Fenech was acquitted of both complicity and conspiracy for the murder of the journalist on the basis of an 8-1 jury vote - a vote that is considered as being effectively unanimous in Malta's legal system.

The verdict came after a 55-day trial which stopped the country in its tracks and which featured over 100 witnesses and hours of sometimes dramatic testimony.

Fenech's trial was deemed as the trial of the century, and it may well have even been the most significant trial in Malta's judicial history.  International eyes also watched, and they watched on in shock as Fenech was acquitted.

It's a jury decision that will no doubt shape the discourse in Malta in the months, and even years, to come.

The Keith Schembri defence

The verdict was already shocking in and of itself: but it is only when one begins to take into consideration the elements which likely led to it that one can reach the point of view that this is something that can be severely damaging, even politically.

Fenech's lawyers' argument throughout the trial was that he had no involvement in the murder, and that the actual mastermind who ordered Daphne Caruana Galizia to be killed was none other than Keith Schembri, who at the time was the chief of staff of the Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

This was coupled with a cover-up by the State and its investigative institutions - and there were testimonies that the defence latched onto as giving credence to that theory.

Take the testimony of a scene of crime officer during the trial: she said that investigators who searched Keith Schembri's home only took what Schembri told them to take.  Another technical witness testified that he had not been instructed to digitally clone the data that was on Schembri's lost phone.

While we cannot know exactly what led the jurors to reach the verdict that they reached, enough reasonable doubt was created for them not to convict Fenech - despite there being voice recordings, mountains of documents, and hours of testimony acting against him.

That doubt came from the defence's theory that this murder was ordered not by a businessman - but by one of the top men in the highest corridor of power in a Labour government.

As the dust settles, that's a realisation that more and more people will start to piece together.

An Attorney General and police force under scrutiny

This was the trial of the century, and potentially the most important jury trial in Malta's legal history.  Yet the country's authorities - the police and the Attorney General's office - failed to get a conviction.

It's another high-profile murder which, at its core, has gone unsolved.  While the authorities have a very good track record when it comes to solving murders, the track record when those murders are of a high profile is not as great.

Daphne Caruana Galizia sadly joins the ranks of Karin Grech, Raymond Caruana, and Lino Cauchi who were victims of brutal, grizzly assassinations and whose killers have not - and at this point may never - face the punishment they deserve.

Questions may well start to be asked of the police:  Why was it that, for instance, it appeared that there were moments during the investigation that police treated Keith Schembri with kid's gloves when compared to other suspects? 

That's a question that the defence asked, and a question that the jury seem to have taken into consideration.

What about the Attorney General's office? The eyes will inevitably fall onto the prosecution with questions raised as to whether they put forward an effective and coherent case.

But questions are likely also to be asked of Attorney General Victoria Buttigieg herself.  At no point during the 55-day jury trial was she seen in the courtroom - something unusual, given the status of the case.

Some may feel that it is time to ask questions over her own leadership as the Attorney General.  She and her office have not covered themselves in glory on various occasions and in various cases over the last six years, but this could - and perhaps should - prove to be the straw that breaks the proverbial camel's back.

Could Malta's legal framework change?

The regulatory debate has already begun, with several legal minds questioning whether Malta's laws are fully up to scratch and others questioning whether in cases such as these, a trial by jury is really the best way to go.

Lawyer Jason Azzopardi, who represented the Caruana Galizia family as parte civile in the case, said in his reaction to the verdict that there are three laws that Malta's legal framework currently lacks: one governing misconduct in public office, another on perverting the course of justice, and another of assisting the offender.

"You heard of behaviour from after the murder which still scandalised us, but it was not a crime," Azzopardi said, noting that he had proposed such laws in 2022 but they were voted down.

Experienced lawyer Georg Sapiano also made a point on the jury system itself: "We pluck nine ordinary men and women out of their everyday lives and force them to serve as jurors," he said.

They are then told that the accused was no ordinary criminal, that he has money and power at his beck and call, and they can see witnesses left blubbering on the stand in fear of answering questions.

"We expected - demanded - that they behave like heroes," he said.

Sapiano pointed out that in other countries, people accused of high-profile killings are tried by a panel of specialised judges who are doing the job willingly and fully conscious and prepared for the risks involved.

Law professor Kevin Aquilina has pointed out that in this day and age where crime is becoming more advanced and more technologically and legally complex, the average man or woman on the street who may end up being a juror can have a hard time truly grasping what is before them.

Then there remains the uncomfortable truth for the government that it is yet to implement practically all of the reforms recommended by the Daphne Caruana Galizia public inquiry. 

The PN has now filed a motion for those recommendations to be implemented - it will be interesting to see how the government reacts.

Protests and international fallout

The fallout among civil society and, more so, internationally will be a very real prospect.

The PN already held an impromptu demonstration attended by a couple hundred people, but civil society NGOs have also announced a protest on the 16^th September - the 16^th being the day each month that the same NGOs used to organise a vigil for Caruana Galizia.

International organisations meanwhile have reacted in collective shock and outrage at Fenech's acquittal - and they make their stance very clear: that justice has once again been denied.

This fallout will no doubt spread and no doubt make it to the highest institutions in Europe.

Malta's reputation is once again on the chopping block, and it's up to Prime Minister Robert Abela and his government to find a way to deal with it.

Having the Culture Minister Malcolm Paul Agius Galea tell journalists that he isn't sure that Daphne was killed because of her journalistic work is not an auspicious start, to say the least.

What can happen next in court?

In the midst of all this, the legal side of this story is not over just yet either.

The prosecution had 15 working days to decide whether to file an appeal or not, and on Friday it emerged that it would indeed be filing an appeal.  Any appeal cannot challenge the verdict itself, but it can challenge legal circumstances surrounding the proceedings of the case. 

One such example is that during the trial, the judge ruled that jurors should not be told that Fenech had applied for a presidential pardon.  Should an appeals court find that there was an error of law which was serious enough to affect the verdict, then it could order a retrial.

There is then the possibility of parallel cases: the Caruana Galizia family may, should it wish, sue to the State on human rights grounds because the question of who masterminded the murder remains unanswered, while Fenech could also sue the State and argue that his human rights had been breached, particularly because he was held in preventive custody for five years for a crime that a jury decided he did not commit.

Another aspect is Melvin Theuma's pardon: the not guilty verdict in and of itself does not automatically rescind Theuma's pardon as that was tied to Theuma saying the whole truth in court, and not to Fenech being found guilty.

If there is a suspicion that Theuma failed to say the full truth though, then there can be an investigation and eventual direction for Theuma's pardon to be withdrawn, which would then lead to proceedings against him.

Finally, there is a possibility that more people will face charges.  Judge Edwina Grima, who presided over the trial, ordered that all evidence given by witnesses is directed to the police so investigators can determine whether there are others who should face criminal proceedings.

The Attorney General's lawyers themselves said in their closing address that the inquiry into whether there were more third parties involved in the murder had been reopened.

Is Yorgen Fenech himself now out of the woods?  He is still facing corruption and money laundering charges in court in relation to the Electrogas power station, he is facing further charges for bribing the now former head of the Malta Police anti-money laundering unit Ray Aquilina, and he is also facing charges of purchasing illicit weapons.

What's certain though is that, pending an appeals court ordering a retrial, Fenech cannot be charged afresh in connection with the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Meli, who has built a large following on TikTok and Instagram through short videos that mix humour with education about the Maltese language, spoke at length about why he believes Maltese is worth protecting, why framing the debate as "Maltese versus foreigners" does more harm than good, and why he thinks the real work of keeping the language alive begins at home, not in the classroom.

Meli said he did not want to reduce the importance of Maltese to a single sentence. What matters most, he said, is remembering that Maltese is not simply a symbol of prestige or decoration, but a language of daily utility that the overwhelming majority of Maltese people were raised speaking. For him, that role as a means of communication, however large or small the community using it, is what gives the language its value and legitimacy, regardless of how many speakers it has.

He also pointed to what the language represents historically, tracing its roots from North Africa through Sicily and describing centuries of influence from the people who settled in Malta, which he said helped it flourish rather than weakened it. He argued there was no reason why that evolution should stop now, whether the language is spreading within Malta or beyond it.

Asked whether he was worried the language could be lost, Meli acknowledged the concern but pushed back against the idea that Maltese is simply in decline. He said there is a valid argument that Maltese is, in some respects, being appreciated more than before. He recalled that he started creating content partly in reaction to his own upbringing, when almost everything he consumed from Malta was in English.

He said the digital media landscape had become so dominated by English that many people began to feel the absence of a Maltese-language alternative, something reflected in trends such as people giving their homes Maltese names, or the gradual emergence of Maltese-language podcasts and shows. In his view, that reflects a growing push to give Maltese a genuine digital platform, even if a generation heavily exposed to English-language media does not always feel confident speaking it.

'Maltese versus foreigners' framing rejected

Meli was unambiguous when asked whether framing discussions about protecting Maltese as "Maltese people against foreigners" was fair or productive. He said it was neither, arguing that Malta has beautiful traditions worth preserving, but that these are too often viewed through a lens of rivalry and local one-upmanship that serves no purpose. People can take pride in what they have, he said, without turning it into a battle of "us against them".

He illustrated the point with a recent example from a meeting he attended, where a woman who is half-Maltese and half-Australian, and who lives in and contributes to Malta, described facing repeated obstacles because her Maltese was not strong enough. He said he noticed people mocking her or excluding her from conversations after the discussion shifted into English, despite her ongoing efforts to learn the language and the sensitive experiences she had already been through. He said that kind of exclusion happens naturally in a small language community struggling to keep pace with the digital world, but pointed to positive developments too, citing an ongoing project to build a more comprehensive Maltese dictionary as an example of progress.

For Meli, "demonising" the idea of the foreigner does nothing to help Maltese people appreciate their own language, let alone encourage others to do so. He said the starting point has to be Maltese people themselves actively using the language, in informal settings, formal contexts and even in advertising, so that it is visibly alive rather than assumed to be redundant.

Responsibility begins at home, not just in the classroom

Asked how much responsibility rests with Maltese people themselves, rather than being placed on foreign residents, Meli said formal education is important, but only up to a point. He argued that people absorb a language most effectively through repeated exposure, rather than through classroom instruction alone, drawing on his own experience of living in the Netherlands for roughly two years. He said he picked up Dutch almost by osmosis, from being surrounded by it daily, even though he does not feel one hundred per cent confident speaking it.

He was critical of what he described as the irony of people who present themselves as fierce online defenders of Maltese, telling others to "speak Maltese", while struggling to write the language correctly themselves. He said this was not a reflection on those individuals personally, but on the education system, arguing that being unable to write one's own language properly does the language no favours. He compared the situation to English, Dutch, French or Italian speakers, who do not need to be linguists to write their own languages competently.

Meli also drew a contrast between Malta and the Nordic countries such as the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, where he said the cultural norm is to blend in and integrate rather than stand out, and where switching to English mid-conversation with a struggling speaker is far less automatic than it is in Malta. He said Maltese people have a reflex to switch into English as soon as someone appears not to understand Maltese, largely out of a wish to make people feel included, but argued this reflex, however well-intentioned, assumes everyone is equally comfortable in English, which he described as a privileged assumption that does not reflect reality. He gave the example of adverts, menus, daily notices and bus stop timetables that default to English, arguing that greater use of Maltese in these everyday contexts would have more influence on integration than people might expect.

On why many young Maltese people, particularly teenagers, default to English even when speaking to other Maltese people, Meli spoke from personal experience, saying he attended a private school where English was heavily emphasised, leaving him more exposed to and confident in English from an early age, including in the media he consumed. He said that although he spoke Maltese with friends, he felt more comfortable expressing himself in English by the time he reached the end of secondary school, something he admitted made him feel embarrassed and insecure. He credited his family for continuing to speak to him in Maltese regardless of which language he used with them, which he said pushed him to improve.

