Maldives President Sets Press Conference World Record

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu set a new world record by holding a press conference lasting 14 hours and 54 minutes, surpassing the previous record held by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The event, held on World Press Freedom Day, featured Muizzu addressing a broad range of questions from journalists and the public. He emphasized the importance of press freedom and celebrated the Maldives' improved ranking in the World Press Freedom Index. Muizzu stated there are no serious concerns about military and bilateral agreements made by the previous government, contradicting his earlier campaign claims and drawing criticism from opposition leaders who demanded an apology. The administration also announced plans for a media village to further support media independence. The Maldives has a tradition of notable governmental gestures, such as the 2009 underwater cabinet meeting to highlight climate change risks.