The Malta Independent

Keep me signed in with social media

14 December 2024, Saturday

View E-Paper

Biker who crashed into skip dies in hospital

The motorcyclist who was seriously injured last Wednesday on the St Paul's Bay by-pass died in hospital on Saturday, the police said. The biker, an English man aged 54 of Mellieha, crashed into a...

Comments (0)
Share

Updated – Body in suitcase: Man charged with hiding a body remanded in custody

A Colombian man will be charged in connection with the in the case of the body found in a suitcase in the sea off the Sliema Ferries promenade, the police said Saturday morning. The police are...

Comments (0)
Share

Man arrested after attempt to break into Gozo Cathedral

A man who attempted to break into the Gozo Cathedral has been arrested, the police said. The attempt was made on Wednesday morning, at around 5am. The man, aged 38, from Zebbug, Gozo, was...

Comments (0)
Share

TMID Editorial: Malta and foreign affairs

It has been an interesting couple of years for Malta in the international sphere of foreign relations. It was already an exceptional occasion for Malta to be a part of the United Nations Security...

Comments (0)
Share

South Korea’s parliament votes to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law order

South Korea's parliament voted Saturday to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol as authorities investigate allegations of rebellion over his controversial Dec. 3 martial law decree that has...

Comments (0)
Share

Jake Vella, Karl Gouder, Lorenzo Vella all posthumously honoured in Republic Day ceremony

Jake Vella, Karl Gouder, and Lorenzo Vella were all posthumously honoured during the annual Republic Day ceremony, where the country’s highest honours are conferred. They were awarded the...

Comments (0)
Share

Man found guilty of attempted murder sentenced to 32-year imprisonment term

A man found guilty of attempted murder by a jury was sentenced to a 32-year imprisonment term on Thursday. Paul Borg, of Ħaż-Żebbuġ, was convicted by a jury of attempting...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from Summer Shade, 13/12/2024 12:57: Mela wiehed qatel tnejn u biccierhom il qorti nizlitlu l piena ghal 35 sena ghax il prosekuzzjoni kienet fthemet ma difiża, u dan ma qatel u wegga lil hadd wehel 32 sena. Xi hadd ifhemni..

Click to rate
0
0

Man, teenaged girl critically hurt in two separate traffic accidents

A man and a woman were critically injured in two separate traffic accidents on Friday, the police said Saturday. In the first accident, a 17-year-old girl was seriously hurt when she was hit by a...

Comments (0)
Share

50 years of Malta as a Republic should allow us to reflect and prepare for future, President says

President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono said that the 50th anniversary of Malta becoming a Republic, which was celebrated Friday evening, should allow the country to reflect on the now and prepare...

Comments (0)
Share

‘Good intentions can lead us to hell’, President says in warning against pressure on institutions

No pressure, from any angle, should be exercised on the pillars of justice, President Myriam Spiteri Debono said as she delivered her speech during Republic Day on Friday. President...

Comments (2)
Share

latest comment from Alessia Caruana, 14/12/2024 01:58: If party lines dictate decisions in the Standards Committee, how can we expect ethical accountability? The President’s doubts about the Commissioner’s effectiveness are chilling. Let’s demand real reform, not just ceremonial offices that look good on paper but accomplish nothing.

Click to rate
0
0

Archbishop’s Republic Day homily takes focus on Malta’s birthrate

Malta’s fertility rate as a nation, at 1.11 in 2024, marks it as the lowest birth rate in the European Union, Archbishop Charles Scicluna noted as he delivered his homily on the 50th anniversary...

Comments (0)
Share

recent poll

Blogs & Opinions

Owen Bonnici

A really, really positive year

Mark Said

Updating laws for a good purpose

Electric vehicles

Rights and duties

But they’re worse

The Labour Party cannot undo the mess of its own doing

Carmel Cacopardo

Holding government to account

Emmanuel J. Galea

Empowering Gozo’s economy: Addressing key issues for a resilient tomorrow!

Noel Grima

A far cry from Helsinki

Mark Said

A false perception

Court revokes permit to add six floors on Ramel Buildings on Tower Road, Sliema

Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) said Friday it has secured a significant victory in its ongoing battle to protect Malta's cultural heritage as the Court has revoked the controversial...

Comments (4)
Share

latest comment from D J Galea, 13/12/2024 16:10: The greed of these "developers" and the politicians in their pockets has become shamelessly farcical. High time for an investigation to determine what's happening in the background.

Click to rate
0
0

Third edition of 'A Gift with Love with a Difference' launched

The Prime Minister's wife, Lydia Abela, has launched the third edition of 'A Gift with Love with a Difference,' during a visit to Mater Dei Hospital. This follows the launch of the fifth edition...