He said this is precisely why he does not believe it is enough for Maltese to be confined to the home while English dominates at school, arguing that without sufficient exposure outside the household, a person's Maltese will not develop the strength it needs. He suggested that younger generations today are experiencing a more extreme version of what he went through, warning against very young children being given unsupervised access to English-language content on tablets without anything to balance it, saying problems can start to emerge once a child's early language exposure becomes overwhelmingly one-sided.

Bilingual education 'not achieving what it thinks it is'

Meli also questioned Malta's approach to bilingual education, drawing on his own schooldays, when he chose to specialise in Maltese history but studied it entirely through English-language textbooks and notes. He said this left him better equipped to reason and argue in English than in Maltese, calling the balance unhealthy, and argued that simply giving students the option to express themselves in whichever language they prefer does not serve Maltese well if the education system has not built up their confidence to choose it. He said schools need to be more proactive, rather than reactive, preparing students in advance of exams so they are equipped to express themselves fully in Maltese, rather than defaulting to the more comfortable option.

He linked this to the value of free, non-profit language resources, again pointing to the new Maltese dictionary project as a rare and valuable tool that did not exist even a few months ago, and argued that more public funding, including from taxation, should go towards similar projects that keep the language alive and accessible.

Filling the gap on social media

On whether Maltese people should be creating more content in Maltese on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, Meli again returned to the idea of a shift in mentality. He acknowledged that English remains the most accessible language for reaching the widest possible audience, and that plenty of Maltese creators have found international success making content in English. But he argued that this mindset has left a vacuum among Maltese audiences who want content they can relate to in their own language, a gap he said motivated him to begin creating content in Maltese roughly three years ago.

He said the project began purely for enjoyment, without any financial motive, and that it took around 18 months before people really began to take notice. He said he was surprised by the level of interest shown not only by Maltese people, but also by non-Maltese residents and people living entirely outside Malta who wanted to learn the language, interest that predated his decision to start adding English subtitles to his videos. Maltese-language content is not his main source of income, he said, but he continues to take on collaborations when the opportunity arises, and said he takes real satisfaction in seeing more people willing to create content in Maltese rather than assuming it will limit their reach.

Starting small, on an individual level

Asked what ordinary Maltese people can do, from daily life to media and education, to help protect the language for future generations, Meli said the answer lies in small, individual choices rather than sweeping policy change alone. He suggested modest curriculum adjustments that give Maltese more of a boost without diminishing English, while stressing that most of the responsibility ultimately falls on individuals. He said there is nothing wrong with children replying in English, but that parents still have a duty to keep showing them that they are equally capable of expressing themselves in Maltese, even if the child does not respond in kind straight away.

He said that opportunity is wasted if people simply continue defaulting to English themselves, returning to the idea that lasting change depends on a shift in mentality, applied consistently at an individual level. Summing up his message, Meli said the key is to stop viewing the effort as a burden.

"You have to stop seeing it as a challenge or an obstacle," he said, "and start seeing it as an opportunity."

Abela set him and his colleagues a strong target of reforms to be introduced in his first 100 days in power - and with the clock now up on that period, one can make an early assessment: have those promises been fulfilled in time?

Beyond these reforms though, what issues have characterised these first 100 days of the new legislature?

The jury trial against Yorgen Fenech has dominated the headlines for over half of this period, and Fenech's acquittal by a near unanimous jury vote means that this is a matter which will dominate even the next 100 days and beyond.

Couple that with more planning controversies, and more power cuts - these last months have been anything but uneventful.

The Malta Independent on Sunday dives deep into Abela's first 100 days since cruising to a fourth electoral victory.

Abela's seven promised reforms in 100 days

Since his re-election, Abela outlined seven pledges for the first 100 days of his new administration.

These pledges were new reforms to IVF laws, constitutional protection for disabled people, legislation on personal autonomy and the protection of vulnerable adults, legal safeguards for parks and open spaces, changes to planning appeal rules, a reduction of bureaucracy for voluntary organisations, and reforms to strengthen civil rights and that will ensure that reforms since 2013 cannot be reversed.

Without a doubt the most potentially controversial of those is the proposed planning reform.

It was perhaps one of the most controversial topics of the latter end of the last legislature - the idea of not allowing works to start on construction projects while they are under appeal was packaged into a more wide-reaching package of planning reforms that the government tried, in vain, to sneak through Parliament just before a summer recess.

The reform had been described by activists as a "developers' wishlist" and was eventually shelved for public consultation and not touched again at any time before the general election.

After the election, though, the reform was resurrected.

This time, though, the reform has been shorn of the elements which made it so controversial in the first instance. Abela said in an interview in July that the reform will introduce three major changes: that construction work would not be allowed to begin until all appeals - including those before the court - are concluded, that appeal processes will be subject to shorter and fixed deadlines, and that developers will be refunded their expenses if a permit issued by the PA is then overturned by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal.

These proposals, although not yet formally tabled in Parliament, have proven to be considerably less controversial than their predecessors.

On the topic of IVF, the government announced on 25 July that, as promised, it had expanded the list of genetic conditions eligible for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders by adding 17 additional conditions.

Constitutional protection for people with disability was voted through Parliament unanimously on 22 July, and two laws granting greater autonomy to people with disabilities and strengthening safeguards for vulnerable adults came into effect on 17 July.

On legal safeguards for parks and open spaces, the government announced on 29 July that the White Rocks complex was being designated as a national park through a legal notice and said that this was part of the promised commitment - but a more overarching legal safeguard is yet to be passed.

Meanwhile, a bill aimed at strengthening the legislative framework governing the voluntary sector was tabled for the first reading on 25 June but had not been discussed in Parliament prior to the summer recess.

The remaining pledge was to introduce reforms to strengthen civil rights, particularly through the creation of a National Human Rights and Equality Commission. The government did table a bill to this end - one which required approval from both sides of the House as it was changing the Constitution.

However it soon became clear that - much like in the initial phases of the planning reform - consultation had been lacking. Many organisations such as social partners, human rights groups, trade unions, Church schools and professional bodies all wanted more time and better consultation to discuss the reforms, but the government tried to push the bill through Parliament anyway.

It ended up stalling regardless: the Nationalist Party walked out of Parliament when the time came to vote, meaning that the bill did not achieve the necessary two-thirds majority to become law. It remains on Parliament's agenda.

Something else that the government introduced within its first 100 days catered to the consequences that are brought about by the summer - specifically, the peak summer tourist season.

Each summer, the government is awash with complaints particularly from residents who live in known touristic hotspots. Be it due to noise, disturbances, littering, indecency: the fact is that what was Malta's golden cash cow has started to become a blot on its proverbial copybook.

It was a big step forward however when Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield announced that he had signed into law a legal notice which allowed police to administer fines on the spot for those breaching the country's laws - fines which must be paid on the spot too.

A few weeks later, the same minister announced that some fines were being increased in order to be more reflective of reality, and it's been clear that there has been a clampdown on unruly behaviour particularly in these touristic hotspots: within four weeks of the fines coming into law, almost 500 of them had been issued.

Such has been the clampdown that - whether people liked it or not - the Armed Forces were deployed to Swieqi to help deal with enforcement in residential areas.

The government will be the first to admit that there is still work to be done in this sector, but the first 100 days have proven to be a significant step forward.

The trial of the century

Without a doubt though, reforms or not, the first 100 days of the new legislature have been entirely overshadowed by the jury trial of Yorgen Fenech over the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The trial, which is the most important one this century - if not in Malta's legal history - has dominated the headlines for the last two months.

Fenech's acquittal of all charges with an 8-1 jury majority means that this is a subject which will continue to dominate the headlines for the weeks and months to come.

It isn't a trial that has particularly placed the government in good light: the close relationship that Fenech - one of Malta's foremost businessmen - had with higher-ups in the Labour government was laid bare for all to see.

Fenech's trial returned to events, meetings, communications and relationships involving people who operated from or had access to the Prime Minister's Office when Joseph Muscat was still in power. It also exposed communication between Fenech and high-ranking police officials and government CEOs.

Seeing the jurors be led into Castille, which houses the Office of the Prime Minister, in Valletta during the trial was a surreal moment: it is a rare if not unprecedented site to see jurors in a murder trial - no less one concerning the assassination of a journalist - led through the offices of the country's premier.

Such was the image that the situation presented, that the Prime Minister's office issued a statement on the matter stipulating that jurors had been shown the office of the chief of staff and that the government is "completely extraneous" to the facts being discussed before the court during the trial.

But the jury's verdict on Wednesday evening is what truly sent shockwaves around the country - and the shockwaves directly implicate Castille.

The jury found Yorgen Fenech not guilty when Fenech's defence was essentially that the real murder mastermind was Keith Schembri - the chief of staff of the then Labour Prime Minister - and that the Labour-led State covered it up.

The verdict places the Labour political establishment - and Schembri in particular - under more scrutiny than ever before.  It places the country's investigative authorities under more pressure to act. It poses questions that will be extremely uncomfortable for the government to answer. It once again throws the whole country into the international spotlight - and not for good reasons.

It is a part of Joseph Muscat's dark legacy that Abela continues to have to grapple with. Abela's critics argue that it is indeed the real reason that he called a general election almost a year early. Only Abela himself can know, deep down, whether that is truly the case or not.

Planning controversies: Manoel Island and Comino

This disposition towards quick planning reform did not, however, stop planning being a major bone of contention in these first 100 days.

The first such bone actually started before the general election when activists noticed that several padel courts were being built illegally on Manoel Island - land which the government bought back to turn into a national park

In May, the Planning Authority's Development and Management Directorate recommended the sanctioning of the courts against a paltry €900 fine - even though 20 courts had, by that point, been illegally built.

The decision on the sanctioning was set to be taken before the election, but was deferred to July after the applicant - Gzira United FC president Sharlon Pace - said his lawyer could not attend. The courts were sanctioned against a fine of €900, which the board chairman himself branded as "ridiculous", and a planning gain of €25,000.

NGOs have since appealed the decision, saying that the Planning Authority had wrongly applied sanctioning regulations.

The Prime Minister had somewhat sidestepped the debate before the election, saying that while he was "categorically against" illegal development, the final decision was in the hands of the PA.

After the PA did make a decision, Abela again said that he did not agree with the fact that the works had started before the permits were issued - but also disagreed that the football club doing the development had no legal position on the land, as the same land had hosted a sports ground for many years.

His Lands Minister, Owen Bonnici, meanwhile told journalists on the same day that he agreed with the sanctioning and that the project was in the same spot of the Nicholl Ground, which Gzira had used for many years.

However, that hasn't been the unilateral position: critics of the government and the decision have said that it does not bode well that one of the first things to happen on Manoel Island since the government took it over to become a national park is the sanctioning of an illegally developed padel complex.

It's an opinion which once again shows the greater public's distrust towards the government when it comes to the environment. Abela will have his work cut-out to change that opinion.

The saga which played out in Comino following the padel courts controversy will not have helped the public's perceptions of the government's environmental credentials either.

This controversy stemmed from a decision by the Environment & Resources Authority to issue an environmental permit for the removal of hundreds of trees and shrubs from a site in Comino where a hotel will be built by developers HV Hospitality.

NGOs had warned that the authority was set to approve the removal of around 800 trees from the Comino nature reserve to facilitate the construction of a 71-room hotel, 16 villas and 44 swimming pools. In actual fact, 678 trees and shrubs - most of which unprotected - are to be removed, and the ERA said that the developers will have an obligation to plant 540 new indigenous trees on the island to make up for the protected trees that will be removed.

The real controversy though is that this environmental permit was approved despite the fact that the approval of the Comino hotel project as a whole is currently under appeal.

