The empty Monday ritual of President Muizzu
Muizzu's weekly press briefings have faced criticism for a lack of transparency and substance despite the presence of his entire cabinet. The president frequently claimed ignorance regarding key issues like the Development Bank's status and the national reserve crisis while blaming global conflicts for unfulfilled campaign promises. Critics argue these sessions must evolve into meaningful forums that provide the public with clear, well-prepared information.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu speaks during a press conference held on 11 May 2026. | President's Office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has carved out a slice of every Monday for a weekly press briefing, a routine he personally pledged to maintain as long as he stays within the capital’s limits. He first unveiled this self-imposed tradition during the 2026 inaugural sitting of the People’s Majlis. Notably, this wasn't a requirement forced upon him by any law, political entity, or external demand, but rather a voluntary display of accessibility.
A hall full of silence
One has to wonder what the actual point of these sessions is. Naturally, members of the media show up hoping for direct and lucid responses from the president, viewing him as the ultimate source of truth on national matters. The setup is quite elaborate, with every single government minister and leader of state-owned enterprises tucked away in a nearby room during the event. This specific staging implies that no question should go unanswered, as the entire brain trust of the administration is within arm's reach.
Development bank mystery
Despite this grand arrangement, Monday’s briefing felt more like a masterclass in staying uninformed. Muizzu seemed completely out of the loop regarding several vital topics. Specifically, he pleaded ignorance when asked why the Development Bank of Maldives has not started its services yet. It is a baffling admission considering the massive amount of public funds poured into the institution. If the person at the very top of the hierarchy is in the dark about its status, it's hard to imagine who actually knows what's going on.
Blaming global chaos for local delays
The confusion only deepened when the topic shifted to a specific campaign vow: doubling the USD 500 travel allowance for Maldivians flying out of Velana International Airport (VIA). The incumbent had previously stated that the increase to USD 1,000 would be active by the first quarter of 2026. We are now well into the second quarter with no change in sight. Rather than offering a real explanation, the incumbent suggested that his 2025 promise could not have accounted for the Middle Eastern conflict that erupted on February 28 of this year. It's the kind of excuse that makes you oscillate between laughter and total disbelief.
Selective memory and shifting blame
It seems the incumbent's memory is quite sharp when there is good news to share. He is always fully briefed and enthusiastic about mentioning any growth in the national reserves or taking the lead on announcing fresh projects from the Bank of Maldives (BML). However, that expertise vanished when he was asked about reports suggesting the national reserves have crashed into the single digits. Suddenly, he claimed to know nothing about the situation and told reporters to go ask the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) instead.
A platform in desperate need of substance
These briefings need to evolve into something more than just a scheduled appearance. The incumbent must show up with the preparation required to give thorough answers, and the media is owed far more transparency than they are currently receiving. If the Head of State is going to host a press conference, it needs to be a meaningful and useful forum that actually provides the public with the information they deserve.
