President to hold weekly Monday media briefings

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that going forward, he will be holding press briefings every Monday, where he will respond to media queries. 

During his annual presidential address in parliament today, the President said that direct meetings with media will be increased to further enhance close relations with the press. 

Starting in March, the President said he will hold weekly press briefings every Monday from 10 to 11am, unless interrupted by official travel or other pressing commitments. 

In addition to the President himself, every cabinet minister will also hold an hour-long press briefing every week, he added. 

The President highlighted the vital role of responsible media in upholding peace and stability and in informing the public about development. He said citizens have the right to established media that delivers factual reporting, guided by the 5 Ws, in line with Islamic principles. 

The President affirmed the government's commitment to upholding this right, noting that for the first time, funding has been allocated to media through the State budget. 

Last month, the government issued MVR 27 million to 40 media outlets. 

The President said that to ease the financial burden on media outlets renting costly private offices, work on the Media Village is progressing rapidly, and once completed, it will provide affordable office space and studios. 

The Media Village, being developed in Hulhumale', will have 34 office spaces, the President said, adding it will be open to media by mid-year.