Parliament approves cuts to allowances and office expenses of former presidents

Parliament has passed an amendment to the Former Presidents Allowances and Protection Act, reducing the monthly allowance and office-related expenses previously provided to former heads of state.

The bill, submitted by PNC MP Mohamed Shahid on behalf of the government, was approved with 68 votes in favour.

Under the existing law, the state allocates up to MVR 175,000 per month to maintain offices, staff, and facilities for former presidents, enabling them to carry out social work. The amendment repeals this provision, effectively eliminating all state-funded expenses for offices of former presidents.

The changes also specify that if a former president is elected for a second term or holds another public office, they will not receive the former presidents’ allowance during that period. Protection and security will not be provided to former presidents living abroad, but will be extended when they are in the Maldives.

For former vice presidents, the amendment introduces a monthly allowance of MVR 30,000 and access to health care both abroad and in the Maldives. Only the most recent vice president is eligible as they must have completed a five year term.

Benefits for vice presidents are also suspended if they serve another presidential term or hold another public office.

Previously, a former president who had served one term received MVR 50,000 per month, while those with multiple terms received MVR 75,000. In addition, the state provided up to MVR 50,000 per month for expenses related to a former president’s residence.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced reducing allowances for former presidents and members of parliament on September 10 this year.