Muizzu faces scrutiny after month-long absence from weekly press briefings

Aug 4, 2026, 12:15 PM
President Muizzu speaks during a press conference held at the President's Office on June 29, 2026.

President Muizzu speaks during a press conference held at the President's Office on June 29, 2026.

Despite President Mohamed Muizzu’s earlier commitment to hold weekly press briefings every Monday, more than a month has passed since his last interaction with the media.

Muizzu last met with journalists on June 29. In the five weeks since, four Mondays have passed that did not coincide with public holidays, yet no briefings were held.

President's Office Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) told Adhadhu that the President was unable to meet with the press yesterday due to his meeting schedule. He added that the President intends to meet with journalists whenever his schedule permits.

Muizzu had previously assured the media that, barring official travel or public holidays, he would dedicate one hour every Monday to meet with the press.

Muizzu first announced during his Presidential Address on February 5 that he would begin holding weekly press conferences starting in March this year.

"To provide information directly to the media, I will meet with journalists every Monday morning from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, starting from March this year," he declared.

Despite this assurance, Muizzu has failed to hold these briefings for several weeks, even while remaining in Male'. His most recent press conference followed a three-week hiatus.

In the 24 weeks since the weekly briefings were scheduled to begin on March 2, President Muizzu has met with the press on only eight occasions.

Before the launch of the weekly briefing initiative, the President had held a press conference on May 3, 2025—the second of his administration. His first formal press conference since assuming office was held on December 5, 2023.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

MoU with India to build fitness centres in three islands

The Maldives and India signed an agreement to establish fitness and recreation centres on three islands using Indian grant assistance. Part of the High Impact Community Development Projects, the initiative aims to promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen community ties for residents of all ages.

Pork and alcohol will not be allowed in Rasmale': Muizzu

President Muizzu announced that the Rasmalé development will strictly prohibit alcohol and pork, with these bans to be legally codified. He emphasized that the project aims to attract a Muslim clientele, including Maldivians and foreigners. The 500-hectare site is being sold to a UAE developer under a 99-year lease agreement.

Thalassemia patients continue to face medication shortages

Thalassemia patients in the Maldives are facing a critical six-month shortage of essential medications, forcing many to interrupt vital treatments. The scarcity has worsened under the new state-owned State Pharma, which provides only limited supplies. This crisis also affects those with cancer and mental health conditions nationwide.

Tourist arrivals expected to fall short of previous record

Maldives Finance Minister Hassan Zareer announced that tourist arrivals this year are expected to fall short of previous records and targets. The government revised its year-end estimate to 2.17 million visitors, citing geopolitical tensions as a factor. This decline marks the end of a five-year growth trend for the nation's tourism sector.

Bangladeshi national sentenced to 18 years for knife attack

Jahangir Mia, a Bangladeshi national, was sentenced to 18 years in prison and fined seven million Rufiyaa for a knife attack on a Nepalese cashier in Hulhumalé. The victim survived a neck injury, and the court deducted Mia's time already served from his initial 20-year sentence. He was apprehended within 24 hours of the assault.

MVR 59.7 billion budget proposed for 2027

The Maldives government proposed a MVR 59.7 billion budget for 2027, focusing on increased development spending despite a lower total figure than 2024. While revenue is expected to rise, a MVR 9.4 billion deficit is projected due to higher expenditures. The state plans to secure MVR 18.9 billion in financing to manage debt and costs.

Italy awards highest civilian honour to Mahudhee

Italy is posthumously awarding Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee the Gold Medal for Civil Valour, its highest civilian honor, for his bravery in a rescue mission for Italian tourists. A fund has also been launched to support his family following his tragic death during the operation.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox