Independent Institutions Request Additional MVR 600 Million for 2026 Budget

Twenty independent institutions have collectively requested an additional MVR 607 million to be added to their budget, according to Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim.

Speaking during a budget review committee session, Nazim described the proposed increase as “too large to accommodate,” noting that the parliament must determine which requests are essential and identify areas where spending can be reduced to maintain fiscal balance.

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Nazim said the judiciary alone had sought an additional MVR 233 million, citing recent changes in its structural framework and salary adjustments. He emphasised that while some of these requests may be justified, the government must offset any increases by cutting expenditure elsewhere to avoid further expanding the deficit.

The deputy speaker also raised concerns about the performance of independent institutions, questioning whether the outcomes justified their funding. He pointed to the National Integrity Commission, which receives MVR 14.7 million annually, but has left certain cases unresolved for more than six years. Nazim argued that several institutions carry out overlapping responsibilities and could be merged in the future to improve efficiency.

Earlier this year, the parliament voted to dissolve the Maldives Media Council and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, replacing them with a single body—the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulating Commission. Nazim has been a vocal supporter of consolidating such entities.

Opposition MP Abdul Qafoor Moosa, representing Hanimaadhoo constituency, also criticised the independent institutions, claiming that they lack public trust.

Other members of the committee echoed similar sentiments, with committee chair Ahmed Saleem reminding that the parliament holds the authority to replace commissioners if institutions fail to perform effectively. He stressed that the Majlis cannot shirk its oversight responsibilities.

The government has proposed a budget of MVR 64.2 billion for 2026 — an increase of MVR 8 billion from the current year’s allocation of MVR 56.5 billion. Each MP is allocated up to 22 minutes to speak. The members are given 15 minutes to debate the estimated budget, followed by an additional seven minutes to discuss the committee report.