Maldives president delivers extraordinary 15-hour press conference

Maldives president delivers extraordinary 15-hour press conference

Scrap the Script, I'm All About That Freshness

Meet Mohamed Muizzu, the Maldives' charismatic president, who recently made headlines by breaking a world record with an epic 14-hour, 54-minute press conference. That's right, you heard it straight! This record-breaking event surpassed the previous 14-hour gold standard set by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky back in 2019[1][3][5].

So, what was the purpose behind this Marathon Q&A Session? Well, Muizzu wanted to coincide it with World Press Freedom Day, considering the Maldives' impressive 2-spot leap to 104th place in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index[2][3]. Moreover, he aimed to advocate for media freedom, emphasizing the need for truthful, balanced reporting and recognizing the press's role in society[1][2].

But wait, it doesn't stop there! Muizzu, during his extended session, welcomed questioning from the public as well, facilitated through journalists[2][4]. On top of that, he took the opportunity to highlight the government's initiatives, such as a MVR 27.98 million budget allocation to uphold press freedom and plans for a media village intended to support journalists[2][5].

Did you know, Muizzu's not the only one making waves in the archipelago? A former president, Mohamed Nasheed, set a unique world record by conducting the first underwater cabinet meeting in 2009, to shed light on the pressing issue of rising sea levels threatening the Maldives[6]. The dynamic duo are definitely leading the charge in combating climate change, with the Maldives being one of the frontlines in the battle against global warming, facing the risk of sea levels rising and potentially drowning its 1,192 tiny coral islands[6].

So, there you have it! Get ready to keep up with this record-breaking president as he continues to pave the way for a more free and truthful press in the Maldives.

© 2025 AFP

Bonus Insights:

• The Maldives' press freedom score was significantly lower in 2024, with journalist attacks and intimidation reported, but it improved the following year[2].
• Social media platforms in the Maldives have become crucial tools for journalists, as the government often restricts traditional media outlets[2].
• Muizzu's administration has also faced criticism for delaying the release of important Sri Lankan migrants' data to human rights groups[2].

1. The Maldives' President, Mohamed Muizzu, recently broke a world record with a 14-hour, 54-minute press conference that surpassed the previous record set by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2019.
2. Muizzu conducted the record-breaking Marathon Q&A Session to coincide with World Press Freedom Day and advocate for truthful, balanced reporting, highlighting the press's role in society and general-news.
3. In addition to welcoming questions from the public through journalists, Muizzu announced a MVR 27.98 million budget allocation to uphold press freedom and plans for a media village to support journalists in the Maldives.
4. India's news agencies, like AFP, have reported on Muizzu's record-breaking press conference, his commitment to media freedom, and his efforts to improve the Maldives' press freedom index ranking.

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