The Malta Independent

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15 May 2025, Thursday

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No place for ‘czars’ to rule over judges in democracy, Repubblika says on constitutional reform

Civil Society NGO Repubblika is opposing a government-proposed constitutional reform to introduce a new standards czar to oversee the conduct of magistrates and judges. Repubblika said in a...

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Għargħur Local Council goes red as confidence vote topples PN mayor

The Għargħur local council will now be led by the Labour Party after a confidence vote backed by a newly-independent local councillor toppled the Nationalist Party mayor Helen...

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PA application to turn Villa Sans Soucis into elderly home suspended as amended plans requested

A planning application to turn what is reputed to be Malta's most haunted house into an elderly home has been suspended at the request of the project's architect after the Superintendence of Cultural...

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Pope vows every effort to work for peace in regions where Christians persecuted, forced to flee

Pope Leo XIV vowed to take "every effort" Wednesday to work for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine and to actively promote the spirituality and traditions of the eastern rite churches, those...

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Free childcare service launched for victims of crime while they testify in court

The Victim Support Agency (VSA) has launched two new support services for victims of crime and domestic violence. One of the services ensures that a victim who needs to appear in court as a...

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€1 million to be distributed in 2025 Artistic Heritage Scheme

The Ministry for National Heritage has announced that the Artistic Heritage Scheme for 2025 will distribute an “unprecedented” €1 million towards beneficiaries working to support...

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People implicated in breach of money laundering rules have no place leading MSE, PN says

The Minister for Finance has no issue with the fact that the Executive Chairman of the Malta Stock Exchange, Joseph Portelli, a government appointee, is implicated in a company linked with money...

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Malta takes on the Council of Europe Presidency for next 6 months

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg has received the gavel to chair the Committee of Ministers for the next six months, with Malta officially assumed the...

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Degiorgio brothers weren't happy with payment for Caruana Galizia murder, witness tells court

The Degiorgio brothers were not happy with the payment for Daphne Caruana Galizia murder, Vince Muscat, known as il-Kohhu, said today in court. "Were the Degorgio brothers satisfied with the...

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‘Super One 2’ once again found guilty of bias, PN says

The Broadcasting Authority has once again reprimanded what is supposed to be the national broadcaster, finding it guilty of being unbalanced and partial in the way it attempted to censor the...

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144 doctors and 293 nurses hired in 2024

144 doctors and 293 nurses were hired during 2024, as well as 2 pharmacists, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela stated in response to a question posed by Nationalist Party MP Jerome Caruana...

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recent poll

Blogs & Opinions

Alfred Sant

Nationalism

Darren Carabott

While remaining completely neutral, we must not be naïve

Carmel Cacopardo

Vatican smoke: between white and pink

Kevin Cassar

Rubbing their hands in glee

Valerie Visanich

Mothers who shaped us

Emmanuel J. Galea

Gozo’s autonomy debate: Two visions, one island

Mark Said

Strengthening our police corps

Noel Grima

The other side of the river

Mark Said

The Maltese language course for EU institution employees

Owen Bonnici

Workers Day and Malta’s conservative forces

Scheme for commercial renewable energy installations launched

The Government is launching a new call-for-offers scheme for installations that generate electricity from renewable energy sources. "This scheme is another step towards strengthening energy...

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Malta is European leader in LGBTIQ+ rights for 10th consecutive year, government says

Malt ranked first on the 2025 Rainbow Map released by ILGA-Europe, which is the leading European organisation advocating for LGBTIQ+ rights, the government said. The map benchmarks 49...

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latest comment from RF, 14/05/2025 09:37: What did it cost the Labour government in money and effort to give these rights? Nothing compared to spending effort and money in investing in capital projects that would have created clean wealth and good jobs for all the Maltese! They may be first in this but last in the more important sectors like transparency, wellbeing, quality of air, etc.

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TMID Editorial: A tragedy in the Med

A tragedy occurred in the Mediterranean this week. Four people, including two small children, died during a migration voyage. "Following a mayday alert by the European Border and Coast Guard...

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latest comment from Michael Walter, 14/05/2025 09:38: People that deliberately put themselves and their families in harms way should be prosecuted. I'm pretty sure we would be.

