President Muizzu is steering Maldives back toward a monarchy despite being entrusted with leading a republic: Fayyaz
12 ނޮވެމްބަރު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 07:20In a statement marking Republic Day, former Minister Fayyaz Ismail criticized President Muizzu’s administration, alleging that the country is being governed under a monarchical style of rule. These remarks come amid growing concerns from both local councils and the general public regarding the government's increasing centralization of power and the systematic erosion of local government authority.
Former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail. | Social Media
Former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, despite assuming office to lead a republic, is steering the Maldives back toward a monarchical style of governance.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Fayyaz stated that leaders elected by the people must not act as royalty, but rather as servants to all Maldivians sheltered under the Maldivian Republic.
Fayyaz stated that this year's Republic Day is being observed at a time when the country lacks a government that truly serves the people or functions according to their will. He further remarked that despite assuming office to lead a republican government, President Muizzu is instead steering the Maldives back toward the path of a monarchy.
Fayyaz’s remarks come amid growing public concern over President Muizzu’s increasing consolidation of power. Local councils have also voiced their anxieties regarding legislative amendments that restrict the powers granted to them under the Decentralization Act.