Comments (0)
Share

Equal pay law for private sector, paid carers’ leave for public sector effective from January 2025

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul said that as from 1 January, 2025, the concept of 'Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value' will come into effect. This ensures that private...

Comments (0)
Share

Avenue 77 in Mriehel Central Business District set to expand

The new business hub, Avenue 77, has been opened and is to be expanded in the Mriehel Central Business District, a government statement said. Economy Minister Silvio Schembri made a visit to...

Comments (0)
Share

Agreement reached on EU Fishing Quotas for 2025

Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said attended the final meeting of the year for the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels, where various...

Comments (0)
Share

Government inaugurates Dar il-Qawsalla, to provide shelter for homeless LGBTIQ+ individuals

Prime Minister Robert Abela, together with Minister for Social and Affordable Accommodation Roderick Galdes have inaugurated Dar il-Qawsalla, a residence dedicated to members of the LGBTIQ+ community...

Comments (0)
Share

New chief government medical officer appointed

Dr Clarence Pace has been appointed as Chief Government Medical Officer within the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing. A government statement said that Health and Active Aging Minister Jo...

Comments (0)
Share

Updated: Colombian, Portuguese men arrested in connection with dismembered body found in suitcase

The man whose body was found in a suitcase last Monday died from asphyxia, the national broadcasting station reports Thursday. He was also found to have 101 capsules containing drugs in his...

Comments (0)
Share

news in pictures

events

Sports

7th Super Cup success for Ħamrun Spartans

England and new coach Tuchel land in 2026 World Cup qualifying group with Serbia and Albania

Italy on path to end long World Cup absence when FIFA draws 12 European qualifying groups for 2026

Hojlund scores twice for Man Utd to beat Viktoria Plzen in Europa League, Tottenham held 1-1

Man City crisis deepens with loss to Juventus in Champions League as Barcelona and Arsenal win

FIFA names Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host; Spain, Portugal and Morocco to co-host 2030 edition

Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham on target as Real Madrid beat Atalanta 3-2; Liverpool win again

Cataldi promises hospitalized teammate Bove a goal and delivers as Fiorentina wins 8th straight

Chelsea rally for a wild win at Tottenham but Arsenal stumble in Premier League title race

Norris wins season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to seal constructors' title for McLaren

England and new coach Tuchel land in 2026 World Cup qualifying group with Serbia and Albania

Thomas Tuchel's first official duty as England coach on Friday was to see his new team drawn in a 2026 World Cup qualifying group with Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra. Tuchel starts work in...

Comments (0)
Share

7th Super Cup success for Ħamrun Spartans

Ħamrun Spartans won the first honour of the season 2024/25 when in the BOV Super Cup Final they defeated Sliema Wanderers by two goals to nil. It was a deserved win for Ħamrun where after a...

Comments (0)
Share

TMID Editorial: Cleaning up

These past three years, Malta has played a role on the world stage. Malta was appointed to the UN Security Council, Malta also accepted a request to chair the Organization for Security and...

Comments (0)
Share

PA gives thumbs down to five-storey development along Mosta’s Wied il-Ghasel

A five-storey development proposed alongside Mosta's Wied il-Ghasel has been refused by the Planning Authority Board. It was refused with a five to three majority during a sitting held on...

Comments (2)
Share

latest comment from Alessia Caruana, 13/12/2024 11:03: Enough with ODZ violations! Building in the buffer zone of a valley and pretending it’s justified is laughable. Developers can’t keep bending the rules to fit their agendas. Wied il-Ghasel deserves protection, not destruction.

Click to rate
0
0

NGO ‘shocked’ Malta detained, isolated a Syrian woman, group of children

NGO aditus expressed shock that a Syrian woman with a group of very young children is being detained at Safi Barracks. "We are further shocked at the news that they have been locked up for around...

Comments (2)
Share

latest comment from Paul bermon, 12/12/2024 16:44: The new head is not a member of ISIS and a lot of European Countries suspended current applications for Syrian people already in their countries

Click to rate
0
0

PN expresses concern about Malta’s drug situation after ‘horrifying’ suitcase murder

The Nationalist Party said in a statement that it is extremely concerned about the drug situation in Malta, saying that the recent murder – which saw an unidentified man found dismembered in a...

Comments (4)
Share

latest comment from madmax, 13/12/2024 13:36: You may not be watching enough news if that is your comment.

Click to rate
1
0

Malta’s republic is ‘sick’ – ADPD

“The Republic of Malta is sick,” the ADPD-The Green Party Chairperson Sandra Gauci said on the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Malta. “Whilst we celebrate this...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from Phil Zammit, 14/12/2024 03:22: As long as MONEY - whether it be buying political favour or votes - is permitted, the curse of corruption worldwide will never change. It's the same for wars! Take the 'profit' out of both and there's your answer.

