The Malta Independent

Keep me signed in with social media

5 May 2025, Monday

View E-Paper

Live - Maksar gang trial: Investigators found link between Caruana Galizia, Romeo Bone bombs

Proceedings continue on Monday in the trial by jury of four men accused of murdering journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and lawyer Carmel Chircop. The four men on trial are Robert and Adrian...

Comments (0)
Share

Government surveyor boarding Conscience ship outside of Maltese waters, PM tells Parliament

Prime Minister Robert Abela said that the captain of the aid ship ‘Conscience,’ which suffered an alleged drone attack last Friday, has accepted that an accredited government surveyor...

Comments (0)
Share

Parliament pays tribute to Francis Zammit Dimech

Parliament on Monday paid tribute to the late Acting President and long-time Nationalist politician Francis Zammit Dimech, who was described as a “serious, but humble person.” Zammit...

Comments (0)
Share

Pope Francis left unfinished business after a 12-year papacy. What challenges await the next pope?

While Pope Francis accomplished a lot in his 12-year papacy, he left much unfinished business and many challenges for his successor - from the Vatican's disastrous finances to the wars raging on...

Comments (0)
Share

Number of vehicles on the road increases by 19 per day in first quarter – NSO

In the first quarter of 2025, the stock of licensed motor vehicles increased by 1,744 over the previous quarter, the N SO said Monday. At the end of March 2025, the stock of licensed motor...

Comments (0)
Share

First edition of ‘The 10km L-Istrina Palace Run’ launched

A new initiative in aid of The Malta Community Chest Fund, titled L-Istrina Palace Run, will bring together athletes from across Malta and Gozo for a marathon that, over a four-year period, will...

Comments (0)
Share

Maria Montebello to become first female rector of St Aloysius College

St Aloysius College has announced that Maria Montebello will become the new Rector of the educational...

Comments (0)
Share

Portuguese man caught with €250,000 worth of drugs at airport

A 53-year-old Portuguese man was arrested upon his arrival at Malta International Airport after being caught carrying around 11 kilograms of drugs in his luggage, with a total street value of...

Comments (0)
Share

Public sector ‘not bloated’, but upskilling needed – GWU secretary general

The public sector is not bloated or over-staffed, but there is a need for upskilling of workers, General Workers Union secretary general Josef Bugeja said. He stressed that Malta's growing and...

Comments (0)
Share

Festivals Malta unveils 2025 summer festival line-up

Festivals Malta has officially launched its cultural calendar for Summer 2025, featuring four major events that will run from May through July. The line-up includes Ritmu Roots Festival, Malta...

Comments (0)
Share

New financial support scheme launched to involve licensed fishermen in collection of marine data

A new financial support scheme has been launched to involve licensed fishermen in the collection of marine data during their fishing trips. The initiative was announced by the Parliamentary...

Comments (0)
Share

recent poll

Blogs & Opinions

Alfred Sant

Green spaces

Carmel Cacopardo

Maltese citizenship: between price and value

Kevin Cassar

The Time of the Hero

Emmanuel J. Galea

St George’s Pjazza - Seconds lost, lives risked

Noel Grima

Zuppi – an idea for the conclave

Mark Said

All that hype about parliamentary walk-outs

Victor Calleja

When aping the past is not necessarily good

Owen Bonnici

The PN versus the people

Alfred Sant

Still relevant?

Mark Said

Liverpool FC: 20 times champions

Trump says he'll reopen Alcatraz prison for 'America’s most ruthless and violent offenders'

President Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the notorious former prison on a hard-to-reach California island off San Francisco that has been...

Comments (0)
Share

TMID Editorial: Malta and press freedom

As always happens on World Press Freedom Day, which was last week, World Press Freedom Index rankings for 2025 were published by Reporters Without Borders. Malta ranked 67th, an improvement over...

Comments (0)
Share

Unions, employers broadly support proposed miscarriage leave, but seek more details

The government's proposal to introduce miscarriage leave has drawn broad support from unions and employer organisations alike, although several parties involved have called for clearer definitions and...

Comments (0)
Share

Malta offered to pay for aid ship’s repairs, but surveyor must be allowed on board first – PM

Malta has offered to carry out and pay for repairs to an aid ship which activists allege was the target for a drone strike, but only after a maritime surveyor is allowed onboard to assess the damage...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from Sudo Root, 04/05/2025 16:40: I suspect that they don't trust anyone and rightly so. Bearing in mind that once in Maltese waters the ship can be impounded indefinitely for a thousand spurious reasons, even until the genocide is completed.

