Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has broken the world record for the longest press conference ever held by a head of state. The 46-year-old leader spent nearly 15 hours answering questions from journalists, surpassing the previous record set by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2019, who held a 14-hour press conference.
Muizzu’s press conference, which took place on Saturday, began at 10:00 am local time and continued until 12:54 am the following day, with brief pauses for prayers. According to the president’s office, the marathon session was designed to coincide with World Press Freedom Day, a moment to recognize the vital role of the press in society. During the conference, Muizzu answered a wide range of questions, including those submitted by members of the public through journalists.
The 15-hour event not only set a new world record but also highlighted the Maldives’ progress in press freedom. The nation recently climbed two places in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, moving up to 104th out of 180 countries. This achievement was noted by Muizzu during the session, who emphasized the importance of factual, balanced, and impartial reporting.
The press conference featured around two dozen journalists, and refreshments were provided to keep the attendees comfortable during the lengthy event. Muizzu’s marathon session was a significant gesture towards press freedom and transparency, reflecting his administration’s commitment to open dialogue with both the media and the public.
This event follows in the footsteps of former President Mohamed Nasheed, who set a different world record in 2009 by holding the first-ever underwater cabinet meeting to raise awareness about the existential threat posed by rising sea levels to the Maldives. As the country continues to battle the impacts of global warming, Muizzu’s extended press conference stands as a testament to his dedication to addressing the pressing issues facing the nation.
