Fayyaz Ismail Accuses Muizzu Administration of Economic Mismanagement and Threats to Sovereignty

Former Economic Minister and former chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Fayyaz Ismail, has launched a strong public criticism of President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, accusing it of economic collapse, erosion of civil liberties, and posing a serious threat to national sovereignty.

In a statement shared on X, Fayyaz said the most striking reality of the past two years under the current government is what he described as President Muizzu’s inability to govern effectively. He alleged that the Maldivian economy has deteriorated sharply during this period, while freedoms gained over years of political struggle have been “steadily stripped away.”

Fayyaz argued that the administration lacks any coherent national vision or long-term development plan. Instead, he claimed, the president’s priorities appear to be consolidating control over state institutions and imposing personal beliefs on public life. He expressed particular concern over what he described as the government’s repeated targeting of women and other marginalized groups, stating that recent policy announcements signal an intent to regulate women’s behaviour and personal choices.

The former minister also raised alarm over reports suggesting that the government is considering granting land ownership to foreigners. He warned that such a move, especially amid growing geopolitical competition involving major powers and emerging actors from the Middle East and beyond, could result in an irreversible loss of sovereignty for the Maldives.

Drawing on historical parallels, Fayyaz cautioned that land sales to Zionists in Palestine during the Ottoman era offer a stark lesson on the long-term consequences of relinquishing land ownership, urging Maldivians to reflect carefully on the implications of similar decisions today.

Looking ahead, Fayyaz called on citizens who value freedom, justice, progress, and social cohesion to make constitutional reform a priority in 2026. He said the country must strengthen its systems of governance to ensure that no leader can so easily centralise power or undermine democratic institutions.

Concluding his statement, Fayyaz expressed hope that 2026 would mark a turning point for the Maldives, describing it as a potential year of reform, renewed accountability, and positive change.