Click to rate
0
0

Trump threatens a 100% tariff on foreign-made films, saying the movie industry in the US is dying

President Donald Trump is opening a new salvo in his tariff war, targeting films made outside the U.S. In a post Sunday night on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he has authorized...

Comments (0)
Share

O-Level student-based assessments are here to stay, says Curriculum director general

The newly-introduced O-Level assessment format, featuring student-based assessments (SBAs) throughout the final three years of schooling, is not going anywhere anytime soon, director general Jude...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from Christian S Borg, 04/05/2025 16:18: These so called "educational leaders" never listen to educators and parents. They have a totalitarian dictatorial "I know best for you" mentality which is incompatible with the needs of a democratic society. No wonder the office of the Ombudsman slammed Maltese Educational Authorities for their undemocratic practices time and again!

Click to rate
1
0

Updated: Maritime surveyor is welcome to board Conscience, says Freedom Flotilla Coalition

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) said in a statement on Sunday that it had received a very welcome update from the government of Malta, with a stated intent to provide logistical supports and...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from PeterWolf, 05/05/2025 09:42: They are not bringing illegal migrants to Malta. Why would Malta detain the ship after repairs?

Click to rate
0
0

From neglected and abandoned to restored and magnificent

Once left to decay, the historic buildings of Manoel Island are being transformed through a remarkable restoration effort led by MIDI plc. With an initial €13 million investment, the company is...

Comments (0)
Share

news in pictures

events

Sports

Oscar Piastri wins at Miami for 3rd straight F1 victory, 4th win of season for championship leader

Chelsea win and Newcastle draw to tighten top-five race as United loses again in Premier League

Roma and Lazio catch up with Juventus in fight for 4th place in Serie A

Serie A leaders Napoli beat Lecce amid flares and delays to move closer to title

Arsenal's Champions League preparations go wrong after another loss to Bournemouth

New father Max Verstappen wins pole in Miami, his third through six F1 races this season

Antonelli becomes youngest pole winner in F1 history by taking top stop for Miami sprint race

Late penalty for Torino scuppers Venezia hopes of escaping Serie A drop zone

De Bruyne not finished yet as he gives Man City crucial win over Wolves

Man United and Tottenham take commanding leads in the Europa League semifinals

No blanket cuts needed, but public sector hiring raising concerns – Malta Employers chief

The public sector has grown significantly over the years, and while it is understood that there is demand to recruit the right people, oftentimes this is creating unhealthy competition with private...

Comments (0)
Share

Government blocking struck vessel’s entry into Malta for second day since drone attack, NGO says

For the second consecutive day since it was hit by an alleged drone attack on Friday evening, the humanitarian tugboat “Conscience” is being impeded from entering Maltese waters and...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from J. Bianchi, 04/05/2025 13:14: Why not letting an inspection of the ship 1st?!

Click to rate
0
0

Six-month gym membership scheme for youths launched

As of Sunday, all youths born between 2005 and 2007 can make use of six months of gym memberships, fully paid by the government. Announcing the scheme at an event at the Mediterranean College of...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from M.Vella, 04/05/2025 13:54: I'm 67 and would love a six month gym membership. Probably I need it more than the youngsters 😀

Click to rate
2
0

Roma and Lazio catch up with Juventus in fight for 4th place in Serie A

With three rounds remaining, the race for the fourth Champions League qualifying spot from Serie A became even tighter on Sunday. Juventus, Roma and Lazio all have 63 points, while Bologna is...

Comments (0)
Share

The evolution of the Papal Conclave: From antiquity to modern times

The Papal Conclave, widely known for its elaborate rituals, secrecy, and theological significance, stands as one of the most unique leadership transition processes in global religious history....

Comments (0)
Share

‘National interest to prevail over any other’: Grech and Abela to discuss aid vessel situation

Opposition leader Bernard Grech stated on Sunday morning that Prime Minister Robert Abela has accepted his request to urgently discuss the situation surrounding the Conscience aid vessel that was...

Comments (0)
Share

Malta gets drones to spot litter – Now can we get one to detect corruption?

At long last, Malta is embracing the future. The government has proudly announced an AI-powered initiative to tackle public cleanliness. Prime Minister Robert Abela, flanked by a beaming Minister...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from Leli, 04/05/2025 17:47: Definitely a clean up is badly needed but as long as we keep arguing for or against the MLP or PN it will never happen. Look back in the past and you see stinking mess all the way to the present. Why? Because it has always been a game between 2 teams who accuse each other. There are more oppositions to choose from nowadays. Give some of them a chance to the seats at that disgusting building at city gate. Let them have their day and keep the balance of power

Click to rate
0
1

Chelsea win and Newcastle draw to tighten top-five race as United loses again in Premier League

The race for Champions League qualification got even tighter in the Premier League after Chelsea beat recently crowned champion Liverpool and Newcastle dropped points at Brighton. With a...

