MP Files Resolution Condemning Government's Takeover of Male' City Council Land

An opposition MP has submitted a resolution to the Maldivian Parliament condemning the government's decision to take control of 14 parcels of land belonging to the Male' City Council. Mickael Ahmed Naseem, the MP for Galolhu Dhekunu (South) constituency, presented the resolution on Tuesday. The resolution states that the government took the lands without consulting the city council and without revealing any details beyond the names of projects planned for the sites. According to the MP, the move undermines the country's decentralization system and weakens the legal powers of local councils. He warned that the decision would cause major financial losses to the council and deprive Male' residents of important public services. The resolution notes that the council earns revenue from these lands and had budgeted them for providing essential services. The 14 plots include some of Male's most prominent public spaces, such as the fish market, Sultan Park, the carnival area, the artificial beach, and Rasfannu. The Male' City Council has already held an emergency session and passed a resolution to seek a temporary court order against the government's decision and to file a constitutional case with the Supreme Court. The council is also working on formally submitting objections within the 14-day window given by the relevant ministry.