It is true that the national debt as calculated according to EU rules (that is as a percentage of the actual gross national product) is well under control, in the sense that it has been held at a reasonable level and can be managed without too many problems. The situation is much better than that of many other EU member states, including larger ones. There are no issues regarding whether under current circumstances, it is sustainable: it is.

However, it is also true that the debt has been increasing at a regular, rather fast pace. Meanwhile, the growth of the Maltese economy which has happened and continues to happen at a rate that was rarely experienced before, if at all, has made this possible. Up to now, nothing shows that the debt could become a problem... unless it's the international economic situation. Given the incessant initiatives being launched by US President Trump, it is  becoming increasingly cloudy. The way by which globalisation was proceeding looks like it's being turned upside down, without anybody having a clue as to what's going to replace it.

Some signs point to a reduction in economic growth rates world-wide, a rise in certain prices and continuing confusion over interest rates. They signal that even given the fortunate position that our national economy and finances find themselves in, financial prudence will still be vital in the coming months.

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FROM BRUSSELS

The Brussels Ombudsman has submitted a report to the city's Parliament about the complaints reaching her from citizens about how they're getting fed up when they they have to solve some problem in accessing a service or clearing their dues: they find they can only talk to a machine. Not only do they have to follow complicated protocols when interacting with the machine, but at the end, after long complex meanderings, they end up with replies that do not address their specific problem. Nor did it appear that complainants were just elderly citizens.

Among the sectors where such problems occur, banks (unsurprisingly) got a mention, as well as income tax and housing agencies. In them, the public administrative system involved relied completely on machines to service the requirements of citizens... who weren't served but delivered over to  frustration. The problem is not restricted to Brussels.

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ANTI-SEMITISM

Anti-semitism always was and remains a serious problem. It must be incessantly contested and rolled back. Now, it has become a dual threat.

There is a blatant anti-semitism which still tries to target for destruction the Jewish people wherever they exist. There can be no let-up in efforts to wipe out this movement completely.

In second place however, the struggle against anti-semitism is being used - today, mostly in the US but not only - as a tool against left wing activism. In the campaign against anti-semitism, those who are critical of Israel, who favour the creation of a Palestian state and who condemn what Israel is doing in Gaza are being projected as anti-semites.

It all is hardly more than a neo-fascist campaign to try and confuse minds. Eventually if it has not already done so, it'll be giving a new impetus to more anti-semitism.