A total of 45 per cent of people living in Malta consider 'crime' as one of two of the most important issues that Malta is currently facing, and ranks first in Europe with this belief about their country, according to a recently-published study.

These figures shown in a Eurobarometer report based on fieldwork carried out in November 2017 analyses the public opinion within European countries. These figures resulted from the question 'what do you think are the two most important issues facing (Malta) at the moment?'

The figure goes up a worrying 26 points since research done in Spring of this year, when only 19 per cent of the respondents marked 'crime' as one of Malta's most important current issues. This shows an unusual disparity when compared to all the other European countries listed. It is probably not coincidental since the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia occurred only weeks before the fieldwork was conducted.

In fact, all other countries registered a much lower concern for crime when compared to Malta. Denmark's and Montenegro's citizens listed second to be mostly concerned with crime in their country, both with 28 per cent.

Immigration was Malta's second most important issue, with 32 per cent.

Besides 'crime' and 'immigration', respondents in Malta listed environment issues as an important issue, with 22 per cent. 11 per cent of respondents marked the education system is an important issue that Malta is currently facing.   12 per cent and 10 per cent selected 'housing' and 'rising prices/inflation/cost of living' respectively.

Smaller figures portrayed less of a concern with taxation, unemployment, terrorism, the economic situation, pensions and government debt.