 per month, while those who served more than one term receive MVR 75,000. In addition, former presidents are entitled to MVR 50,000 in living expenses and up to MVR 175,000 per month for office expenses if engaged in public work.

The Privileges and Powers of Parliament Act provides allowances to former MPs once they reach the required age. One-term members receive 30 per cent of an MP’s salary, while two-term members receive 45 per cent. They are also entitled to medical insurance equivalent to that of serving MPs and an official passport.

Concerns have been raised by some PNC MPs that individuals continue to receive pensions while also holding other employment, an issue the proposed amendments seek to address.