MP Ahmed Saleem Elected Chair of Budget Review Committee for 2027 State Budget

The People’s Majlis has formally commenced scrutiny of the proposed 2027 State Budget, establishing procedural rules and appointing veteran lawmaker Ahmed Saleem to lead the legislative review of the government’s MVR 59.7 billion fiscal plan.

Saleem, the MP for Eydhafushi, was elected chair of the Parliamentary Budget Review Committee, reprising the role he held during the evaluation of the 2025 fiscal blueprint. Ali Fazad, MP for Fuvahmulah Medhu, was chosen to serve as vice chair.

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The committee’s formation follows the formal presentation of the 2027 state budget to the legislature by Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Hassan Zareer. The administration’s proposed spending plan totals MVR 59.7 billion, reflecting an expenditure reduction of MVR 4.5 billion compared to the budget approved for 2026.

Presenting the fiscal blueprint to the chamber, Zareer outlined a strategy centred on expenditure consolidation, enhanced revenue collection, and macroeconomic stabilization without levying new taxes on citizens or commercial enterprises.

Zareer highlighted tightening economic constraints, stating that following an expansion of 6.3 per cent in 2025, gross domestic product growth for 2026 is projected to moderate to between 0.8 per cent and 1.6 per cent. 

The forecast represents a downward revision from earlier estimates of 5.3 per cent amid persistent external headwinds.

Ahead of the committee’s convening, the Majlis General Purpose Committee established the floor debate timetable, unanimously approving a total allocation of 22 minutes for each lawmaker across the budget review process. 

Under the motion sponsored by ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) MP Ibrahim Didi of Feydhoo South, parliamentarians will receive 15 minutes during the initial general debate on the bill, followed by an additional seven minutes to debate the Budget Review Committee’s final report.

Finance Minister Zareer has been allotted 45 minutes to respond directly to inquiries and concerns raised by members during the floor debate.