Historic Marathon Briefing on World Press Freedom Day
Male, May 4, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
In a move that captured international attention, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu held a press conference lasting 14 hours and 54 minutes, setting a new world record for the longest presidential press conference in history. The event took place on Saturday, April 3, 2025, to commemorate World Press Freedom Day and was officially announced by the President’s Office the following day.
Previous Record Surpassed
The previous record for the longest press conference was set by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in October 2019, lasting 14 hours. Zelensky’s record had itself broken an earlier seven-hour session by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. President Muizzu’s feat has now redefined the limits of presidential accessibility and media engagement.
Muizzu Engages with Journalists and the Public
Beginning at 10:00 a.m. local time, Muizzu responded continuously to a wide range of questions from journalists, pausing only briefly for prayers. He also addressed questions submitted by the public through media representatives, underscoring his administration’s commitment to transparency and inclusive governance.
Commitment to Media Freedom Highlighted
According to the President’s Office, Muizzu emphasized the crucial role of journalism in a democratic society, advocating for factual, balanced, and impartial reporting. The extended press event reflected not just a personal endurance test but a symbolic gesture aligned with the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to champion press freedom.
Maldives Improves Press Freedom Ranking
Coinciding with the historic session, the Maldives celebrated a rise in the World Press Freedom Index, climbing two spots to rank 104th out of 180 countries in the 2025 index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The improvement highlights the country’s growing emphasis on protecting journalistic integrity and freedom of speech.
Government Initiatives to Empower Media
Under President Muizzu’s leadership since 2023, several initiatives have been launched to bolster the independence and sustainability of the Maldivian media sector:
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A media village project has been proposed in Hulhumalé, offering subsidized space to newsrooms struggling with high office rental costs.
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A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed with a developer to advance the project.
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The 2025 national budget has allocated MVR 27.98 million specifically to support press freedom initiatives.
Regional Standing and Democratic Goals
In the South Asian region, the Maldives currently ranks second in press freedom, trailing only Nepal. The Muizzu administration considers media freedom a foundational pillar of democracy and continues to invest in legal and institutional frameworks to protect journalists and ensure access to information.
Historical Echoes: Maldives and Symbolic Leadership
This historic press conference joins a legacy of high-impact symbolism by Maldivian leaders. In 2009, former President Mohamed Nasheed conducted the world’s first underwater cabinet meeting to highlight the existential threat of climate change. This act underscored the Maldives’ position on the frontlines of global environmental advocacy—a tradition now extended into the realm of media freedom under President Muizzu.
FAQs
1. Who holds the record for the longest presidential press conference?
President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives now holds the record with a 14-hour and 54-minute press conference held on April 3, 2025.
2. What was the purpose of the long press conference?
The event was organized to mark World Press Freedom Day and highlight the importance of media transparency and freedom in the Maldives.
3. How does the Maldives rank in the World Press Freedom Index?
In 2025, the Maldives climbed two places to rank 104th out of 180 countries, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
4. What media initiatives has President Muizzu introduced?
Initiatives include a proposed media village in Hulhumalé, budget allocations for press freedom, and legislative support for media independence.
5. Who previously held the record for the longest press conference?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously held the record with a 14-hour session in 2019.
6. Why is the Maldives significant in the global context of press freedom?
Despite its small size, the Maldives plays a symbolic and active role in advancing democracy, climate advocacy, and now, media freedom on the global stage.
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