President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured that the country’s atolls will not be dissolved, stressing their geographical and historical importance to the Maldives.

Speaking on the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast, the President explained that while atoll councils may be restructured, the atolls themselves are permanent features of the nation’s identity and cannot be dismantled. He noted that atoll councils are not well-defined institutions within the decentralised system and have not proved meaningful to the public.

President Dr Muizzu added that dissolving atoll councils would not affect services provided at the atoll level. Facilities such as hospitals and schools will continue to operate, and a new system will be introduced to allow island councils to communicate directly with the government.

Highlighting his experience with the decentralisation system, the President reaffirmed his commitment to bringing reforms aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring that the system works effectively for the people.