Machiavellian Prince: Abdulla Yameen
President Abdulla Yameen is difficult to love, yet he has managed to stay in power.
03 Feb 2018, 9:00 AM
Maldives Independent is publishing a series of profiles on political leaders in the Maldives ahead of the presidential elections this year. This is part one of the series.
Abdulla Yameen is difficult to love, yet he has managed to stay in power.
Often hailed as a macho president by his supporters, he rose to the top in 2013 following controversial Supreme Court elections delays and with the aid of his half-brother and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Despite this backing, he now stands alone after a fall-out with Gayoom.
Yameen is known for prioritising concrete infrastructure over human development and environmental sustainability. His government even explored for oil in the island archipelago in an attempt to secure the economy. With a vision of making the Maldives like Singapore, a bridge is being built at the expense of a surf break, and an airport project have led to the destruction of the country’s largest white clay mangrove. He currently enjoys the favour of Saudi Arabia and China.
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