Government removes 205 political employees under spending-cut policy

A total of 205 political employees have been removed from government posts as part of ongoing measures to reduce state expenditure, President’s Office Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) said on Saturday.

Speaking to state media PSM News, Mundhu said four political employees were dismissed on Saturday alone under the government’s spending-cut policy. The employees removed so far include state ministers, deputy ministers, senior political directors and political directors, he said.

Commenting on the continuing efforts to reduce the number of political appointees, Mundhu said the process is still underway and more dismissals can be expected.

“So far, 205 employees have been sacked, including state ministers, deputy ministers, senior political directors and political directors. It is still an unfinished business. So this number may change in the future,” he said.

The government has not yet disclosed the total number of political positions currently filled, making it unclear how proportionate the reduction is relative to the overall staffing. The opposition alleges the number of political employees is close to 2,000.

During his 2023 presidential campaign and transition period, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pledged to limit political employees in his administration to no more than 700. The President has also ordered reductions in political positions and staff in state-owned companies as part of efforts to improve the state’s financial situation.