Abela and his government have stayed quiet about this issue, and it has perhaps not escalated further because the project developers seem to have opted not to start any works, even though the environmental permit is in hand.

Should that change, though, this is a spark which may ignite a renewed flame of pro-environment action by activists.

Lights out, again

Another summer, another heat wave, another legislature, yet the same issues plagued Malta's electricity supply in these first weeks of the new legislature.

The country sweated through a record-setting heat wave in July - and tens of thousands were left to literally sweat through it as power cuts were reported across the whole country. Practically no locality was left untouched over the course of the better part of a week.

It was a mirror image of an enormous spate of power cuts which the Maltese islands suffered through a couple of years prior, also as Malta faced a heat wave. The government rolled out what it described as a big investment plan to bring the country's electricity distribution system up to scratch - but despite the investment, the country ended up back at square one.

Worse still, Enemalta's senior officials admitted that they had been surprised by the record power demand that there was and that the distribution system ultimately could not keep up with. Another heat wave last week resulted in lengthy power cuts affecting almost all of Gozo as well.

This is a problem that the Labour government can scarcely afford to have drag on, summer after summer.

“Today, the Labour Party will try to sell its first 100 days of this legislature as a new beginning. But for the Maltese and Gozitan people, nothing has changed, because the problems people faced before 30 May are the same problems they face today — with the same excuses from the same tired Government that has been in power for 13 years,” the PN said.

“This is a government carrying the sins of its predecessor. People have now realised just how far their own aspirations are from the project Robert Abela had in mind,” the party added.

The PN said that in 100 days the country has again experienced prolonged power cuts, Mater Dei Hospital remains under pressure and overcrowded, the government’s digital systems failed, and the situation on Malta’s roads has continued to deteriorate.

“Families are losing more time in traffic while the Government remains without a serious, long-term mobility plan — but apparently the most important thing is that Robert Abela has told us that many Maltese people now have a boat,” the PN said.

The party said that “immense pressure” on people as a result of the government’s economic model has continued to be felt, particularly as, the party said, Robert Abela has “made it clear that there is no intention to control population growth.”

“On the contrary, according to Abela, the population will continue growing by 14,000 people every year. This is the same model that survey after survey has shown is driving us towards a wall,” the PN said.

The party said that cost of living continued to squeeze families, and that the government is also creating serious doubts about the new national carrier KM Malta Airlines as it has not published its accounts.

The PN said that for more than half of these first 100 days of this Government, the country was following a trial concerning an assassination which the same Labour Government was found to have enabled through the creation of a culture of impunity.

“During the trial, we heard about the obscenities taking place at Castille — from naked people to criminals walking in through the front door as though they owned the place. Some of those who were at Castille then are still there today — and one of them is now the Prime Minister of our country. We now have a verdict which acquitted Yorgen Fenech of the charges relating to this assassination,” the PN said.

“This is the same Government that granted a pardon to the middleman, the same Government that met criminals at Castille, and the same Government that, for years after the assassination, allowed Daphne Caruana Galizia to be vilified and allowed candles and flowers placed in her memory to be repeatedly removed. This is the same Government. And each and every one of the Government’s 42 Members of Parliament today carries the weight of this assassination,” the party added.

The PN said that in its first 100 days, “Robert Abela once again chose to place partisan interests above the national interest and refused a parliamentary debate, requested by the Opposition, on the implementation of the recommendations of the Public Inquiry.”

Further evidence of the extent to which his interests come before those of the country emerged when a judge sent a sworn letter to Abela’s Cabinet concerning the appointment of the Chief Justice, accusing him of giving greater importance to political considerations than to the interests of the people, the PN said.

The PN said that it continues to insist on justice for Daphne, for her family and for the entire nation, and added that it will continue working for a free country, a country that is not afraid.

The PN also said that it will continue insisting on a government that works for the people — a government that plans for them and that it will continue to be an Opposition that demands accountability, that places quality of life before propaganda, and that serves as the voice of the people in the face of a Government that continues to forget them.

“Above all, these first 100 days have highlighted how Robert Abela’s Labour Government failed to implement important legislative reforms that it had promised to enact during the first 100 days of its ‘new’ Government,” the PN said.

“On 2 July, at the conclusion of Labour’s Extraordinary General Conference following the last election, Abela promised seven legislative reforms that were supposedly going to be implemented by today. Yet he has not even managed to deliver half of them. These include IVF reform, legal protection for parks and open spaces, reform of planning appeals and the establishment of the National Commission for Equality and Human Rights,” it added.

“Throughout all this, we have seen an absent Prime Minister. A Prime Minister on holiday. And while Labour is now focused on celebrating, people are still waiting for these laws to be introduced. Just as they are still asking to have electricity in their homes, to avoid being stuck in traffic and to be able to afford to buy a home,” the party continued.

The PN said that this is not a celebration of 100 days of a new Government — because the problems people faced before 30 May are still there.

“This is a celebration of another 100 days of a Government that, over 13 years, created new problems and has made it clear that it has neither the plan nor the will to solve them. At the end of these 100 days of a ‘new’ Government, Labour is marking the continuation of 13 years – and three legislatures – of failure,” the party said.

We are witnessing the quiet death of the commons, not by a single grand decree, but by a thousand incremental encroachments. It is a slow-motion heist where our shared heritage is being packaged, cordoned off, and sold back to us, one €3 espresso at a time, leaving us to wonder: if everything in Malta is for sale, where do we go just to belong?

Walking through our village cores, promenades and popular areas in 2026 has become an exercise in tactical navigation. What used to be a straightforward stroll to the pharmacy or the local każin is now a high-stakes game of "dodge the diner". In the capital city of Valletta, in towns like Sliema, St Julian's, Mellieha, St Paul's Bay, and Marsaskala, and increasingly, in the once quaint seaside localities of Xlendi and Marsalforn, the sidewalk has ceased to exist as a public utility. It has been absorbed into the floor plan of the adjacent outlet.

The math of the "permit-creep" is simple but devastating. A restaurant is granted three square metres for "outdoor seating". Within a month, those three metres have birthed a wooden platform. Within a year, a glass enclosure has sprouted, complete with industrial heaters and potted palms. By the time the Planning Authority or the Lands Authority notices - if they ever do - the public right-of-way has been reduced to a narrow, 60cm passageway.

For a parent pushing a stroller or an elderly resident with a walker, this is a form of social eviction. When the physical environment tells you that you don't fit unless you're a paying customer, the message is clear: this space is no longer for you.

The death of the 'third space'

In sociology, "third spaces" are the social surroundings separate from the two usual social environments of home ("first space") and the office ("second space"). Traditionally, Malta was rich in these. The church parvis, the public bench, the rocky shoreline, and the village square were where the "inter-generational glue" of our society was applied. It was where a retired dockworker could sit for three hours and discuss the news with a university student, for free.

By commercialising these commons, we are effectively dismantling our social fabric. When we replace a public bench with a commercial chair, we replace community with commerce.  The retired dockworker cannot afford a €4 latte every afternoon just to have a place to sit. Consequently, he retreats to his darkened living room, isolated. The "village elder" disappears from public life, and with him, the oral history and social oversight that kept our communities grounded. We are trading our social capital for a few thousand euros in annual "encroachment fees" paid to the treasury - a bargain that future generations will find tragically lopsided.

The Blue Commons: A sea of sunbeds

The encroachment doesn't stop at the limestone. It has waded into the water. Our relationship with the sea - the "Blue Commons" - is perhaps the most visceral part of the Maltese identity. Yet, the battle for the shoreline has reached a fever pitch.

From the rocks of Sliema to the sands of Għadira and the turquoise edges of Comino, the "lido-fication" of the coast is near total. The sight of empty plastic sunbeds sprawling across public rocks at 7am, guarded by "security" who treat the Mediterranean like a private swimming pool, has become a symbol of national impotence.

When a citizen is told they cannot lay a towel on a flat rock because it falls within a "concession zone", we are witnessing the privatisation of the horizon itself. These concessions are often granted for "peppercorn rents" - insignificant sums paid to the state - while the operators charge upwards of €30 for a pair of deckchairs. The state is essentially subsidising the privatisation of our most precious natural resource, prioritising the "tourist experience" over the fundamental rights of the taxpayer.

Why does this continue despite the public outcry? The answer lies in the enforcement vacuum. In Malta, the penalty for illegal encroachment is rarely a deterrent; it is merely an operational expense.

When a restaurant makes thousands in additional revenue by illegally placing 10 extra tables on the pavement, a fine of a few hundred euros is not a punishment - it's a discount. If such a fine is issued.

Furthermore, there is a lack of centralised vision. The Lands Authority, the Planning Authority, and the local councils often point fingers at each other in a dizzying circle of bureaucratic avoidance. While they argue over whose jurisdiction the sidewalk falls under, the concrete continues to set, and the umbrellas continue to open.

Reclaiming the floor: A path forward

If we want to save what is left of our public soul, we need a radical shift in how we define "progress". We must move away from the "rental economy" mindset, where every square inch of the islands must be monetised to be considered useful.

1.      The pedestrian Bill of Rights: We need legislation that guarantees a minimum, unobstructed width for all sidewalks, regardless of permits. This width must be sacred - no tables, no signs, no "temporary" displays.

2.      Dynamic fine structures: Fines for encroachment should be pegged to the square meterage and the revenue generated. If you steal public land for profit, the state should claw back every cent of that profit, and then some.

3.      The "Benchmark" Policy: For every square metre of public land leased to a private entity, an equivalent square metre must be upgraded for non-commercial public use - shaded benches, drinking fountains, and greenery that require no "cover charge".

A nation that sells its floor will eventually find it has nowhere left to stand. If we continue to view Malta as a collection of "concessions" and "revenue streams" rather than a home for its people, we will wake up to find ourselves guests in our own country.

The pjazza, the pavements and the beaches should be the places where we see ourselves reflected in our neighbours, not where we are reminded of our bank balances. It is time to give the people back their view. Because once the commons are gone, they don't come back with a simple "u ejja". They are gone for good, buried under the weight of a thousand coffee cups and the silence of a community that forgot how to walk together.

The survey centred around public sentiment on the case as a whole, including on sentiment towards Yorgen Fenech, Daphne Caruana Galizia, and the investigation carried out within this case.

Marmara issued a statement on Facebook on Sunday morning to clarify this situation. He noted that "In the past few hours, incorrect statements have been made against me, which I will not tolerate going unaddressed."

The statistician rebuked allegations that this survey targeted persons who were on the list of potential jurors for Yorgen Fenech's trial. He insisted that those contacted for this survey were determined through a random number generator that generated "completely random" sets of 8-digit numbers to form telephone/mobile numbers. Marmara said that through this process, many numbers were generated that were not existing phone numbers. In addition, people contacted were free to choose to not participate in this survey, he noted.

He asserted that no potential jurors or "any particular section of the Maltese population" was targeted in this survey's methodology.

"The research I conduct is never designed or conducted in a way that leads to the identification of any individual. In fact, any statistics or information I pass on to my clients is presented only in an aggregated format," Marmara said.

Marmara wrote that "If this had been found to be true, the necessary steps would certainly have been taken by the authorities, something that did not happen. In fact, what I am saying has also been verified by the relevant authorities."

These allegations have notably been made public this weekend by lawyer Jason Azzopardi, who was part of the prosecution team within Fenech's trial.

On Saturday, Times of Malta published that Marmara was commissioned to carry out this survey - the third of its kind, following previous editions in 2021 and 2023 - on the eve of Fenech's trial. By this point, the list of potential jurors had already been published, leading to Judge Edwina Grima to chastise the defence team, who vetted the questions beforehand, for not disclosing that this survey had been conducted.

Marmara said that he fully cooperated with police to explain the full situation behind this survey upon questioning three months ago. It is understood that he was not detained by law enforcement at any point.

