Finance Minister Hassan Zareer has been named the President of the Local Government Authority (LGA).

The LGA was formerly led by ex-Finance Minister Moosa Zameer, who maintained the role until he stepped down. Zareer was named Finance Minister after Zameer left his position.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu named Zareer, previously the Commissioner General of Taxation at MIRA, as the new Finance Minister on Monday.

Zareer possesses more than twenty years of expertise, having a solid foundation in public finance, taxation, and auditing. Prior to his ministerial role, he held the position of Commissioner General of Taxation at MIRA, having previously served as Chairman of the Bank of Maldives and Director of Finance at Villa Shipping. He formerly acted as the Deputy Commissioner General of Taxation (2010–2019) and occupied several roles within the Ministry of Finance and Treasury. He has board experience with MTDC, STELCO, and MPL.

The government once had a specific local government ministry, but it was eliminated during the cabinet reshuffle by the President last April. The finance minister was subsequently appointed as the chair of the authority overseeing councils, a position formerly occupied by the home minister.

The administration has not yet achieved stability within its ministries, as the position of LGA CEO has changed twice under the current government, initially with Dr. Mariyam Zulfa's appointment and then with former Fenaka Managing Director Mohamed Nimal, who is currently in the role.

President Muizzu has consistently emphasized that collaborating closely with councils is a key focus for his government. He has traveled to all inhabited islands and engaged with island councils during his journeys.