Click to rate
0
0

Fort Chambray mega-development, dismantling of British barracks approved by PA

A mega-development proposed within Fort Chambray in Gozo and the dismantling of a British barracks building within the same complex has been approved by the Planning Authority. Both –...

Comments (2)
Share

latest comment from Alessia Caruana, 13/12/2024 10:57: No heritage impact assessment? How was this approved without a thorough analysis of the impact on our cultural heritage? The lack of a Social and Heritage Impact Assessment is reckless and negligent. Fort Chambray deserved protection, but it got betrayal instead.

Click to rate
0
0

Heritage Malta and the Malta National Aquarium bringing the depths to the surface

Heritage Malta has launched a new display at the Malta National Aquarium, offering an immersive journey into local underwater sites - ranging from ancient Phoenician shipwrecks to World War II wrecks...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from Anthony Chetcuti, 13/12/2024 20:38: Well done Can you do the same and retrieve the cannons at Ricasoli ?

Click to rate
0
0

Court revokes original Villa Rosa permit

The Court of appeal has revoked the original permit for the Villa Rosa development. The application in question dealt with the renewal of an application that was approved in 2016. The description...

Comments (0)
Share

Business

Economic Sector Growth: Powers of Percent Increase Analysis

HSBC Malta Foundation hosts ceremony to honour winners of Maltese honeybee awareness competition

GBS Malta unveils state-of-the-art campus in St Julian’s

Belair Property champions excellence in architecture at Din l-Art Ħelwa Awards

Atlas Insurance launches special edition 2025 Calendar

Debono Group launches employee dream sponsorship scheme for 2025

BOV sets new standard with SEPA instant payments launch

The Access Bank UK Limited expands international presence…

Dreaming of a faux four-day week

Biker who crashed into skip dies in hospital

Updated – Body in suitcase: Man charged with hiding a body remanded in custody

Man arrested after attempt to break into Gozo Cathedral

TMID Editorial: Malta and foreign affairs

South Korea’s parliament votes to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law order

Jake Vella, Karl Gouder, Lorenzo Vella all posthumously honoured in Republic Day ceremony

Man found guilty of attempted murder sentenced to 32-year imprisonment term

Man, teenaged girl critically hurt in two separate traffic accidents

50 years of Malta as a Republic should allow us to reflect and prepare for future, President says

‘Good intentions can lead us to hell’, President says in warning against pressure on institutions

Archbishop’s Republic Day homily takes focus on Malta’s birthrate

Court revokes permit to add six floors on Ramel Buildings on Tower Road, Sliema

Third edition of 'A Gift with Love with a Difference' launched

Equal pay law for private sector, paid carers’ leave for public sector effective from January 2025

Avenue 77 in Mriehel Central Business District set to expand

Agreement reached on EU Fishing Quotas for 2025

Government inaugurates Dar il-Qawsalla, to provide shelter for homeless LGBTIQ+ individuals

New chief government medical officer appointed

Updated: Colombian, Portuguese men arrested in connection with dismembered body found in suitcase

MUT to hold demonstration in front of Education Ministry on Tuesday

Number of job vacancies up more than 7% in third quarter 2024 – NSO

ECB cuts rates a quarter point amid concerns of tepid growth, impact of Trump trade policies

Pharmacies open today between 9am and noon, 4-7pm

Italy on path to end long World Cup absence when FIFA draws 12 European qualifying groups for 2026

Hojlund scores twice for Man Utd to beat Viktoria Plzen in Europa League, Tottenham held 1-1

PN submits Private Member’s Bill for zero tolerance against workplace bullying

National Audit Office report finds shortage of correctional officers at CCF

Tertiary-level graduates totalled 5,833 during 2023, NSO says

England and new coach Tuchel land in 2026 World Cup qualifying group with Serbia and Albania

7th Super Cup success for Ħamrun Spartans

TMID Editorial: Cleaning up

PA gives thumbs down to five-storey development along Mosta’s Wied il-Ghasel

NGO ‘shocked’ Malta detained, isolated a Syrian woman, group of children

PN expresses concern about Malta’s drug situation after ‘horrifying’ suitcase murder

Malta’s republic is ‘sick’ – ADPD

Fort Chambray mega-development, dismantling of British barracks approved by PA

Heritage Malta and the Malta National Aquarium bringing the depths to the surface

Court revokes original Villa Rosa permit

TMID Editorial: Enjoy it, but respect others

MIA welcomed more than 8.3 million passengers between January and November, reaching record

Court revokes development permit for 11-storey hotel in Gzira

Health Ministry lauds international arbiter decision on delayed Paola Health Centre

MCAST lecturers petition to government, MCAST, MUT for swift conclusion to negotiations

First phase of Msida Creek project proceeding at a fast pace, Transport Ministry says