President Muizzu Appoints Former MIRA Commissioner Hassan Zareer as Finance Minister

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Hassan Zareer as the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises. The appointment was formalized during a ceremony held on Monday at the President’s Office, where Zareer officially received his letter of appointment. Supreme Court Justice Mohamed Saleem administered the oath of office, after which Zareer signed the Cabinet oath declaration to formally assume his duties. The appointment fills the vacancy left by former Finance Minister Moosa Zameer, who previously balanced the dual roles of Finance and Foreign Affairs under the current administration. Zareer brings extensive regulatory and fiscal experience to the role, having previously served as both Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA). His academic background includes a Bachelor of Accounting and a Master of Science in Finance from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). This leadership change occurs as the Maldivian government intensifies its efforts to navigate complex economic and fiscal headwinds. The administration has recently focused on implementing strategic measures to meet international debt repayment obligations and stabilize the national economy. Market observers note that these efforts are beginning to yield results, with the Maldives' international credit ratings showing signs of improvement. Zareer's deep familiarity with domestic revenue collection and public finance is expected to be pivotal as the government seeks to maintain this upward trajectory and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.