Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu broke a world record by holding a 15-hour press conference on May 3, 2025, surpassing the previous record set by Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Addressing public and media queries, he softened his stance on India agreements, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition.
By New Delhi Post Desk
Historic Press Conference Marathon
New Delhi: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu set a new world record with a 15-hour press conference on May 3, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM and ending past midnight. The 46-year-old leader answered public and media questions, taking brief prayer breaks, surpassing Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 14-hour record from 2019.
Softened Stance on India Agreements
Muizzu addressed past military agreements with India, stating ongoing bilateral discussions have resolved concerns. He blamed delays in disclosure on confidentiality issues, despite his 2023 campaign promise. This shift from his ‘India Out’ rhetoric sparked criticism, with opposition leader Abdulla Shahid demanding an apology for misleading claims.
Opposition Slams Muizzu’s U-Turn
Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid accused Muizzu of damaging Maldives-India relations with false sovereignty threats during his 2023 campaign. Shahid, via X, called for an apology, arguing Muizzu’s narrative “spread fear” and “broke trust,” impacting the Maldives’ global reputation and necessitating accountability for the harm caused.
Press Freedom and National Progress
The conference coincided with Maldives’ rise to 104th in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, up two spots. Muizzu highlighted his administration’s progress on 2,129 manifesto pledges, including development projects. However, he evaded questions on corruption scandals, drawing mixed reactions on his transparency claims.