Comments (0)
Share

Oscar Piastri wins at Miami for 3rd straight F1 victory, 4th win of season for championship leader

The first time Oscar Piastri arrived at the Miami Grand Prix as a Formula 1 driver he was in the slowest car in the field and only narrowly avoided finishing last. Fast-forward two years and...

Comments (0)
Share

So you saw 'Conclave' the movie. Here's what it got right – and wrong – about real-life conclaves

Speculation surrounding a conclave to elect a pope is a time-honored tradition. But for the impending conclave following the death of Pope Francis, the ranks of armchair Vatican experts have swelled...

Comments (0)
Share

Business

Ukraine war, golden passports and oligarchs

BOV launches public webinar on scams and phishing awareness

Retirement in Europe Made Easy with Malta Citizenship by Investment

Finesse Group’s first business breakfast highlights human-centred marketing

Central Bank of Malta launches its 2024 Annual Report

Envisioning Malta’s climate future: Event sparks conversations on climate adaptation

Unlocking Global Opportunities: The Impact of MGA Licensing on Online Casinos

BOV announces pre-tax profit of €67.1m in first quarter 2025

Second interconnector: Contract signed for building, installation of subsea cable

BOV approached to be part of consortium to buy out HSBC Malta

Live - Maksar gang trial: Investigators found link between Caruana Galizia, Romeo Bone bombs

Government surveyor boarding Conscience ship outside of Maltese waters, PM tells Parliament

Parliament pays tribute to Francis Zammit Dimech

Pope Francis left unfinished business after a 12-year papacy. What challenges await the next pope?

Number of vehicles on the road increases by 19 per day in first quarter – NSO

First edition of ‘The 10km L-Istrina Palace Run’ launched

Maria Montebello to become first female rector of St Aloysius College

Portuguese man caught with €250,000 worth of drugs at airport

Public sector ‘not bloated’, but upskilling needed – GWU secretary general

Festivals Malta unveils 2025 summer festival line-up

New financial support scheme launched to involve licensed fishermen in collection of marine data

Trump says he'll reopen Alcatraz prison for 'America’s most ruthless and violent offenders'

TMID Editorial: Malta and press freedom

Unions, employers broadly support proposed miscarriage leave, but seek more details

Malta offered to pay for aid ship’s repairs, but surveyor must be allowed on board first – PM

Trump threatens a 100% tariff on foreign-made films, saying the movie industry in the US is dying

O-Level student-based assessments are here to stay, says Curriculum director general

Updated: Maritime surveyor is welcome to board Conscience, says Freedom Flotilla Coalition

From neglected and abandoned to restored and magnificent

‘Abuse is rampant’: GWU chief makes case for mandatory union membership

TMIS Editorial: A legal defeat and a crisis of integrity

Two Maltese teenagers arrested over Paceville stabbing incident which left four injured

ADPD says Malta must recognise Palestine as a state immediately and demand Gaza ceasefire

Cartoon 4 May 2025

Government says crew on vessel attacked by drone again refuses rescue

Dinner parties, listening and lobbying. What goes on behind closed doors to elect a pope

Maksar gang trial - Carmel Chircop's main concern was Adrian Agius, wife told police

Trump draws criticism with AI image of himself as the pope ahead of the papal conclave

No blanket cuts needed, but public sector hiring raising concerns – Malta Employers chief

Government blocking struck vessel’s entry into Malta for second day since drone attack, NGO says

Six-month gym membership scheme for youths launched

Roma and Lazio catch up with Juventus in fight for 4th place in Serie A

The evolution of the Papal Conclave: From antiquity to modern times

‘National interest to prevail over any other’: Grech and Abela to discuss aid vessel situation

Malta gets drones to spot litter – Now can we get one to detect corruption?

Chelsea win and Newcastle draw to tighten top-five race as United loses again in Premier League

Oscar Piastri wins at Miami for 3rd straight F1 victory, 4th win of season for championship leader

So you saw 'Conclave' the movie. Here's what it got right – and wrong – about real-life conclaves

Comino booking system put on hold after court decree

NGOs want government to allow entry to humanitarian ship

Vatican firefighters install a chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel for the papal election

Pharmacies open today 9am to 12pm & 4 to 7pm

Press freedom requires free and protected journalists – IGM

Prince Harry seeks family reconciliation after losing a court case that caused a split with his dad