Maldives Leader Holds Extensive, Record-Breaking Press Conference Spanning Over 15 Hours
Breaking Records: Maldives President's Epic 15-Hour Q&A
In an jaw-dropping display of endurance and dedication to free press, the Maverick of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, has smashed the world record for longest press conference by a president, clocking in at a staggering 14 hours and 54 minutes! This marathon session, marking World Press Freedom Day, took place on the 3rd of April.
Muizzu's office confirmed this record-breaking performance, suggesting brief pauses for prayers and breaks did little to hinder the leader's relentless enthusiasm for addressing the media[1][2][3][5]. The impressive endurance displayed by President Muizzu outclasses the previous record set by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in October 2019, who conversed with journalists for a whopping 14 hours[1].
Reflecting on the significance of the press in society, the 46-year-old head honcho emphasized the importance of accurate, fair, and balanced journalism[1]. Muizzu, who came into office in 2023, bolstered his efforts to promote transparency by highlighting the 104th position the Maldives now holds in the World Press Freedom Index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders. This index ranks the Maldives among 180 countries[1].
The media representatives in attendance received a steady stream of refreshing treats, as they listened to the president answering queries posed by both journalists and Maldivian citizens[1]. Approximately 20 journalists participated in this extraordinary event[1].
Fun fact: Did you know that this milestone event surpassed the previous record set by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko by a whopping 8-hour margin[5]? Now THAT'S impressive!
Courtesy of the Moscow-based RIA "Novy Day" & Yours Truly
© 2025, RIA "Novy Day"
- President Muizzu, the Maldives' Maverick leader, who broke the world record for longest press conference in 2025, outshone Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's 14-hour record set in 2019.
- The historic 15-hour Q&A, held on World Press Freedom Day in 2025, saw 20 reporters from various sectors, including politics and general-news, participate.
- During this extraordinary event, reporters from the Maldives were served refreshments as they listened to Muizzu's detailed responses to questions from both journalists and the general public.
- In his speech, Muizzu highlighted the Maldives' current 104th position on the World Press Freedom Index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders, as a testament to his administration's commitment to transparency and access to information.