Another allegation denied by the statistician is that, while conducting this survey, he utilised the name of another individual and company to deceive all persons contacted. "This is a LIE because I never use the names of other individuals or other people's companies," he said.

Marmara stated that "research like this on criminal trials are carried out all over the world" and that "it is a normal practice." He mentioned that he is limited in what else he can share on this, since this matter is now bound by court secrecy following a court order.

"Research has no faces. This is my profession, which I offer to everyone, built on independence, objectivity, ethics and the scientific method. These are the principles that have guided me in my work to date and that will continue to guide me in the future," he said.

Marmara ended his statement by appealing for everyone commenting on this situation to limit themselves to the facts at hand, while reserving the general public's right to comment on what has happened.

Nine jurors heard two months of evidence and, having considered what was placed before them, concluded that the prosecution did not prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt. That is how a criminal justice system works.

But respecting the verdict does not mean pretending that everything that emerged during this trial can now be put away in a drawer.

It cannot.

Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated. A car bomb did not assemble itself, and someone, somewhere, commissioned her murder. Almost nine years later, the person or people who ordered that assassination remain free. That is the central fact that Malta must confront.

The jury has answered the question it was asked: whether Yorgen Fenech was guilty of the charges brought against him. It has not answered the much larger questions surrounding Daphne's murder.

Those questions remain.

The police, on the instruction of Judge Edwina Grima, must now go back over the evidence heard during this trial, carefully, and without fear or favour. Every lead must be followed. Every allegation or indication of wrongdoing must be assessed. Evidence that was not properly pursued, evidence that may have been overlooked, and evidence that emerged during the proceedings must be examined afresh.

The trial brought an enormous amount of evidence before the jury and an extraordinary number of witnesses. There is a legitimate question as to whether the prosecution's strategy ultimately strengthened its case or made it more difficult for jurors to establish a clear and coherent chain of evidence.

More is not necessarily better.

When a case is subject to the exceptionally high threshold of proof beyond reasonable doubt, an accumulation of evidence that is complicated, contradictory, or difficult to connect can have the opposite effect to that intended. Instead of eliminating doubt, it can create it.

That is not a criticism of the jurors. It is a reminder of the standard that prosecutors must meet.

The prosecution had one job: to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The fact that it failed to do so should prompt an honest examination of the case that was presented, how it was assembled, and whether the investigative foundations beneath it were strong enough.

And there are other questions that cannot be ignored.

The trial brought to the surface concerns about conflicts of interest, missing or unseized electronic evidence, suspected leaks, and the extraordinary proximity between political power, business interests, the police, and people connected to the investigation. These are not trivial matters. The Nationalist Party and civil society organisations have both pointed to them in their reactions to the verdict.

They deserve answers.

There is also an unavoidable political dimension.

Whatever the Labour Party may say, and whatever efforts are made to draw a line under the events of those years, what happened in Castille before and after Daphne's murder while Joseph Muscat was prime minister will remain intrinsically linked to this story.

Malta cannot rewrite its recent history. Muscat cannot expect us to forget.

The public inquiry into Daphne's assassination reached a devastating conclusion in 2021: the State had created an atmosphere of impunity in which the assassination became possible. It identified institutional failures, political interference, and the protection of people close to power. The fact that Yorgen Fenech has now been acquitted does not erase those findings.

Nor does it erase the political responsibility arising from them.

The jury and the court have done their duty.

We cannot say the same for the State.

The government's response that institutions have been given the necessary resources and that several people have already been convicted does not provide the complete answer. Several people being punished for participating in the murder is not the same thing as establishing who commissioned it, why Daphne was targeted, and whether anyone with political or institutional influence helped create the conditions in which the assassination could happen.

Daphne's murder was not simply another criminal case. It became a defining moment in Malta's modern history because it exposed the relationship between corruption, political power, business interests, and institutional weakness.

The murder itself cannot be separated from that wider context.

The acquittal therefore presents Malta with a choice.

It can declare that justice has run its course, point to the jury verdict, and move on.

Or it can recognise that the trial has left many unanswered questions.

The second course is the only acceptable one.

The police must investigate what emerged during the trial. The authorities must examine whether investigative failures occurred and why. The public inquiry's recommendations, which have been sitting on a shelf for five years, must be fully implemented.

Political responsibility must not be confused with criminal liability, but neither should political responsibility be allowed to disappear simply because a criminal prosecution has ended in an acquittal.

Yorgen Fenech has been cleared of the charges brought against him. That is the outcome of the trial.

But Daphne's murder remains unresolved in its fullest sense.

The story does not end here.

The arrests happened on Friday when police patrolling Marsamxett in Valletta noticed a Skoda Fabia which appeared to be being used for drug trafficking.

This conclusion was reached after the police continued to observe the vehicle for some time.

As police closed in to arrest the driver, a 26-year-old man from Marsaskala, he tried to escape the site with the car.  Police said that he was driving erratically but was stopped after he crashed.

A 19-year-old woman who lives in Mosta was in the car as a passenger.  Both individuals were arrested by officers.

Police searched the vehicle and found several packets of drugs suspected to be synthetic cannabis, around €1,000 in cash, and two mobile phones.

Both were held under arrest and are expected to be charged on Sunday before Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia.

The man was rescued from a hydropower tunnel, according to a social media post by the country's prime minister's office, bringing the total to three workers pulled alive from the Trishuli hydropower project. Two Nepalese workers were rescued on Friday.

Nepal's army said a joint rescue team of Nepalese military personnel and South Korean disaster experts rescued the man from a 225-meter (about 740-foot) tunnel and that he was undergoing a health assessment. Images showed him being evacuated by helicopter, with an army medic checking on him during the flight.

A photo released by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV showed two rescuers carrying the man, called Lu Haitao, out of the tunnel.

CCTV shared audio of Lu talking to an officer, saying how he repeatedly shouted whenever he saw the rescue crews' lights, but they could not hear him.

"When they rescued me today, when they shone (the light) before my eyes, I couldn't believe it," he said.

Lu was taken to a hospital and was in stable condition, according to CCTV.

Lu's sister, Lu Hairong, told Chinese state media Red Star News and Cover News that her 49-year-old brother was previously a farmer from Henan province in central China. She said Lu, who has a wife and son, also took additional work, mainly carpentry, during his spare time before heading to Nepal for work with a fellow villager in February, Red Star reported.

Lu's family had been worried since the mudslide occurred, and his sister was thrilled when she saw her brother's photo on the news.

"It's a stroke of sheer luck amid the misfortune," she told Cover News, referring to the rescue.

Rescue efforts have increasingly focused on 12 hydropower projects across Nepal, where about 900 workers are missing and roughly 500 are believed to be trapped in various tunnels, authorities said. Specialized rescue teams from India, China, South Korea and the United States have been searching through debris, damaged structures and tunnels at the projects, hoping to find survivors.

In flood-hit Nuwakot town, a woman was rescued alive from a house, Nepal's army spokesperson said Saturday. Officials said she was airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment.

Images released by Nepal's army showed rescuers finding the woman covered in mud inside the damaged house. They gave her bottled water before pulling her to safety, wrapped in a gray blanket.

At least 1,300 people were killed in the Aug. 26 floods, which were likely caused by a glacier collapse, and more than 5,000 remain missing, according to Nepal's disaster management agency.

Jurors have acquitted a man accused of raping and sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl.

After a unanimous 9-0 verdict, the accused was found not guilty of all three charges against him.

The case concerns two alleged incidents dating back to 2018 and 2019, when the girl was 13.

The accused faces three charges: aggravated rape, corrupting a person under the age of 16, and participating in sexual activities with a person under 16.

During the trial, the alleged victim, now 21, testified via videoconference and told jurors she had become friends with the accused's daughter through gymnastics and would sometimes sleep over at the family home.

She said the first alleged assault took place at the family residence in around October 2018. According to her testimony, the accused called her into a bedroom and sexually assaulted her.

The woman told jurors she covered her eyes and "froze", saying she understood she was being assaulted but was in shock and did not know how to react.

The witness said she did not tell anyone at the time and continued spending time with the family.

The second alleged assault took place on June 28, 2019, during a weekend trip on the accused's boat.

The woman told the court she was left alone with the accused, who called her into the cabin on the pretext of showing her a newly installed bed.

She alleged that he sexually assaulted her and attempted to penetrate her. This time, she said, she pushed him away with her legs and told him she was about to turn 14 and did not want what was happening.

The witness said she then grabbed her belongings, jumped off the boat and swam for several minutes until she reached the shore.

She later disclosed the alleged assault to her younger sister and then to her mother, who took her to a health centre before she was referred to Mater Dei Hospital.

During cross-examination, the defence questioned the woman over differences between her evidence in court and earlier accounts concerning the circumstances and timing of the alleged incidents.

She repeatedly referred to the fact that years had passed since the incident and said she had tried to suppress the memory of the first alleged assault.

The accused was represented by lawyers Mario Mifsud and Nicholas Mifsud.

Judge Consuelo Scerri Herrera is presiding over the trial.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, PN MPs Michael Piccinino and Mark Anthony Sammut said the State had a responsibility to implement the reforms needed to ensure that the circumstances which led to Caruana Galizia's assassination in 2017 are not repeated.

The recommendations of the inquiry had identified a culture of impunity and institutional failures which contributed to the environment in which Caruana Galizia was killed.

Piccinino said Caruana Galizia's family had pursued the public inquiry precisely to establish what needed to change within the State following her murder.

He recalled that several government figures had initially criticised calls for a public inquiry, including Robert Abela (then still an MP), who had warned that it could "jeopardise" the criminal investigation.

The inquiry was eventually concluded in July 2021. Piccinino said Abela had subsequently committed himself to implementing its recommendations.

However, by 2022, the government had still not acted, prompting the PN to table a series of bills aimed at putting the recommendations into practice. Labour MPs had voted against those proposals.

Piccinino said the government had dismissed the PN's legislative initiatives as a gimmick, arguing that it would ultimately be the government itself that would implement the necessary reforms. "But now five years have passed," he said.

On Friday, Opposition Leader Alex Borg tried to have a motion passed in Parliament which would have given the government until the end of October to implement the recommendations. The government refused to debate the motion.

Sammut accused Abela of trying to portray the assassination as entirely the responsibility of the previous administration while simultaneously presenting himself as a champion of respect for Caruana Galizia.

He said the Prime Minister's actions did not match his rhetoric, particularly when Labour MPs voted against measures intended to strengthen State institutions and make them more independent.

Sammut also criticised recent comments by Labour figures concerning Caruana Galizia and her family.

He referred to Jason Micallef, a Labour Party delegate and chairman of the Valletta Cultural Agency, who described banners calling for justice for Caruana Galizia as "vandalism". Sammut said such comments were unacceptable from a person holding public office and accused Abela of failing to distance himself from them.

He also criticised what he described as continued protection of people close to the government, including Neville Gafà, whose posts on the social media attacked Caruana Galizia's family.

Sammut argued that the inquiry's recommendations remained relevant precisely because they sought to prevent institutions from being influenced by political considerations and to strengthen accountability.

The PN speakers also reiterated several proposals linked to the inquiry's findings, including State financing of political parties, unexplained wealth legislation, and laws aimed at preventing abuse of power.

Sammut also called for Attorney General Victoria Buttigieg to resign, arguing that serious mistakes had been made by her office. He also criticised her absence from Malta when the verdict in the Yorgen Fenech jury trial was delivered, describing this as irresponsible given the significance of the case.

Piccinino said the government could not claim to have learned the lessons of Caruana Galizia's assassination while refusing to implement the reforms recommended by the public inquiry.

The PN, he said, remained committed to ensuring those recommendations were finally put into effect.

If the Leader of the Opposition genuinely wants to be taken seriously when speaking about the national interest, he should, first and foremost, distance himself from the comments made by members of his own parliamentary group, the PL said.

