Parliament amended the decentralisation and local council election laws to reduce the number of island and city councillors. The government-sponsored legislation proposed three council members for islands with fewer than 2,000 people, down from five and seven respectively for populations below and above 3,000. The Malé City Council would be reduced from 19 to 16 members. The city councils of Addu, Kulhudhuffushi and Thinadhoo would each have seven members including the mayor.
Moody's changed the Maldives' economic outlook from negative to stable, but maintained the "junk" rating of Caa2, reflecting the agency's view that "external liquidity risks have eased from an elevated level as reforms to boost foreign currency receipts and robust tourism performance have bolstered the accumulation of external buffers." The government celebrated the update as proof of its "long-term commitment to fiscal consolidation, and the attainment of fiscal and debt sustainability, to ensure macroeconomic stability."
The government proposed a bill to scrap the monthly MVR 175,000 (US$ 11,350) allowance for former presidents to run an office. Other allowances would also be cut if former presidents return to an official post. The amendments include introducing an MVR 25,000 monthly allowance and special health insurance for former vice presidents.
The Local Government Authority suspended Alif Alif Feridhoo council president Ismail Shah after the Employment Tribunal concluded a sexual harassment complaint filed by an administrative staff member. The LGA conducted a separate inquiry after the Tribunal determined guilt based on the civil standard of balance of probability. Shah was suspended without pay for three months.
The Maldives welcomed the two millionth tourist of the year. Bethany Sarah Kerswell from England was greeted with a special ceremony at the Velana International Airport.
The public works ministry began demolishing the old Arabiyya school building in Malé after it was declared structurally unsafe. President Muizzu said at a town hall meeting this week that the government plans to develop a park and a parking zone at the busy school neighbourhood.
