The world is mourning the death of country music icon Dolly Parton, who died on Tuesday at age 80. The announcement of her death was immediately followed by wall-to-wall media coverage on the world's major news portals.

The US President, Donald Trump, former presidents, secretaries of state, and other world leaders remembered Parton as one of America's finest. Indeed, she was. In a deeply divided America, Parton was the one thing most Americans could agree on. A recent poll by YouGov said that Parton's net approval rating was 65% - compared with Barack Obama's 14%, Taylor Swift's 3%, Donald Trump's -19% and Joe Biden's -18%.

Born in 'dirt poor' - her words, as she described her childhood, to one of her interviewers, and raised in a one-bedroom log cabin alongside 11 siblings, she carved her own path, notwithstanding the hurdles along the way, and rose to fame, becoming arguably the best in country music. She understood show business and knew how to connect with people across political and cultural divides. Dolly Parton remains an enduring icon whose music and spirit have touched generations.

Breathing space

Beneficiaries whose income exceeds the eligibility threshold, but who remain tenants in the private rental sector, will not lose their rent subsidy immediately. Instead, they will benefit from a two-year transition period under a new gradual tapering mechanism. This is the second Labour manifesto proposal, on housing, that I announced this week, to be implemented within the first 100 days of this new Labour Government. This significant change to the Housing Benefit Scheme (HBS) reflects the Labour Government's commitment to ensuring that assistance is fairer, more targeted and responsive to families' changing financial circumstances.

Stability

Under the new mechanism, beneficiaries will receive 50 per cent of their previous benefit during the first year, followed by 25 per cent during the second year. This approach provides greater stability during the transition and ensures that families who improve their financial situation are not abruptly penalised. In 2025, expenditure on the scheme reached €10.7 million, with just under 4,000 families benefiting during the year. The new tapering mechanism will apply automatically, meaning eligible beneficiaries will not need to submit a new application. We shall continue reviewing and updating Housing Authority schemes to ensure they reflect current economic and social realities and continue meeting people's needs.

Peace of mind

Owning a home is a sound financial investment, but it's much more than that. It provides peace of mind, security, and stability. However, buying a property, taking on a mortgage, and raising a family place significant pressure on household finances. That is why a Labour Government continues to step in with strong and effective support. We aim to put homeownership within everyone's reach. Today, around 85% of Maltese families own their home. But we can, and must, do more.

€20,000

Last week, I announced that we will strengthen the First-Time Buyer Grant. Under the current scheme, first-time buyers receive €1,000 annually for 10 years. We are increasing this to €2,000 per year for 10 years for persons with severe disabilities, providing up to €20,000 in financial assistance. This is not only a significant financial support; it demonstrates the Labour government's commitment to equality. It is a fact that people with disabilities face additional challenges when seeking to become homeowners. Targeted assistance is therefore essential to ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity.

We deliver

This measure was part of Labour Party electoral manifesto commitment under EMP 7.009: "Increasing the grant under the First Time Buyer Scheme for first-time buyers with severe disabilities." We make promises, and we deliver on them.

Donation

I also announced further changes. Where a property was received through donation after 2022, but the beneficiary later takes out a home loan to finance construction or finishing works, eligibility for the grant will be linked to the date the loan was approved. This will prevent people from being unfairly excluded because of how they initially acquired their property.

Fresh start

We are extending this scheme to those whose life circumstances have changed and need to buy a new primary residence, provided they do not own another property. This includes separated individuals who need to find a new home after losing access to their previous family residence. We listened to their concerns, and we are acting.

People

I commend the Housing Authority, now in its 50th year, for its continued work supporting families and individuals. Through schemes such as Housing Benefit, Deposit Guarantee, Equity Sharing, First-Time Buyer Grants and home adaptation assistance, approximately one family every day is being helped on its journey towards homeownership.

When we talk about schemes, we often talk about numbers, but these go beyond numbers and statistics. Behind every number is a family, a young couple, an older person, an individual seeking security and peace of mind. For Labour, housing has always been a fundamental right and the foundation of a just society. 

Kadim

More than two decades ago, Kadim, a former Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank, was evacuated and closed by a previous Israeli government. It has now been reopened, and 30 families, dubbed "pioneer families," arrived from Tel Aviv on Thursday, accompanied by Israeli military personnel. With a general election around the corner, the Israeli government decided to overturn a 20-year ban on Jewish settlement in areas surrounding Jenin. Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law, yet they continue to flourish.

Diminishing prospects

I have been following the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since my student days and have always been a firm believer in a two-state solution. Sadly, its prospects continue to look grim. Following the horrific atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023, against Israeli civilians, and Israel's response in Gaza, which left thousands of Palestinian civilians dead, the situation has deteriorated rapidly. The loss of Palestinian land is vividly portrayed in Raja Shehadeh's memoir and travel book, Palestinian Walks: Forays into a Vanishing Landscape. He walks through the valleys and hills of the West Bank, describing the region's changing physical landscape. If you want a first-hand account of the Palestinian struggle, read this book.