President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially declared Thursday, 6 February, as a government holiday. This announcement was made through Directive No. 1/2025, issued by the President’s Office on Wednesday.
The declaration aligns with Article 84 of the Constitution, which designates the day the President delivers the annual Presidential Address to the People's Majlis (Parliament) as a government holiday. President Dr Muizzu is scheduled to deliver his presidential address to the members of the People's Majlis, marking the commencement of the first parliamentary session of the year on 6 February.
The directive states that Thursday, 6 February, will be observed as a government holiday in conjunction with the President's delivery of this year's Presidential Address to the People's Majlis. Consequently, Presidential Directive No. 1/2024, issued on 18 January 2024, has been revoked, according to a statement by the President‘s Office.
In light of this declaration, the Secretariat of Parliament is currently undertaking preparations for the commencement of parliamentary sittings for the year. The presidential address will provide President Dr Muizzu with a platform to outline the current state of the nation, the government's policies, and plans to enhance the country's condition. It will also serve as an opportunity for the president to communicate his vision and priorities for this year.
Following the delivery of the presidential address, the main opposition party, holding the second highest number of seats in Parliament, will have 14 days to respond. According to parliamentary rules of procedure, this response, compiled by the majority or minority leader, should incorporate input from lawmakers in Parliament.