President and Government Facing Criticism Over Budget Allocation to Local Councils

Mayor of Malé City Council, Adam Azim, has criticized the President and the government for allegedly failing to inform the public about the allocation of 96% of the national budget. Azim, while addressing concerns raised by councils including Kulhudhuffushi, Kihaadhoo, and Vaavu Atoll, highlighted that only 4% of the budget is allocated to councils. He emphasized that the government should be transparent about how the remaining 96% is spent, especially since the public has no clear understanding of these allocations. Azim also pointed out that the lack of detailed information on budget utilization has led to public dissatisfaction, questioning why significant development projects in Malé, such as addressing long-standing infrastructure issues, remain unresolved.