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Gafa should have used the tool of interrogation in hospitals deal case, Aquilina says

Robert Aquilina, Fondazione Falcone's representative in Malta, has hit out at Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa, saying that the Commissioner should have conducted interrogations in the hospitals deal...

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10 songs win a place in the Eurovision final but 5 are sent home as the music contest heats up

Competition in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest kicked off Tuesday, with sauna-loving Swedish entry KAJ gaining a place in the final and five countries going home after the first of two...

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Law report: Interpretation of ‘pre-existing medical condition’ clauses in travel insurance policies

On 5 February 2025, the Court of Appeal (in its inferior jurisdiction), delivered its final judgment in the case of 'D.M. v X Insurance' which related to an appeal filed by X Insurance (the...

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Abela trying to put pressure on courts to exonerate ‘Joseph Muscat and his clique’ – Repubblika

The NGO Repubblika has accused Prime Minister Robert Abela of trying to put pressure on the courts in order for them to exonerate Joseph Muscat “and his clique” from the serious charges...

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Vince Muscat tried to claim €1 million reward for information on Caruana Galizia murder via lawyer

Vince Muscat, who is one of the convicted hitmen behind the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, told a trial on Tuesday that his lawyer had tried to claim the €1 million reward on offer for...

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news in pictures

events

Sports

Brazil sign Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti 1 year ahead of 2026 World Cup

Torrential rain fails to halt Inter's pursuit of leaders Napoli as gap cut to one point

Arsenal and Newcastle to meet in Premier League showdown as Champions League race intensifies

Hamrun make it three league titles in a row after beating Birkirkara 1-0 in final

Lazio snatch draw against 10-man Juventus in Serie A

Haaland returns yet Man City stumble to leave Champions League hopes in doubt

San Giljan beat Sliema on penalties to win BOV winter league

Man United, Tottenham reach Europa League final, one win away from Champions League

PSG reach Champions League final and will face Inter for elusive title

Maksar gang trial: 'I don't have the guts to shoot', Vince Muscat tells court

Vince Muscat, known as il-Kohhu, told a trial by jury that he does not have the guts to shoot. He was testifying in the trial by jury of the four men charged with the murder of Daphne...

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Students lament University decision to lay off casual part-time lecturers

Students at the University of Malta (UoM) have expressed "deep concern and dismay" over a recent decision implemented by the University to terminate the contracts of "casual part-time...

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latest comment from J. Borg, 14/05/2025 09:03: Instead of investing in education, the government is cutting funding to the university. This is a direct consequence. Students should protest! If they don't, they are also part of the problem!

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Ronald Mizzi reappointment is a blow to justice and good governance, PN says

The Nationalist Party said Tuesday it considers Robert Abela's decision to reappoint Ronald Mizzi as Permanent Secretary to be an irresponsible act that further erodes accountability, transparency,...

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Partit Momentum aligns with European Democratic Party, within Renew Europe EP group

The Momentum Party has announced that it has been welcomed into the European Democratic Party. Within the European Parliament, all elected MEPs stemming from the European Democrats (PDE/EDP) join...

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Trump and Pope Leo are now Earth's most powerful Americans. They lead in different roles and realms

The motto of one newly elected American world leader: " Fight! " The other introduced himself to the world with his first public word as pope: " Peace." The contrast between President Donald...

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There were over 12,500 property transactions in 2024, an increase over previous year

There were over 12,500 property transactions in 2024, valued at €3.5 billion, marking a 3.4% increase from the previous year, a government statement read. Minister for Justice and Reform...

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ECHR finds no breach of human rights in Patrick Spiteri’s arrest in Malta

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has found no breach of Patrick Spiteri's rights in his arrest. In 2008 Spiteri was charged with fraud, misappropriation of funds and forgery of public...

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2,225 reported cases of domestic violence in Malta in 2024

Minister for Home Affairs Byron Camilleri has said that across the year 2024, the police received 2,225 reports of domestic violence. This equates to around six reports everyday. He was...

