Fayyaz accuses PNC of weakening decentralisation to consolidate power

Former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairman Fayyaz Ismail has accused the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) of weakening the decentralisation system to consolidate power and increase government control over citizens.

Fayyaz, who served as Economic Minister in the previous MDP administration, made the remarks in a post on X on Thursday night, following the government's decision to take control of 14 land plots previously under the jurisdiction of Malé City Council.

"The PNC wants to make citizens subservient and force them into submission. The development of the Maldives is linked to the devolution of powers. The MDP will deliver that," said Fayyaz, who has announced his intention to contest the MDP's presidential primary.

Fayyaz criticised President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's approach to decentralisation, referring to the President's earlier pledge to champion the system.

He said Muizzu's actions since assuming office contradicted that commitment.

"Muizzu is not a champion of decentralisation. He is its enemy," Fayyaz said.

He pointed to Muizzu's previous roles as Housing Minister and Mayor of Malé, arguing that the President's position on local governance had changed since he assumed the presidency.

Fayyaz said Muizzu had sought greater powers while serving as Mayor of Malé but had progressively removed powers from the council after becoming President.

He accused the administration of taking control of responsibilities previously exercised by the council, culminating in the transfer of 14 land plots in the capital to the government.

"Malé has a council elected by its residents to make decisions concerning the city. It is unacceptable for the government to dictate those decisions while such a council exists," Fayyaz said.

His remarks followed an announcement by the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure that 14 sites under Malé City Council's jurisdiction had been designated as state property for development projects.

The government said the sites were required for infrastructure development and the provision of public services in Malé and Vilimalé.

The planned projects include commercial developments, public facilities, parking infrastructure, sports facilities and improvements to existing public spaces.

The decision comes amid continuing disagreements between the government and Malé City Council over the implementation of development projects within the council's jurisdiction.

The council has repeatedly raised concerns that the government is proceeding with projects without consulting the council or providing advance notice.

The government recently amended legislation governing land and decentralisation to facilitate the acquisition of land for state development projects.

Under the decentralisation law, a 14-day period must be provided for objections following a decision to take land under a council's jurisdiction for government purposes.

The government has also introduced changes to legislation governing roads and public transport.

Under the new law, ratified by President Muizzu, responsibility for maintaining roads in Malé has been removed from the council until the end of 2029.

The changes will also result in the council losing revenue from traffic-related fees, which have been among its principal sources of income.

Malé City Council is currently controlled by the opposition MDP, which secured a majority in the local council elections held in April, replacing the previous PNC-majority council.

The transfer of land and changes to municipal responsibilities have intensified disagreements between the government and the opposition-controlled council over the division of powers between central and local authorities.