Major cabinet reshuffle: Zameer as Finance Minister, Khaleel to Foreign, Nazim to Health

Combined file photos of (from L-R) Moosa Zameer, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, and Abdulla Nazim.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu made major changes to his cabinet on Monday, including making Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer the new Finance Minister, replacing Dr. Mohamed Shafeeq.

The decisions were made during a cabinet meeting on Monday. At the meeting, President Muizzu also decided to make Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel the new Foreign Minister, and Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the Principal Secretary to the President on Public Policy, as the new Health Minister.

Zameer was appointed as the new Finance Minister after Shafeeq resigned from the post. The reason for the abrupt decision is unclear at this point.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu (C) meets with Finance Minister Moosa Zameer (R), Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim (L) and Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel on September 30, 2024. (Photo/President's Office)

The changes on Monday marks the first time for President Muizzu to make changes to his cabinet.

The changes come as international financial agencies urge the Maldives to take urgent measures to mitigate a rising risk of default on its external debt obligations.