Muizzu reduces most of the powers accorded to him as Mayor

Malé City Mayor, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has voluntarily reduced his powers as Mayor by amending the Rules of Procedure of the Malé City Council

According to the amendments, any changes to the Council's structure and operations will now require a majority vote from the entire Council during a formal meeting.

The resolution was submitted to the Council meeting by Muizzu himself, and was passed unanimously by members of the Council.

Under the previous Rules of Procedure, the Mayor had the authority to make decisions independently, taking into consideration the interests and benefits of the citizens.

However, according to the amendment proposed by Mayor Dr. Muizzu, decisions regarding changes to the structure, as well as the hiring of contract staff and consultants, would now be subject to a formal general meeting of the Council and require the approval of Council members. The reasons for hiring staff and details about their placement within specific departments or sections is also required to be submitted for decisions.

During the Council meeting on Wednesday, the Mayor said that the proposed amendment aimed to strengthen the formal management of the Malé City Council. He highlighted that the Council currently lacked formal policies and decisions pertaining to its management and administration.

Dr. Muizzu said that Council endorsements are obtained for various tasks, such as recruiting Community Engagement Officers and determining the number of officers to be hired. He added that the decision to increase the number of Council Supervisors was also taken in a Council meeting.

Four amendments were brought to the Rules of Procedure during the Council meeting held on Wednesday. They are:

1. Decisions to alter, develop, lease, assign to specific purpose, or change service hours of spaces in Malé such as roads, vacant land, and parks

2. Change to fees charged for services given by the Malé City Council

3. Decision regarding a source of income for the Malé City Council

4. Changes to the annual budget or part of the budget of the Council

These decisions were passed by unanimous vote of the 14 Councilors who participated in the meeting.