Maldivian President Sacks 228 Political Appointees

The President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, has dismissed over 225 political appointees, including seven state ministers and 43 deputy ministers, as part of a cost-cutting initiative aimed at reducing the country's expenditure amid a looming debt crisis. The mass removal, which is projected to save the government approximately $370,000 monthly, aligns with Muizzu's Economic Reform Agenda intended to streamline operations and enhance public fund efficiency. Despite its financial challenges, the Maldives has stated it does not plan to seek an International Monetary Fund bailout, asserting that its financial troubles are temporary. The country's foreign debt stands at $3.37 billion, constituting about 45% of its GDP, with significant loans from both China and India. Muizzu's administration has received financial support from India, while also expressing gratitude for China's assistance following his election last year. The Maldives, known for its tourism, is strategically important in the Indian Ocean, attracting geopolitical interest from major powers.