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70-year-old motorcyclist grievously injured in crash

At around 11:15 a.m., the police were informed of a traffic accident in Triq l-Imġarr, Għajnsielem, Gozo. The police went to the scene, and from preliminary investigations, it emerged...

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Trailer too high for bridge in Paceville, traffic chaos ensues

As if we do not have already enough traffic problems, a trailer this morning was unable to continue its journey because it is higher than the bridge in Triq Santu Wistin, St. Julian's. The...

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Business

Bank of Valletta offers the Guaranteed Investment Plan 2028 to its customers

Bank of Valletta extends its support to the Karl Vella Foundation

Is our education system ready for 21st century skills?

GO declares Malta a ‘True Fibre Island’

HSBC Malta Foundation supports the 6th edition of the Primary STEM Challenge

GO declares Malta a 'true fibre island'

STMicroelectronics Facility becomes EU’s first advanced manufacturing backend plant

Moneybase launches free SEPA Instant payments

MESGA consultative council of future generations meets BOV

Atlas Healthcare and IVALIFE host webinar on pensions and auto-enrolment

No place for ‘czars’ to rule over judges in democracy, Repubblika says on constitutional reform

Għargħur Local Council goes red as confidence vote topples PN mayor

PA application to turn Villa Sans Soucis into elderly home suspended as amended plans requested

Pope vows every effort to work for peace in regions where Christians persecuted, forced to flee

Free childcare service launched for victims of crime while they testify in court

€1 million to be distributed in 2025 Artistic Heritage Scheme

People implicated in breach of money laundering rules have no place leading MSE, PN says

Malta takes on the Council of Europe Presidency for next 6 months

Degiorgio brothers weren't happy with payment for Caruana Galizia murder, witness tells court

‘Super One 2’ once again found guilty of bias, PN says

144 doctors and 293 nurses hired in 2024

Scheme for commercial renewable energy installations launched

Malta is European leader in LGBTIQ+ rights for 10th consecutive year, government says

TMID Editorial: A tragedy in the Med

Gafa should have used the tool of interrogation in hospitals deal case, Aquilina says

10 songs win a place in the Eurovision final but 5 are sent home as the music contest heats up

Law report: Interpretation of ‘pre-existing medical condition’ clauses in travel insurance policies

Abela trying to put pressure on courts to exonerate ‘Joseph Muscat and his clique’ – Repubblika

Vince Muscat tried to claim €1 million reward for information on Caruana Galizia murder via lawyer

French actor Gérard Depardieu found guilty of sexual assault and given 18-month suspended sentence

Ronald Mizzi reinstated as Permanent Secretary, despite ongoing court case

New York Times reports Pope Leo XIV has Maltese ancestry

‘EcoHive project has strong element of greenwashing,’ PN MP raises alarm over EcoHive incinerators

Jeremy Harbinson to testify remotely in Vitals criminal proceedings

MIDI says master plan for Manoel Island contemplates huge open spaces

TMID Editorial: Commitment to dignified end-of-life care

St Lawrence Church hidden gems open to the public

62 rescued in Maltese S&R zone, four die in Med migration voyage

Maksar gang trial: 'I don't have the guts to shoot', Vince Muscat tells court

Students lament University decision to lay off casual part-time lecturers

Ronald Mizzi reappointment is a blow to justice and good governance, PN says

Partit Momentum aligns with European Democratic Party, within Renew Europe EP group

Trump and Pope Leo are now Earth's most powerful Americans. They lead in different roles and realms

There were over 12,500 property transactions in 2024, an increase over previous year

ECHR finds no breach of human rights in Patrick Spiteri’s arrest in Malta

2,225 reported cases of domestic violence in Malta in 2024

70-year-old motorcyclist grievously injured in crash

Trailer too high for bridge in Paceville, traffic chaos ensues

Lions found illegally kept in Naxxar relocated to approved facility in Rabat

Police chief ‘categorically and unequivocally denies’ allegations made by Aquilina

Parliament unanimously passes new cannabis legislation amendments

Robert Aquilina accuses Police Commissioner of undermining hospitals corruption inquiry

Maksar gang trial: Vince Muscat confronted with previous testimony

Malta Further & Higher Education Authority says it still holds the status of affiliate with ENQA