Mohamed Muizzu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mohamed Muizzu
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Official portrait, 2024
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| 8th President of the Maldives | |
| Assumed office 17 November 2023 |
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| Vice President | Hussain Mohamed Latheef |
| Preceded by | Ibrahim Mohamed Solih |
| 4th Mayor of Malé | |
| In office 17 May 2021 – 17 November 2023 |
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| President | Ibrahim Mohamed Solih |
| Deputy | Ahmed Nareesh |
| Preceded by | Shifa Mohamed |
| Succeeded by | Ahmed Nareesh |
| Minister of Housing and Infrastructure | |
| In office 21 May 2012 – 17 November 2018 |
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| President |
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| Preceded by | Himself |
| Succeeded by | Mohamed Aslam |
| Minister of Housing and Environment | |
| In office 19 February 2012 – 21 May 2012 |
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| President | Mohammed Waheed Hassan |
| Preceded by | Mohamed Aslam |
| Succeeded by | Himself |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 June 1978 Malé, Maldives |
| Political party | Congress (2023 – present) |
| Other political affiliations |
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| Spouse |
Sajidha Mohamed
(m. 2003) |
| Children |
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| Parent |
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| Relatives | Muizzu Family |
| Residence | Muliaage |
| Alma mater | |
| Signature |  |
| Website | |
Mohamed Muizzu (born 15 June 1978) is a Maldivian politician and engineer. He is the 8th President of the Maldives. He became president in 2023. Before that, he was the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure for many years. He also served as the Mayor of Malé.
Muizzu was born in Malé, the capital city of the Maldives. He studied civil engineering in the United Kingdom. He earned his PhD from the University of Leeds in 2009. He started his government career in 1998.
In 2012, he became the Minister of Housing. He held this job until 2018, making him the longest-serving housing minister in Maldivian history. Later, he became the Mayor of Malé. In 2023, he was chosen as the presidential candidate for the People's National Congress. He won the 2023 Maldivian presidential election, defeating the president at the time, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
As president, Muizzu has focused on several important areas. These include removing foreign military presence and improving housing and buildings. He has also shown strong support for Palestine.
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Early Life and Family Background
Mohamed Muizzu was born on June 15, 1978. His birthplace was Maafannu, a part of Malé, Maldives. His parents were Hussain Abdul Rahman and Huna Adam Ismail Manik.
Muizzu's father was a lawyer and an Islamic scholar. He received a national award in 2013 for his work in religious education. Muizzu's parents separated when he was young. He lived with his grandmother and then his mother before returning to live with his father. His sister, Fathimath Saudha, also became a politician. She won an election in 2024.
Muizzu started working for the government in 1998. He was a trainee in construction and public works. His father also owned a hotel business. After his father passed away in 2015, Muizzu took over the business. This property became his home while the official presidential residence, Muliaage, was being fixed.
Muizzu's Education Journey
Muizzu attended Iskandhar School for his early education. He then moved to Majeediyya School, which is the oldest school in the Maldives. In 1995, he did very well in his GCE O'Level exams, getting first place nationally. He also studied at the Science Education Centre for his higher secondary education. He finished his GCE A'Level exams in 1997, ranking fourth in the country.
In 2005, he received a scholarship from the British government. This allowed him to study for his PhD in civil engineering at the University of Leeds. He completed his PhD in 2009. His research was about how heat and time affect concrete structures. He also earned special certifications in project management.
Political Career and Public Service
Muizzu has held several important roles in the Maldivian government. He started as a minister and then became a mayor before becoming president.
Serving as Housing Minister
In 2012, Muizzu became the Minister of Housing and Environment. This was during President Mohammed Waheed Hassan's time. He continued in this role under President Abdulla Yameen after the 2013 election. During this time, his ministry was renamed the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure.
From 2012 to 2018, Muizzu was in charge of many building projects. The Maldives saw its tallest buildings constructed during his term. Major projects included new roads and reclaiming land from the sea. Some famous projects were the Sinamalé Bridge and Dharumavantha Hospital. He also oversaw the creation of new parks and public spaces in Malé City. Many land reclamation and water projects were completed across the islands.
Involvement with Political Parties
Muizzu has been part of different political parties. In 2010, he became the Secretary General of the Adhaalath Party. He kept this role while serving as Housing Minister.
After the 2018 presidential election, he joined the Progressive Party of Maldives. In 2019, he became a vice-president of this party. In October 2023, Muizzu was appointed president of the People's National Congress (Maldives). This happened after he won the presidential election. In December 2023, he also became president of the Progressive Party of Maldives.
