President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has dismissed Yoosuf Abdul Ghafoor from his position as the State Minister for Homeland Security and Technology. The President’s Office confirmed the decision, but no specific reasons were provided for the dismissal.
Yoosuf Abdul Ghafoor’s removal took place on Thursday, marking him as the latest high-profile figure to be affected by the recent administrative reshuffle under President Muizzu's leadership. This move comes as part of the president’s broader efforts to restructure the government.
Yoosuf Abdul Ghafoor’s Political Background
Before his role in the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, Yoosuf served as a Member of Parliament for the Gan constituency. He also held the position of State Minister at the Ministry of Home Affairs during former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration. His political career spans years of service, but his recent dismissal shows the evolving landscape under President Muizzu’s leadership.
Constitutional Authority for Dismissal
President Muizzu’s decision aligns with his powers under Article 115 of the Maldives Constitution, which gives the president the authority to appoint and dismiss members of the cabinet and other political appointees. The dismissal is part of an ongoing effort by the new administration to reduce government expenses and cut down the number of political positions within various ministries.
This particular dismissal is seen as part of a wider strategy to implement austerity measures, which President Muizzu has prioritized since taking office.
Focus on Reducing Political Appointments
The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, following Yoosuf’s departure, now has three State Ministers. According to the ministry’s website, it also lists 13 Deputy Ministers and a total of 43 political appointments.
The government has faced criticism for its large number of political appointees, with opposition parties claiming the number exceeds 2,000. However, official figures have only confirmed that the number of appointees surpasses 700. President Muizzu’s recent actions are part of his effort to reduce these numbers, in line with his election promises to streamline the government and manage public spending more efficiently.
President Muizzu's decision to remove Yoosuf Abdul Ghafoor reflects the broader changes in the administration's approach to governance. By reducing political appointments, the government aims to address public concerns regarding excessive spending while staying true to its promise of fiscal responsibility.
As more reshuffles and changes are expected, the administration will likely continue to focus on reducing government size and expenditures as part of its long-term strategy for economic stability.
