Over 250 political appointees at Sports Ministry, more than 50 at Animal Welfare Ministry!
Reports have emerged revealing a high concentration of political appointees within the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, including individuals allegedly drawing salaries without performing any official duties. Current figures show 291 political staff at the Sports Ministry and 53 at the Animal Welfare Ministry, despite President Muizzu’s initial pledge to cap the total number of political appointees at 700. While the administration has faced criticism for its lack of transparency regarding the total number of such positions, insiders estimate that the actual figure across the government has now exceeded 2,500.
Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu alongside President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the final match of the President's Cup. | President's Office | President's Office
It has been revealed that the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation employs more than 200 political appointees, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has over 50 political staff on its payroll.
According to reports, a total of 291 individuals have been appointed to various political positions within the Ministry of Sports.
These include 3 state ministers, 18 deputy ministers, 114 senior political directors, 78 political directors, 20 assistant political directors, and 56 youth associates.
Furthermore, it has been reported that there are 53 political appointees currently employed at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare.
In addition to the Minister, the group consists of three State Ministers, six Deputy Ministers, 29 Senior Political Directors, and 14 Political Directors.
Despite President Muizzu’s pledge to limit the number of political appointees to no more than 700 under this administration, significant efforts are being made to keep the total number of political positions hidden from the public.
In a statement issued on July 15, 2025, following public criticism and inquiries from journalists, the President's Office disclosed that there were 922 employees in political positions at the time. Despite finally releasing these figures after extensive efforts to keep political appointee data confidential, the President's Office has refused to disclose details regarding the 248 employees reportedly dismissed in November 2024 as part of the government's announced austerity measures to reduce state spending.
Since then, numerous individuals have been granted political appointments in connection with the recently held Local Council elections, the Women's Development Committee elections, and the referendum. However, the total number of such appointments remains unknown.
Reports indicate that some individuals appointed to political positions within the government lack assigned tasks or even basic office infrastructure, such as desks and chairs. Furthermore, it is alleged that some appointees only visit their offices to record their attendance. Information also suggests that the total number of political appointments under the current administration is expected to exceed 2,500.