Leading as Mayor of Malé
In 2021, Mohamed Muizzu was elected as the Mayor of Malé. He won with many votes, beating the candidate from the ruling party. He officially took office on May 17, 2021. This was a big change because Muizzu was the first mayor directly chosen by the people of Malé. He was also the first to serve a five-year term. His win ended 11 years of control by another party over the Malé City Council.
As Mayor, Muizzu visited homes to understand how people lived. He supported giving more power to local governments. He served as Mayor until November 17, 2023, when he resigned to become president. He was the first Mayor to resign from this position.
The 2023 Presidential Election
Mohamed Muizzu was announced as a presidential candidate in August 2023. He ran for the People's National Congress (Maldives). His running mate was Hussain Mohamed Latheef.
In the first round of the 2023 Maldivian presidential election, he received the most votes. He then went to the second round on September 30, 2023. In the second round, he won with 54.04% of the votes. He defeated the current president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Muizzu became the new president on November 17, 2023.
During his election campaign, Muizzu visited many islands and cities in the Maldives. His campaign was called "Dhivehinge Raajje," which means "The Nation of the Maldivians." He gave many speeches to share his ideas.
What Muizzu's Campaign Focused On
Muizzu's campaign focused on important issues for the Maldives. He talked about protecting the country's national sovereignty (its right to govern itself). He also promised to improve buildings and housing.
He said he would change agreements that seemed to threaten the Maldives' independence. This included agreements about foreign military presence. Muizzu also promised to build many new homes and improve buildings in Malé and other islands.
Dr. Mohamed Muizzu Book
In February 2024, Muizzu published a book titled Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This book contains all the speeches he gave during his presidential campaign. It was shared with government offices, schools, and libraries.
Presidency and Key Policies
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Mohamed Muizzu became the 8th President of the Maldives on November 17, 2023. He is the fourth president to be chosen by the people through elections. He took his oath of office at Republic Square.
First 100 Days in Office
In his first 100 days as president, Muizzu started several key actions. He began the process of removing Indian troops from the Maldives. During his campaign, he had promised to start new housing projects. He also aimed to create a special fund for housing and limit housing loan interest rates.
Muizzu also worked to end secret agreements made by past governments with other countries. He believed these agreements threatened the Maldives' independence. He also challenged a court ruling about the country's sea territory.
Relations with China and India
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On January 7, 2024, Muizzu visited China. His campaign had focused on reducing India's influence in the Maldives. He is seen as being friendly towards China. After his trip, Muizzu said that even though the Maldives is small, it should not be "bullied." He stressed that relations with China are based on respect and not interfering in each other's affairs. By May 2024, all Indian armed forces had left the Maldives.
Supporting Palestine
President Mohamed Muizzu's foreign policy strongly supports Palestine. He often speaks up for their rights on the world stage. In December 2023, Muizzu praised a United Nations Security Council decision. This decision asked for more help for people in Gaza. He said that aid cannot be delivered properly during attacks. He urged the world to work for peace and ensure Palestinians' rights.
In January 2024, Muizzu welcomed a decision by the International Court of Justice. This court ordered Israel to prevent actions that could lead to genocide in Gaza. Muizzu said Israel must stop its military actions and have an immediate ceasefire. He believes peace cannot come from violence. In June 2024, Muizzu banned Israeli passports from entering the Maldives. This decision followed a recommendation from his Cabinet. He also started a fundraising campaign to help Palestine. A nationwide rally was held to show support for Palestine.
Economic Plans for the Maldives
In January 2024, Muizzu announced plans to create a development bank. He also wants to review the country's economic policies. He decided to set up a new financial services authority. He aims to grow a "creative economy" in the Maldives.
He also launched a big project to improve Velana International Airport. The goal is to allow 25 million passengers to use the airport. This project required moving seaplane terminals. Muizzu also announced plans to build two new airports. These new airports will help with transportation and boost the economy.
Personal Life
Mohamed Muizzu is married to Sajidha Mohamed. They met at Velana International Airport in April 2003. They got married on May 18, 2003. They have three children: Yasmine, Umair, and Zaid.
Awards and Recognitions
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On December 24, 2023, the Maldives National Association of Construction Industry (MNACI) gave Mohamed Muizzu a special title. They called him "Bodu Rasgefaanu," which means "great king." This was to thank him for his important work in the construction industry in the Maldives.
In 2013, when he was a minister, Muizzu received the Maldives National Award. President Mohamed Waheed Hassan gave him this award. It was for "Achieving the highest academic qualification in the Maldives." Muizzu earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in civil engineering in 2009. This is why he has the title "Dr."
- August 22, 2013: National Award.
- December 24, 2023: Bodu Rasgefaanu title.
Images for kids
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Mohamed Muizzu's signature
See also
In Spanish: Mohamed Muizzu para niños