Referring to comments made during a press conference by the Nationalist Party, the PL said this is not the time for partisan attacks. "Nor is it the time for political calculations or tactics, for rushed statements, or for attempts to exploit a court decision for political convenience."

The PL said it fully supports the government's "measured and responsible position" following the verdict in the Yorgen Fenech trial.

"Unlike others, Partit Laburista did not prepare two scripts in anticipation of two possible outcomes. The Opposition Leader, Alex Borg, appeared so caught between two versions that, at one point, he seemed to be reading from one script, only to contradict himself by quoting from another, moments later," the PL said.

The PL's position "has been and remains clear and consistent: to support the Government in its full and unwavering pursuit of the truth, while showing absolute respect for the institutions and for the independence of the judicial process. Truth, justice and strong institutions do not belong to any political party. They belong to Malta and serve the interests of the entire Maltese and Gozitan people."

The U.K. government condemned the action, saying it went well beyond peaceful protest.

The Port of Dover said Saturday morning that all traffic in and out was "stopped due to an ongoing public order incident," and police said they were "engaging with the protesters."

Video posted on social media showed several dozen men in black, their faces covered, standing across a major road near the port. One clip showed demonstrators linking arms across a main road and shouting "stop the boats."

Far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who uses the name Tommy Robinson, wrote on X that "patriots have mobilised to close down the port."

Chris Vinson, a Conservative Party local councilor, said the demonstration involved several hundred people and appeared to be "illegal migration-related."

"I'm not aware that there's been any violence, although clearly, having the path of your vehicle blocked by men wearing black paramilitary gear and balaclavas is extremely intimidating," he said.

The Labour Party government said "the right to peaceful protest is fundamental to our democracy, but we condemn the behavior in Dover and the travel disruption it has caused."

"We appreciate the frustration of those who have been impacted today," it said in a statement.

The National Highways agency said the protest blocked all routes to the port and caused a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) traffic jam.

Police were later filmed following protesters toward Dover's railway station. P&O Ferries said just before midday that "access to the Port of Dover has now been restored."

P&O, which runs services between Dover and Calais in France, said passengers who missed their ferry would be offered the next available crossing.

Dover, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) southeast of London, dealt with more than 9 million passengers and 2 million freight vehicles in 2025, according to the port's website.

The town has been the site of previous anti-immigrant protests focused on migrants who cross the Channel from France in small boats. Successive U.K. governments have struggled to stop people - more than 40,000 last year - making the dangerous journey across one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. The issue has been depicted as a crisis by politicians including Nigel Farage of the hard-right party Reform UK. He branded the asylum seekers "an invasion" in a Friday speech.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government says stepped-up law enforcement cooperation between Britain and France has helped reduce the number of people making the crossing so far this year by more than 40% compared to 2025.

Mike Tapp, a Labour lawmaker who represents Dover in Parliament, criticized "idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption."

"I bet if you asked any one of those 'protesters' they wouldn't know small boat crossing(s) are down by 40% and we are working hard to fix the mess," he wrote on Facebook on Saturday. "Go home, enjoy your weekend/get a job."

Jason Micallef is not simply a private citizen expressing a personal opinion. He is a public figure, a public official, paid for by taxpayers. He is a person whom Robert Abela continues to trust with public appointments, including as Chairman of the Valletta Cultural Agency, the PN said.

Abela therefore cannot remain silent in the face of these remarks, particularly when only a few days ago he said that he was distancing himself from hateful comments directed at Daphne Caruana Galizia and her family.

In light of this, the Prime Minister must state whether he agrees with Jason Micallef that a banner calling for justice for Daphne amounts to vandalism. He must also tell us whether he agrees with Micallef that these banners should be removed from Valletta, the PN said.

He must also tell us - if he does not agree with Jason Micallef's comments - what action he intends to take against him, particularly since this is not the first time that the former Labour Party General Secretary has made disparaging remarks about journalists and the media.

Jason Micallef's comments are a symptom of a much deeper problem, the PN said. Almost nine years after the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, and five years after a Public Inquiry led by three judges found that the State had created a culture of impunity which enabled the environment in which the assassination took place, there are still people at the heart of the Labour establishment who treat calls for justice as something that should be removed and silenced.

This shows that nothing has been learnt. It shows that the culture of impunity identified by that Inquiry - whose recommendations, five years later, have still not been implemented - remains very much alive.

It is therefore no surprise that Abela continues to drag his feet and resist the full implementation of the recommendations of the Public Inquiry, as he did in recent days when he refused to debate an Opposition Motion calling on the Government to implement the Inquiry's recommendations by the end of October.

A country that has truly learnt from the assassination of a journalist does not attack those who call for justice. A country that genuinely wants to eradicate a culture of impunity is not afraid of the word "justice".

And a Prime Minister who genuinely believes in change does not remain silent when a person entrusted by his Government with public office speaks in this way, the PN said.

Robert Abela must give a clear answer: does he agree or disagree with Jason Micallef? Does he condemn what he said?

And if he does not agree, he must say what he intends to do about a person of trust who chose to attack a public call for justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia just days after the verdict was delivered in the trial concerning her assassination.

Flimkien għal-Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) held a press conference to object to planning application PA/05005/26, which proposes converting a former art shop into an outdoor catering area with tables and chairs in a public open space.

The site is directly opposite the Grade 1 scheduled Ta' Ġieżu church.

FAA coordinator Astrid Vella said the application breached basic planning principles, including requirements for photomontages and an assessment of the site's context. She said there had been no proper street analysis despite the site being next to a scheduled heritage building and involving public land.

Vella also argued that outdoor catering rules should prevent approval where noise and odours would reduce residential amenity or threaten heritage and public buildings. She said the church already suffered from noise from nearby establishments.

Billy J McBee, a Valletta resident and founder of Residenti Beltin, said residents were not opposed to tourism but warned that Valletta's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site demanded greater protection.

"We are against a city hollowed out from within," he said. "Save the residents, so that in doing so you save Valletta."

He complained of amplified music, restaurants obstructing pavements and accessibility, and anti-social behaviour affecting residents.

Karmenu Borg, representing Moviment Azzjoni Soċjali, said the proposal also carried historical significance as the street was associated with political figures including Enrico Mizzi and Manwel Dimech.

FAA environmental officer Benjamin Mifsud Scicluna said Valletta already had enough catering establishments, particularly those occupying public space.

Objections can be submitted by September 6 to representations@pa.org.mt, quoting PA/05005/26.

The appeal is expected to challenge aspects of the jury trial process rather than seek to have the acquittal automatically replaced with a finding of guilt.

Businessman Yorgen Fenech was acquitted on Wednesday of complicity and comspiracy in the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, after a nine-member jury found him not guilty on both counts in the bill of indictment.

Under Malta's Criminal Code, the Attorney General can appeal an acquittal, although the grounds available to the prosecution are narrower than those available to a convicted accused.

The law also gives the Court of Criminal Appeal the power to dismiss a challenge even where a point raised by the Attorney General may technically be decided in the prosecution's favour, if the court concludes that no miscarriage of justice occurred.

The prosecution's appeal will therefore have to satisfy the strict legal requirements governing challenges to acquittals.

An appeal does not, by itself, overturn Fenech's acquittal. The Court of Criminal Appeal will first have to determine whether the grounds put forward by the Attorney General justify further proceedings.

Should the prosecution succeed in its appeal and obtain an order for a retrial, Fenech would face a fresh set of proceedings before the Criminal Court. Wednesday's jury verdict would not simply be replaced by a conviction.

The first count accused him of complicity in the wilful homicide of Caruana Galizia. The jury returned a not-guilty verdict by eight votes to one.

The same eight-to-one verdict was delivered on the second count, which concerned association with a person or persons for the purpose of committing a crime in Malta.

The prosecution's decision to appeal means the legal proceedings surrounding his alleged role in the murder will now continue before the Court of Criminal Appeal.

The Norway striker scored his third goal of the season as City extended its 100% start by beating Coventry 1-0 to stay at the top of the Premier League on Saturday.

City has spent more than $600 million revamping its squad under new manager Enzo Maresca, but Haaland remains its prize asset.

His 26th-minute header at the Etihad Stadium provided the decisive moment against newly promoted Coventry and maintained Maresca's perfect start since taking on the daunting task of following in Pep Guardiola's footsteps.

Maresca's job will be made a lot easier if Haaland can maintain his scoring form, with the forward hitting his third goal in two games.

"It's an important win, different from the first two," Maresca said. "I'm very happy. I know the players day-by-day, we know each other. It means we will get better and better."

City's lavish spending in the post-Guardiola era carried on right up until deadline day with the signings of Enzo Fernandez and Iliman Ndiaye. Both started against Coventry.

"(We) started with a win, so it couldn't get any better," Ndiaye said.

City is three points clear of defending champion Arsenal, which will play Chelsea on Sunday.

Promoted Hull is second and still unbeaten on seven points after a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.

Tottenham picked up its first point of the season with a 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle remained unbeaten under new coach Matthias Jaissle thanks to a late equalizer from Jacob Ramsey in a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

Crystal Palace twice came back against Fulham to eventually win 3-2 at Craven Cottage for its first points of the campaign while Brighton drew 1-1 with Leeds.

Brentford and Sunderland also drew 1-1.

Hull flying high

Hull's unlikely start to the season carried on with a point against Aston Villa that was so nearly a third straight win.

After securing promotion to the top flight via the playoffs Hull has been the surprise package so far after stunning Manchester United in its opening game and following that with victory against Coventry.

Mohamed Belloumi was fractions away from hitting the winner against Villa, but saw his second-half curling effort come back off the bar.

Villa's struggles go on after a summer of heavy change and the loss of star players like Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and Emi Martinez.

Unai Emery's team is yet to score this term, but at least picked up its first point after back-to-back losses.

Late drama

Newcastle rallied from 2-0 down to rescue a point at St. James' Park after Ramsey came off the bench and struck late to salvage a draw with Bournemouth.

Ramsey fired home from inside the box in the 88th to spark wild celebrations from Newcastle fans.

Bournemouth led through Marcus Tavernier's goal in the ninth minute and went 2-0 ahead when Malick Thiaw deflected the ball into his own net in the 35th.

Harvey Barnes responded two minutes later with a brilliant solo goal by cutting in from the left and curling the ball into the top corner.

Newcastle looked to be heading for its first defeat of the season until Ramsey lashed low past Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.

It was the third time this season Bournemouth squandered a lead late in games. The Cherries conceded in stoppage time against Manchester City - after allowing a late equalizer - and Everton in their opening two games of the campaign.

Spurs get off the mark

Big spending Tottenham got its first point of the season, but it is still without a league goal despite revamping its attack in the transfer window.

Summer signings Omar Marmoush and Savio were both blunted at the City Ground, while on-loan Mykhailo Mudryk also failed to find a breakthrough after coming on to make his debut.

"The problem is the last third, not because we have not the quality. We have great players," said Spurs coach Roberto De Zerbi. "We have to be better in the last decision, to keep calm when we are in the last third and take the best decision."

Forest thought it had found the winner through Neco Williams, but the goal was ruled out by VAR because of a handball.

Fulham's struggles go on

It's been a difficult start for new Fulham coach Alvaro Arbeloa after three straight league losses.

The former Real Madrid coach might have thought he was set for a first win after his team led 1-0 through Josh King and then 2-1 through Cesar Palacios.

Palace had other ideas, with Tyrick Mitchell twice equalizing and Ben Chilwell scoring the winner in the 77th.

Sunderland secured a late draw at Brentford through Enzo Le Fee's penalty in the 82nd. Leeds was looking for a third straight win and led Brighton 1-0 thanks to Jayden Bogle until Luka Vuskovic leveled in the 71st.

