Gov’t Proposes Cuts to Former Presidents’ Benefits and New Allowances for Former VPs
Former Presidents (L-R): Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Mohamed Nasheed, Dr Mohamed Waheed, Abdulla Yameen and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. | Photos: President’s Office
The government has submitted a bill to the People’s Majlis proposing extensive amendments to the Former Presidents Protection and Benefit Act, seeking to reduce state expenditure on former presidents while introducing new financial support for former vice presidents.
The bill, presented by Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid on behalf of the government, includes a proposal to grant former vice presidents a monthly allowance of MVR 25,000 along with health insurance coverage in the Maldives and overseas. This marks the first time such benefits have been formally outlined for former vice presidents.
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Under current legislation, former presidents who have served a single term receive a monthly state-funded allowance of MVR 50,000, while those who served more than one term are entitled to MVR 75,000. They and their spouses also receive state-provided security and health insurance. In addition, the state may grant up to MVR 50,000 per month to cover their living expenses.
One of the key amendments put forward would halt these allowances if a former president holds any other state position, including if they are re-elected for a second presidential term. Payments would resume only after the individual leaves office.
The bill also seeks to repeal Article 8 of the existing Act, which currently obliges the state to provide MVR 175,000 per month to fund an office, staff and associated facilities for former presidents to carry out social work.
Another proposed change states that former presidents residing abroad would not be granted state security. However, protection would be reinstated upon their return to the Maldives.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced in September that he intended to reduce certain benefits provided to former presidents.
Five former presidents currently receive benefits under the law: Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Mohamed Nasheed, Dr Mohamed Waheed, Abdulla Yameen and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
The bill was accepted by the Majlis with 64 votes in favour and has been forwarded to the Public Accounts Committee for further review.
