In a Christmas message aimed at Maltese citizens living abroad, Foreign Minister Carmelo Abela chose not to say anything about the political and social crisis that has engulfed the country in the past weeks, saying that the “future is bright”.

The message, which was posted on youtube, makes no reference whatsoever to the difficulties the country is facing, with Abela speaking about the importance of remaining connected and highlighting the importance of the convention for Maltese living abroad, that will take place in 2020.

Malta has been hit by a wave of protests in the past weeks in the wake of developments regarding the police investigations into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia two years ago.

Civil society has organised a series of manifestations in the streets and the crisis led to the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who will be stepping down in January.

But there was no word about all this by Abela.