Musiala played his first minutes in the Bundesliga this season after the Bayern midfielder had collapsed in two preseason games because of a neurological issue which causes seizures.

In Spain, Athletic Bilbao struck three times in the second half to beat Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid 3-0 in La Liga, while Erling Haaland led Manchester City to another victory in the Premier League.

Martínez to the rescue in Italy

It was a night of comebacks in Serie A, with Roma joining Inter with a dramatic two-goal rally in the dying minutes that kept the teams at the top of the standings with three wins in as many rounds.

Martínez's goals ensured that Inter kept up its early title defense.

Napoli looked to be comfortably in charge after Matteo Politano and Rasmus Højlund scored in the 50th and 53rd minutes.

But Martínez pulled one back three minutes later and Marcus Thurman equalized in the 82nd just moments after hitting the post.

Martínez found the winner after Manuel Akanji scrambled a loose ball to him at the far post to poke home, unleashing celebrations at San Siro.

Napoli, under new coach Massimiliano Allegri, has now lost two in a row after falling to Como.

Next up for Inter is a trip to Real Madrid in their Champions League opener on Tuesday.

Matías Soulé led Roma with a late assist and goal to beat Atalanta 2-1.

The forward set up Mario Hermoso in the 90th, canceling out the opener by Éderson. Soulé then struck three minutes into stoppage time to grab the victory.

Torino beat Fiorentina 2-1 away.

Musiala plays after collapsing in preseason

Musiala went on as a second-half substitute in Bayern's 0-0 draw with Schalke. He had missed the season opener against Stuttgart.

It was the first time Bayern had failed to score in a German league game since February 2025. A superb performance by goalkeeper Loris Karius helped Schalke take its first point against Bayern since 2017.

Small-town club Elversberg continued a dream start to its first-ever Bundesliga season with another upset win, beating Borussia Moenchengladbach 4-3 with a stoppage-time winner.

From a town of just 13,000 people, Elversberg stunned another former champion after its win over Bayer Leverkusen last week.

This time, Elversberg did it without coach Vincent Wagner, who was sent off at halftime, only for Maurice Krattenmacher to score the dramatic late winner.

Also, Borussia Dortmund pulled off a fightback to beat Hoffenheim 3-2 after being two goals down, as Hoffenheim defender Albian Hajdari handed Dortmund victory with an 86th-minute own goal.

Another of Bayern's title rivals, Leipzig, slumped to a 3-1 loss at Werder Bremen, whose new signing Niclas Füllkrug scored a goal.

Leverkusen's new coach Carles Martinez got his first Bundesliga win, beating Union Berlin 4-0.

Aubameyang keeps scoring in Spain

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made it four goals in as many games since joining Deportivo to help the promoted club remain unbeaten since its return to the top flight.

The 37-year-old Aubameyang struck in the 88th to clinch a 3-2 victory at Villarreal.

Athletic Bilbao rolled over Atletico Madrid 3-0 with second-half goals from Nico Williams, Robert Navarro and Oihan Sancet.

It was a second straight win for Athletic under its new German coach Edin Terzić.

Also, Sergio Camello netted twice to lead Rayo Vallecano to a 3-2 victory over Racing Santander.

Dutch game abandoned

The game between Utrecht and Go Ahead Eagles in the Dutch top tier was abandoned after some Utrecht fans threw fireworks and other objects onto the pitch. The match was eventually abandoned in the second half with Go Ahead Eagles leading 3-1 at the time.

Utrecht issued a statement condemning the actions of the fans responsible, saying it will review video footage and take action against those involved.

Also in the Eredivisie, PSV Eindhoven won 3-1 at Ajax.

Lens stumbles in France

Lens, last season's runner-up in Ligue 1, had a second straight loss after falling 1-0 at home to Lorient.

Brest beat Le Havre 2-1, and Nice drew with Le Mans 1-1.

The F1 driver seemed as surprised as everyone when he was informed on the team radio that he was fastest immediately after the session.

"Let's go! Been waiting for that one!" exclaimed Gasly, who took his only Formula 1 win at Monza in 2020.

Gasly looked strong throughout the session and finished O.060 seconds ahead of Mercedes driver George Russell.

"In the end it felt like a very good lap but I am so happy, it has been nine years, trying to chase and get the opportunity to get pole position," said Gasly, who lives in nearby Milan. "To win my first race in Monza, get my first pole position on this track, it is something special around here."

Russell was among drivers to express surprise at Gasly topping the timesheets.

"To be totally honest I don't think we thought they were in the fight and it goes to show what a great job he did," Russell said.

Hamilton almost went out in Q2

Oscar Piastri was third-fastest in qualifying but was handed a three-place grid penalty after stewards found the McLaren driver guilty of impeding Red Bull's Liam Lawson in Q2.

That promoted Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, with the Ferrari duo - who have an upgraded engine this weekend - locking out the second row. There was a scare for the team earlier in its home race as Hamilton only just sneaked into Q3 by one thousandth of a second.

Lawson's teammate Max Verstappen also moved up a place, to fifth. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli qualified seventh-fastest but a grid penalty due to a planned engine change means he will start at the back.

Gasly's teammate Franco Colapinto moves up to seventh, with defending champion Lando Norris, Arvid Lindblad and Gabriel Bortoleto now rounding out the top 10 on the grid.

Antonelli is bidding to become F1's youngest champion. The 20-year-old Italian leads Russell and Hamilton by 59 points, with Norris 24 points further back after winning the past two races - in Hungary and the Netherlands.

Russell also lost to Gasly in chess match

Sunday's race is a golden opportunity for Russell to make up some ground on Antonelli, who was deployed for much of qualifying ahead of his teammate to give him a slipstream.

Russell called qualifying "scrappy" and said he started his final lap too close to Verstappen, who let Antonelli by to avoid running in clean air.

Russell also revealed that it was the second time he had lost to Gasly on Saturday afternoon.

"Massive congrats to Pierre because that's an incredible performance," Russell said. "We were actually playing a game of chess about 15 minutes before qualifying and he beat me there and I thought, 'Well I think I'll beat you in qualifying' and here we are - he's ahead of me again."

Gasly's pole comes a day after he was stripped of his only podium of the season because the FIA's International Court of Appeal reinstated a penalty he was given at the Monaco Grand Prix in June.

Monza is a high-speed track and overtaking is relatively easy, giving Russell a chance to get past Gasly in Sunday's race and Antonelli the opportunity to make up places.

"That's a problem for tomorrow," Gasly replied when asked if his car's long-run pace is enough to at least fight for the win.

Speaking at the State of the Nation conference, Scicluna said that "when informal networks become more powerful than formal institutions, the danger is no longer simply corruption. The danger is the capture of the nation itself - state capture."

Archbishop Scicluna observed that reputations can be built over decades, but lost in minutes. He noted that whilst the Church has learned this lesson the hard way, nations can lose their reputations as well and that "it would be wise to confront what has been happening to ours."

"These matters should trouble every one of us. Because these matters are much bigger than one incident or one institution," the Archbishop said. "They raise the possibility of networks of influence in which money, access, information, favours and protection circulate among people who are supposed to operate independently of one another."

He then asked if everyone in Malta is for sale and, if not, how many people can be bought, as well as how many are ready to remain silent and look the other way.

He added that there is nothing inherently wrong with prosperity, though it brings responsibility and can become dangerous when it ceases to be a means and becomes the end. "And perhaps the most fundamental question is this: Have we fallen to the seduction of money as the main criterion of our progress and our quality of life?"

Archbishop Scicluna asked those present to ask themselves what Malta's children, in 50 years' time, will think of the country, what language they will speak, and what they will see around them.

Malta's future will either be polished or destroyed by the decisions taken today, commenting that preserving our identity as Maltese is a question of justice to both our forefathers and future generations. Scicluna said that, "ultimately, the way to preserve what makes us Maltese is to ensure there is a new generation to inherit it. That means creating conditions to reverse our alarmingly low birthrate."

He said that children must be seen as a blessing in society, not a burden, and emphasised the need for families to be supported by all when they bring children to the world.

"That requires policies which strengthen families, including a serious discussion about parental leave. Childcare is important, but we should also create conditions that allow more parents to remain with their children during those crucial early years," he said.

He appealed for the national economic model to serve society and assist those in need, without taking into account the next general election or economic statistic.

The Archbishop concluded by pleading for this generation to not be the one to disappoint future ones, but rather to be one that breeds hope into their futures.

Born in Żabbar on August 16, 1924, Bro. Edward served the De La Salle College community as a teacher, administrator and mentor, leaving an enduring mark on generations of students, educators and families.

Throughout his long career, he taught several generations within the same families, including grandfathers, fathers and sons, becoming a familiar and respected figure within the Lasallian community.

His lifelong contribution to education was formally recognised in 2022, when he was awarded the Medal for Service to the Republic in recognition of his decades of service.

In announcing his death, De La Salle College described Bro. Edward as a person whose "quiet presence, commitment to the Lasallian mission and genuine care for others" would be remembered with great affection and gratitude.

The College said he had lived "a rich and useful life in the service of others", adding that he would continue to live in the hearts and minds of the many people whose lives he touched.

"As a College community, we give thanks for the gift of his life and for all that he shared with us," the statement said.

The College prayed that the Lord would welcome Bro. Edward into His eternal embrace and grant him "the reward of a life so generously given in service to others".

"Rest in peace, Bro. Edward," it said.

"Live Jesus in our hearts... Forever."

The Partit Nazzjonalista aid tribute to the memory of Brother Edward Galea.

Brother Edward, who celebrated his 102nd birthday just a few days ago, served for many years with dedication and commitment within De La Salle College.

Throughout his career, he held various roles at the college, and thousands of students will continue to remember him for his contribution during their formative years at De La Salle.

His contribution will be remembered with respect and gratitude by all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

The PN extended its condolences to his family, the De La Salle Brothers community, educators, students and all those who were close to him. 

Culture Minister Malcolm Paul Agius Galea on Friday would not say when questioned by journalists whether he felt that Caruana Galizia had been murdered due to her work as a journalist.

The implication came after Agius Galea, who is the minister responsible for the media sector, brushed off the notion that journalists should feel any less safe after Wednesday's verdict.

"That's what you are saying," the minister said when the journalist asking him the question said that Caruana Galizia had been killed due to her work. "In truth these are things where we need to be careful," he said.

"If a friend of mine, a doctor, is killed and they say he was killed because he is a doctor, I wouldn't now exactly what happened. I equally don't know what happened. In truth, we need to be careful,"he said.

Asked outright whether he was saying that

Caruana Galizia was not killed because of her work, the minister said that "at this point in time that's why it's important to be cautious. It's clear that things are not concluded yet."

These are remarks which run directly counter to any form of intuition and to any and every fact that has been established over the course of the investigations into Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder.

It is beyond comprehensible and even conceivable that the government minister who is responsible for the media sector in Malta would even hold the thought that Daphne's murder via a car bombing was to do with anything other than her work.

This is the man whom we as the journalistic community must trust to spearhead reforms to strengthen our sector and to, more so, offer us the necessary protection and safeguards to be able to do our jobs in the safest of manners.

If the Minister does not think that Daphne was murdered due to her journalistic work, then why exactly was she killed? Why did hundreds of thousands of euros change hands so that she can be blown up in the most grizzly and brutal fashion just metres away from her home?

Agius Galea offered a somewhat half-hearted apology for his remarks a few hours later but, as the Institute for Maltese Journalists said in a statement, an apology is not enough.

"An apology isn't enough. His comments confirm how out of touch members of the administration remain with the stark and dangerous reality faced by journalists in Malta. As the fourth estate, journalism plays a critical role in our democracy, yet those in power continue to downplay the systemic risks that threaten it," the IĠM said.

