Maldivian leaders oppose bill to transfer council land to central government

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed and former President Abdulla Yameen have criticized a proposed legislative amendment that would grant the central government authority over land and buildings currently managed by local councils.

Speaking at the 60th anniversary of the resettlement of Thinadhoo, Nasheed warned that attempting to seize council-controlled land by changing the decentralization system could be viewed as “contributing to another coup.” He argued that centralizing power in Malé ignores the nation's island-based reality and warned that the public would resist laws that strip land from local jurisdictions.

Abdulla Yameen also urged local councils to oppose the government’s efforts to “seize land,” describing resistance to the proposal as a “national jihad.” Yameen suggested that instead of surrendering jurisdiction, councils should actively lease land to local and foreign investors to stimulate economic development and provide long-term stability for capital projects.