President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said on today that efforts to reduce the number of political appointees and the overall size of government are being implemented rigorously.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, he said administrative work to cut political positions was progressing rapidly.

“The decision to reduce the number of political appointees and cut government spending will be strictly implemented,” he said.

The President added that daily administrative work was under way to reduce political staff, led by the President’s Office.

He said the consolidation of some ministries marked the first step in the downsizing effort. Further details on reductions in political posts will be announced once the process is complete.

Addressing criticism over the appointment of Adam Shareef, Thoriq Ibrahim and former attorney general Fathimath Dhiyana Saeed as ambassadors-at-large at the foreign ministry, President Muizzu said no new political posts had been created.

“These are not additional positions. People are being appointed to existing vacancies,” he said.

Adam Shareef and Thoriq Ibrahim, both cabinet members since the administration took office are the first ministers to be reassigned following the resignation of 10 ministers on 14 April.

After lukewarm results in the 4 April local council elections, President Muizzu said the government would introduce necessary changes.

Finance Ministry has asked the Privatization and Corporatization Board to cut staffing at state-owned enterprises by 33 percent.