"The state's responsibility and the climate of impunity that enabled the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia are not matters of opinion - they are established facts. An independent inquiry had found that all the evidence it had heard led to a conviction that Caruana Galizia's assassination was either intrinsically or directly linked to her investigative work," the institute continued.

To change the culture of how journalists are treated, the government must first understand that the culture exists in the first place. After so many years, some, it seems, are yet to reach that understanding.

Her administration has become the longest-serving single government of Italy's republican era, reaching 1,414 consecutive days in office and surpassing the 1,412-day record set by Silvio Berlusconi 's second government from 2001 to 2005.

Speaking to supporters, Meloni cast the record as evidence of the strength and cohesion of her right-wing coalition.

"It is no coincidence that the three longest-serving governments in the history of the Italian Republic are all center-right governments," she said.

"Stability is our first great reform," Meloni added, arguing that political continuity enabled her government to pursue economic and foreign policy goals that might have proved difficult under Italy's traditionally short-lived administrations.

Stability the key to her coalition's success

She credited her coalition with boosting employment, supporting families and businesses, managing public finances and restoring Italy's credibility abroad.

In one of the most personal moments of the speech, Meloni reflected on the challenges of governing and fighting resistance to change.

"There were days when it felt like I was swimming through glue, but I never gave up and I do not intend to start now," she said, prompting chants of "Giorgia, Giorgia."

A few minutes later, her cellphone rang on stage. Glancing at the screen, Meloni answered briefly before returning to her speech. "Honey, I'll call you later. It's my daughter, sorry. She made three phone calls," she told supporters, drawing laughter from the crowd.

The rally highlighted a central argument Meloni is expected to make ahead of the next election in 2027: that stability has allowed her government to achieve results and credibility abroad.

Vera Capperucci, a professor of history of European political parties at Rome's LUISS University, called the Bari event a "necessary act," noting the government's defining characteristic has been its foreign policy.

International standing

"Meloni has built credibility with European partners while maintaining Italy's Atlantic alliances, defying concerns when she took office that her government would pursue a more confrontational course toward Brussels," she said.

The government's achievement caps a political transformation that has seen the Italian leader move from outsider to establishment figure since becoming Italy's first female prime minister in 2022.

Initially viewed cautiously by some European allies and financial markets because of her party's postwar neo-fascist roots, she maintained support for Ukraine, worked within European institutions and cultivated close ties with Western allies.

Migration has provided another example of how positions once criticized by opponents have moved into the European mainstream, Meloni said.

In her Bari speech, she defended her government's approach on curbing migration flows, citing measures including Italy's controversial Albania migration centers.

"Fight against human traffickers, stricter asylum procedures, faster deportations, a European list of safe countries, agreements with countries of origin and transit, the possibility of opening centers for deportations outside the Union, that is, exactly what we did in Albania," Meloni said. "They called us extremists for years and then they copied everything."

Supporters also point to more than 1 million additional jobs, lower unemployment, tighter public finances and a decline in migrant arrivals as evidence that the unusual period of continuity has produced tangible results.

Critics highlight Italy's chronic problems

Critics counter that Italy's longstanding problems, including weak productivity growth, low salaries and inefficiencies in public services, remain largely unresolved.

Among supporters gathered in Bari, the longevity record itself was viewed as an achievement.

Marco Macrì, a 34-year-old Forza Italia supporter from Alliste, a small town near Lecce, said Meloni had helped hold together the center-right coalition that emerged after Berlusconi's death.

"Now, with Giorgia, we are all united under one roof ... with different symbols but part of one family," he said.

The durability of Meloni's coalition has been a rarity in postwar Italy, where governments have often fallen before the end of their mandates.

No administration has completed a full five-year term without interruption. While Meloni now leads the longest-lasting single government of the republican era, Berlusconi remains Italy's longest-serving postwar prime minister when time served across multiple governments is combined.

As Meloni's government celebrates setting the longevity record, the political question is shifting from whether it can survive to whether voters believe it has done enough to merit another term.

Opposition leaders say Meloni's government has yet to find concrete ways to stimulate long-term economic growth beyond just controlling public debt and state deficits.

They also accuse Meloni's coalition of having further cut financial resources dedicated to health services and education.

Addressing the State of the Nation conference, Metsola called upon the Maltese State to do everything in its power shed light on this.

"It is our collective responsibility to ensure that we remove what is wrong, and leave a State, leave a country for those coming after us, better than we found it," she said.

Metsola's speech focused on this week's verdict as she believes that Malta's future cannot be discussed properly, as the conference's theme suggests, without confronting its present state.

"The people of Malta and Gozo have a right to a State that works for the citizen - the citizen must be sure that the State is on their side, not on the side of power," she said.

The European Parliament President paid tribute to Caruana Galizia, describing the journalist's pen as a shield for truth for a nation fighting corruption and abuse of power, and commended her work.

She stated that those who wished to silence her throughout her life and through her assassination failed to do so, as her legacy shall continue to live on.

She reaffirmed her commitment for full justice, political integrity, and institutional accountability to ensure a better future for generations to come.

The trial generated intense interest for weeks, drawing attention to maternal mental health after childbirth.

Clancy, a 36-year-old former labour and delivery nurse, never disputed that she killed the children. But her attorney said she had a rare condition called postpartum psychosis when she strangled her kids - the youngest just 8 months old - then tried to take her own life in 2023. Prosecutors said Clancy knew what she was doing.

Friday's mistrial, on the seventh day of deliberations, leaves the case unresolved. In the end, the decision seemed to surprise no one in the courtroom. Neither Clancy nor her family showed emotion as the judge announced the trial was ending without a resolution.

Clancy's attorney believes she was close to acquittal

Clancy remains charged with murder and is expected to stay at a psychiatric hospital until her case is resolved.

Her lawyer, Kevin Reddington, said he believes she would have been acquitted if not for a juror who was the subject of a dispute over whether the judge's instructions were being followed.

Reddington said Clancy was "not good" when a reporter asked how she was doing after the mistrial.

Her parents and her sister were escorted from the courthouse by state police, saying nothing to reporters. Ex-husband Patrick Clancy, the trial's first witness, has said in past interviews that he forgives her and believes her actions were the result of mental illness.

A statement released by his attorney Friday said "the prospect of reliving this tragedy through another trial is extraordinarily painful."

Lindsay Clancy could face another trial

The prosecutor who decided to charge Clancy said there would not be an immediate decision about a second trial. He said public opinion would not be a factor.

"This was and has always been about getting justice for those three little babies," said Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz. "This case is not about the healthcare system, or about how women are treated in it, or what diagnoses there are."

He pointed out that the two trial prosecutors were "both mothers themselves."

The deliberations took a dramatic turn Friday when the judge said he was going to declare a mistrial before suddenly changing course and letting Clancy's attorney appeal that decision to the top court in Massachusetts. But the court declined to stop the judge from declaring a mistrial.

Clancy's attorneys argued that one of the jurors revealed a possible bias against people with mental illness, without elaborating. They argued the juror should, at minimum, be questioned more thoroughly by the judge, or even dismissed outright before a mistrial was declared.

The jury said it couldn't reach a verdict 3 times

Prosecutors said Clancy acted deliberately when she strangled 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson and 8-month-old Callan Clancy with exercise bands. They said she contrived to get her husband out of the house on Jan. 24, 2023, by sending him to pick up medicine for one of their children and dinner for the family.

Clancy's lawyer said she should not be held criminally responsible because of her postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness linked to the stress, sleep deprivation and hormonal changes that follow childbirth.

On three occasions, jurors said they were unable to reach a unanimous decision. The jury's foreperson told the judge Thursday that a single juror wouldn't follow the court's instructions about reasonable doubt.

Outside the courthouse Friday, Reddington blasted the juror he believes stood in the way of a verdict.

"They (the jury) know they were robbed by one man, for whatever his agenda was, who stole seven weeks of the life of these other jurors that were so attentive, so beautiful, so wonderful," he said.

It was not clear how the jury was split or whether it favoured conviction or acquittal. Clancy could have been sentenced to life in prison if convicted of murder. But if acquitted, the judge could have ordered her confined to a mental health facility.

The judge ordered that the names of the jurors be shielded for at least 14 days, saying the case garnered significant and divisive attention.

What Trump said about the Lindsay Clancy case

Millions across the U.S. watched the livestreamed trial. Even President Donald Trump said he was following the coverage.

"It's a terrible situation. Look, she did a horrible, horrible thing," Trump said Friday. "Can't be worse. But you'll find out what the price to pay is. There'll be a price - a mental institution or jail or something."

Most days women supporting Clancy and dressed in pink would attend the trial. Many referenced their own postpartum stories or troubling experiences with the healthcare system. On Friday one of those women, Marta Quijano, a 55-year-old surgeon, said the mistrial left her "very sad for the family, for Lindsay."

"I don't think she deserves to have to go through this all over again. I think this should have been resolved," Quinjano said, starting to cry. "It's very unfair. I feel as women we are treated very unfairly. We get dismissed. Things are minimized. Even what's happened to today, I think one person failed her."

The judge acknowledged early during deliberations that the trial had been emotionally and physically exhausting for everyone. Much of the testimony was excruciating to hear, from the heartbreaking 911 call made by the children's father who found their bodies, to the descriptions of how they died.

Clancy was brought to tears several times. At one point, the judge called a short break as Clancy's loud sobs filled the courtroom while the children's autopsy photos were shown.

Lindsay Clancy's mental health was the focus of the trial

Over 21 days of testimony, jurors heard how Clancy's mental health collapsed after Callan's birth.

Deeply anxious, unable to sleep and experiencing what she called a disturbing brain fog, Clancy sought care from experts in postpregnancy mood disorders, who prescribed multiple psychiatric medications.

Clancy's family members testified that she expressed concern about her decline. Her former mother-in-law, Susan Clancy, called her a nurturing and loving mother who was "begging for help."

Clancy checked herself into a psychiatric hospital early in 2023, but her stay was short. She killed the children 19 days after she was discharged, leaving their bodies in the basement of the family's home south of Boston. Clancy then jumped from a second-story window and remains paralyzed from the waist down.

Prosecutors conceded that Clancy had severe mental illness, but insisted she was able to understand and control her actions. They emphasized that although she claimed to have heard a male voice commanding her to kill the children, she never disclosed that to her mental health providers before the killings.

The request for the discussion on the motion was made by Alex Borg at the start of his address during an urgent parliamentary debate which is being held at the request of the Opposition following the verdict in the Yorgen Fenech trial.

Government whip Naomi Cachia said that the government was not accepting to have the motion discussed, and voted upon. The government had agreed to convene Parliament during its summer break, she said, but was not ready to accept that the motion is discussed and voted upon.

Speaker of the House Carmelo Abela said that the motion will now be placed in the book of motions and its inclusion on the parliament's agenda discussed at a later stage.

The debate on the Yorgen Fenech trial was proposed on Thursday by Opposition Leader Alex Borg, who requested that parliament urgently reconvene to discuss the outcome of the trial. Fenech was acquitted after being charged with conspiracy and complicity in the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Prime Minister Robert Abela opened the debate.

Before the debate started on Friday, Borg had said on his Facebook page that he will be presenting a motion calling upon the government to commit itself to implementing the recommendations made in the Daphne Caruana Galizia public inquiry by the end of October.

In his post, Borg said that five years have passed since the board of three judges published the inquiry's findings, yet the government continues to resist implementing its recommendations in full.

Borg had expressed hope that both sides of the House of Representatives would support the motion, describing it as a matter of national interest.

"The Maltese and Gozitan people expect both sides of Parliament to come together today in the national interest and approve this motion," he said. The government, however, rejected the idea.

The public inquiry into Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination, published in 2021, concluded that the Maltese State should bear responsibility for creating an atmosphere of impunity that enabled the murder and made a number of recommendations aimed at strengthening the rule of law, governance and the protection of journalists. 

