Yameen Calls for Referendum on Rasmalé Sale to Eagle Hills

Former President Abdullah Yameen has stated that President Mohamed Muizzu does not have the authority to unilaterally decide on the sale of a portion of the Rasmalé land to Eagle Hills. Speaking at a meeting of the Progressive National Front (PNF) on Wednesday evening, Yameen argued that such a significant decision must be put to a public referendum. "This is not a president's prerogative," Yameen said. "For matters of this magnitude, there must be wide consultation – in parliament and the cabinet. This is not a private property; we are selling the future of the Maldivian people. This decision must go to a referendum." The remarks come as the government moves forward with plans to lease a section of the Rasmalé reclamation project to Eagle Hills for 99 years. The government has stated that the agreement will be signed on November 11, and that legislation is being drafted to facilitate the deal. Discrepancies have emerged over the projected investment: while the government claims the development will bring $20 billion, Eagle Hills has stated its investment at $12 billion. A government official later clarified that the $20 billion figure represents the estimated value of the completed project. Yameen also cautioned that once the lease period expires, the land might not return to government control as the state may lack the financial capacity to repurchase it.