Nasheed Accuses Muizzu Gov’t of Intruding Into Citizens’ Personal Lives Without Limits

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has accused the government of President Mohamed Muizzu of intruding into the personal lives of citizens “without any limits or boundaries”, criticising a series of policies that he says have focused on restrictions rather than improving public welfare.

In a post on social media, Nasheed said the Muizzu administration is not being recognised as a government that brings prosperity to Maldivians, but rather as one that imposes bans on things it disagrees with and seeks publicity through headline-grabbing measures.

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He pointed to the government’s decision to significantly increase cigarette duties, the nationwide ban on vaping products, discussions on restricting shisha, and efforts to reduce smartphone usage among young people.

“They are intruding into personal lives without any limits or boundaries,” Nasheed said, adding that the government later attempts to present itself as offering relief by reversing restrictions it had previously introduced.

Dr. Muizzu ge sarukaaru faahaga mi vanee Raajeyge rayyithunnah thanavaskan hoadhaa dhinumah masaikaiy kuraa sarukaarehge gothugaeh noon. Khilaafu huri kankan manaa koh, headline hahdhavaa sarukaarehge gothuga. Cigarette nubovey varah agu bodu kuravvaifi, vape akee black market…— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) June 2, 2026

The remarks come amid ongoing debate over several public health and social policies implemented under the current administration.

In 2024, the government increased the import duty on cigarettes from MVR 3.30 to MVR 8 per cigarette, describing the move as part of efforts to build a healthier society. The administration subsequently introduced a blanket ban on vaping products, prohibiting their import, sale, distribution, marketing and use in the Maldives, while imposing penalties for violations.

The measures have generated continued discussion, with some analysts arguing that the higher tobacco duties and vape ban have contributed to the growth of black-market trade in cigarettes and vaping products.

More recently, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan announced that the government would reduce the cigarette import duty from MVR 8 to MVR 4 following recommendations from the World Health Organization. The revised rate remains slightly higher than the pre-2024 level.

Nasheed’s comments also come as the government pursues plans to restrict social media access for children aged 16 and below. President Muizzu recently announced that work is underway on measures aimed at limiting children’s access to social media platforms.

The proposal has received mixed reactions. Supporters argue that stronger protections are needed to shield children from harmful online content, cyber-grooming and other digital risks. Critics, including opposition figures, have questioned the basis for the proposal, while others have raised concerns that such measures could expand state oversight of online activity.