President says Malé council work stalled under opposition mayor
He said the plan outlined various initiatives intended for the development of Malé but noted that progress had stalled over the past two years.
Top Stories
President Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday said the Malé City Council has been unable to function effectively for the past two years under an opposition mayor, urging voters not to repeat the situation in the upcoming local council elections.
Speaking at a People’s National Congress (PNC) Tharaweeh gathering held at Artificial Beach, the President, who served as Malé mayor before assuming office in 2023, referred to a strategic plan he prepared during his tenure as mayor.
He said the plan outlined various initiatives intended for the development of Malé but noted that progress had stalled over the past two years.
“The term that began then is coming to an end. These plans have not been implemented during these two years. The council’s term has not ended, but the work has stopped,” he said.
President Muizzu acknowledged claims that the PNC holds a majority in the current council but said that under council regulations, the responsibility for managing council operations rests with the mayor.
“The secretary general works under the mayor’s instructions, and council staff act on those directions. Whether there are 18 councillors or three, if there is no intention to work, progress will not happen,” he said.
The President said residents would be able to see that the initiatives outlined in the strategic plan had not been implemented. He asked whether voters would be willing to allow the current situation to continue for another five years.
Calling for change, President Muizzu urged residents to elect a mayor and council members who would work in coordination with the government and align with national policies to address the needs of the city.
“I am confident that the people of Malé will make their decision on 4 April,” he said.