Speaking in Parliament during a debate held in the wake of the verdict, which was requested by the Opposition, Abela drew a distinction between his own approach and that of the Opposition, saying he would not express an opinion on whether the jury had reached the correct decision.

"Contrary to the Leader of the Opposition, I will not comment on whether I believe the verdict of the jurors is right," Abela said. "It would not be prudent for me to make such comments."

He argued that politicians have a responsibility to exercise restraint, particularly in cases of significant public importance, and warned against exploiting sensitive criminal proceedings for political gain.

"It is dangerous when a politician, in an irresponsible way, tries to capitalise politically on such cases," he said.

Abela's remarks came after Borg on Wednesday addressed protesters outside Castille immediately following the verdict, despite the event being billed as a silent protest. During his address, Borg alleged that the plot to murder Caruana Galizia had been hatched in Castille.

The Prime Minister criticised the Opposition's reaction to the verdict, describing it as rushed and politically motivated.

He argued that Borg's remarks outside Castille echoed the defence's submissions during the trial, describing them as "a cut and paste" of the arguments made by Fenech's legal team. He also claimed Borg's position contradicted statements made by members of the Caruana Galizia family and activists from Occupy Justice.

Abela challenged the Opposition leader to substantiate his allegations through the appropriate legal channels.

"You made a serious allegation outside Castille, even though you said it would be a silent protest," Abela said. "So what are you going to do now? Did you go to the Police Commissioner? Or to the inquiring magistrate?"

The Prime Minister pointed out that the Police Commissioner had already been instructed to examine evidence that emerged during the jury proceedings and determine whether there were grounds to pursue criminal action against any additional individuals. He said this demonstrated why politicians should avoid making sweeping public allegations while investigations were still ongoing.

"What does this order mean? It means that we should speak with prudence, and in this sensitive time we should not make such declarations that try to buy us votes," he said.

Abela reiterated that he had full confidence in the Police Commissioner and the country's law enforcement authorities to investigate every lead that had emerged during the trial.

The Prime Minister stressed that Malta's institutions had demonstrated their willingness to investigate the case thoroughly, noting that five people had been investigated in connection with Caruana Galizia's murder.

He thanked members of the police force and the judiciary for their work over the years, saying they should be allowed to continue carrying out their duties without political interference.

Abela also accused the Opposition of approaching the parliamentary debate as a partisan exercise rather than a discussion centred on the national interest.

"The Opposition sees this debate as a partisan game to win votes," he said, recalling that he had appealed the previous day for a mature discussion on the issues arising from the verdict.

"Yesterday I appealed for this discussion to be a mature one. Now we will see how mature it will be."

The Prime Minister went on to defend his government's record on justice and governance reforms, arguing that his administration had strengthened the independence of Malta's institutions.

Among the changes introduced under his government, Abela highlighted reforms to the appointment process for the Chief Justice, alongside what he described as a broader package of institutional reforms.

Abela argued that his administration had introduced reforms that previous Nationalist governments had not contemplated, saying they had strengthened governance and reinforced institutional independence.

Concluding his intervention, the Prime Minister appealed for the country's institutions to be allowed to operate freely and independently, while reaffirming the government's commitment to providing them with the resources necessary to fulfil their responsibilities.

Speaking in Parliament during a debate called for by the Opposition to discuss the Yorgen Fenech trial verdict, Borg referred to the fact that police had been instructed by the residing judge to investigate evidence presented during the jury proceedings and called on the Prime Minister to publicly guarantee the investigation's complete independence.

"I ask the Prime Minister to publicly guarantee the absolute independence of this investigation," Borg said.

The Opposition Leader recalled comments made in Parliament in 2021 by Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield, who had alleged that Caruana Galizia's family had destroyed her laptop after she had been killed. Bedingfield has the police force within his remit, and was a harsh critic of Caruana Galizia and her family both before and after her murder. Borg said that this casts doubt on Bedingfield's ability to ensure an independent investigation.

Borg questioned why the government had accepted the Opposition's request for an urgent parliamentary session while continuing to delay the implementation of the inquiry's recommendations.

"It is ironic how we are doing an urgent parliamentary session yet the government does not consider the public inquiry into the assassination of Daphne as an urgent matter," he said.

Borg noted that five years had passed since the publication of the public inquiry, while nine years had elapsed since Caruana Galizia's assassination. Despite this, he said, justice had yet to be fully served and the reforms recommended by the inquiry remained largely unimplemented.

Responding to criticism that his recent remarks had been partisan, Borg said the Opposition had deliberately refrained from commenting throughout the jury trial despite mounting pressure to do so.

"If I wanted to score political points, I could have commented every single day of the trial, but I didn't," he said. "We chose the most difficult road."

He said the Opposition only spoke after the jury had delivered its verdict, arguing that it was then his responsibility to comment. By contrast, he criticised Prime Minister Robert Abela for remaining silent for an entire day after the verdict before holding a press conference.

"The Prime Minister said a lot of nothing because he did not give a way forward," Borg said.

The Opposition Leader said his party had repeatedly tabled motions calling for Parliament to discuss and implement the recommendations of the public inquiry, but these had consistently been rejected by the government.

"We reconvened Parliament not in the interest of red or blue, but in the interest of the nation," he said, adding that his responsibility was to safeguard the national interest.

Referring to the evidence presented during the jury proceedings, Borg said the Maltese and Gozitan public had been shocked by the testimony heard over several weeks.

"The facts clearly showed the mixing between people in high positions within the Labour Party and the Police Force," he said.

Borg also paid tribute to Caruana Galizia and her family, expressing solidarity with them and acknowledging their continued fight for justice.

"My heart is with this family who is suffering to this day," he said. "In a democratic country, justice is a basic right."

He recalled that the public inquiry had concluded the state had created a culture of impunity that allowed the assassination to occur and had issued recommendations aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering measures and protecting journalists.

"The government doesn't want to hear of it," he said.

Calling for transparency and accountability, Borg said Malta needed the truth to emerge.

"We need a free Malta, we need for the truth to come out," he said.

Borg also argued that recent developments had shed new light on the Prime Minister's decision to call a general election a year ahead of schedule.

"Now we know why an election was called a year before it was due," he said.

Concluding his speech, Borg appealed to the Prime Minister to place the country's interests above party politics, extending what he described as "the hand of friendship" in the national interest.

"We are at a crossroads," Borg said. "Not for me, not for you, not for the red and not for the blue, but for us the Maltese and for us the Gozitans. Choose the right path and come with us, on the side of the people."

The open space was inaugurated by the Minister for the Environment, Miriam Dalli, and the Project Green team, together with the mayor of Lija, Anthony Dalli, and members of the local council, the government said Saturday.

As part of the preparatory works, approximately 15 tonnes of waste were removed from the site, allowing the project to proceed. New pathways were introduced to improve accessibility for all. As part of the works, a loggia with sanitary facilities was constructed, while new resting areas were also introduced. These interventions transformed a site inaccessible to the public into a quality open space for the community.

The aim of the project was to reflect traditional Maltese community life, particularly that of Ħal Lija, where residents traditionally gather in the streets to socialise. The garden was therefore designed with a strong sense of community, while providing a safer and more comfortable environment where people can meet, relax, and interact.

The village of Lija is known for its numerous citrus trees, which inspired the name Ġnien il-Larinġ. The garden already featured several citrus trees, and as part of the project, 25 additional trees were planted to further enhance the site's distinctive character and provide more shade and space for relaxation. A further 900 plants and shrubs were planted throughout the garden, providing fragrance and a variety of colours, creating a richer sensory experience and a more relaxing environment for the community and visitors. These include aromatic plants such as lavender, rosemary, sage, and thyme, whose fragrance and natural beauty further enhance the garden's character.

During the inauguration, Minister Miriam Dalli highlighted the importance of returning the garden to the public instead of seeing the site developed. "Today, we are giving an open space back to the public instead of seeing this site developed. Park after park, we are continuing to implement our vision for our communities, where more families can enjoy open spaces. Our aim is for more people to go out and enjoy these open spaces, socialise while spending time relaxing in a safe and peaceful environment," Minister Dalli said.

Head of Design at Project Green, Benjamin Vassallo, remarked that one of the project's objectives was to restore important features that enhance the garden's character. "Historic wells were identified at Ġnien il-Larinġ, which were carefully restored and brought back to life with the aim of using them for the irrigation of the garden, while safeguarding the site's authentic character. The garden also features sensory pathways designed with natural materials such as pebbles, which stimulate pressure points as you walk and provide a therapeutic experience. Today, we are seeing an open garden, after this site had remained closed for many years. To further complement the area, we also installed an iron fence, typically found in the heart of Maltese villages," said Benjamin Vassallo.

Lija mayor Anthony Dalli thanked Project Green for its work in transforming what was once an abandoned plot of land into an open public space. "Through Project Green, we have seen how a neglected garden, which had accumulated waste, has now undergone a complete transformation into a garden filled with citrus trees, for which this village is so well known. I encourage the residents of Ħal Lija to visit Ġnien il-Larinġ and take care of it," said Mayor Anthony Dalli.

The 2026 State of the Nation conference held the theme of the population of Malta and our nation in 50 years' time, in 2076. The greatest demographic challenge of our time is widely pointed towards Malta's record-low fertility rate of 1.01 live births per woman in 2024 - an EU-low and an all-time low mark for Malta.

Closing off Friday's event, President Spiteri Debono dedicated her concluding remarks to this challenge.

The President remarked that from the 4,368 births registered in Malta in 2025, 5.8% of them were IVF babies, i.e., newborns born thanks to IVF procedures.

She referred to this proportion of IVF babies as significant given Malta's context and appealed for the country to not draw a line here.

She said that many couples between 26-35 years of age want to have children so desperately that they are opting for scientific means to grow their family. The President contrasted this by acknowledging that among many young people, there exists "a certain unwillingness for them to have children."

Hence, she said that incentives to curb this demographic trend have been discussed. She also mentioned that Singapore has recently rolled out generous cash incentives, though remarked that there is no guarantee that this lucrative programme will even work out. Singapore made headlines recently when it announced that each birth will grant families with a package equivalent to some $55,000 (USD), beginning with a cash payment of $7,000 at birth and continuing with annual payments until the child turns 16.

President Spiteri Debono concluded that "beyond population, statistics, and demography, a nation is built by its people, and we must never stop investing in our people, in the upcoming generations, and give them solid values..."

Alex Borg focuses on Fenech verdict, says this reflects the state of the nation

Opposition leader Alex Borg also spoke on Friday's State of the Nation conference, though he focused solely on the consequences of Yorgen Fenech's "not guilty" verdict and this present situation. He said that this was topical to the conference, as "when you see everything experienced in the jury, this reflects on the state of the nation."

During this speech, Borg called for the recommendations from the Daphne Caruana Galizia public inquiry to be implemented within a clear timeline.

He stated that Wednesday's verdict must be respected, as it is vital for the judiciary's independence and the presumption of innocence to be safeguarded in any democracy.

Borg said that to look towards Malta's future, one can speak about economic growth and other findings from this year's State of the Nation survey, however, the nation must be analysed from all aspects such as people's trust in national institutions, seeing that journalists have the liberty to investigate comfortably and without hindrance, and by guaranteeing that the law is applied equally to all.

Borg stated that with justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia still pending almost nine years later as a result of this week's court decision, "Malta is left with an open wound at the heart of its democracy."

He criticised how Castille was one of the places of note during Fenech's trial when it should serve as a national symbol, the highest level of public service, and act as a place where the law is defended and the national interest is safeguarded.

The PN leader reminded that, according to the conclusions from the Daphne Caruana Galizia public inquiry, the State had to bear responsibility for creating a culture of impunity that facilitated her assassination. "That conclusion must not remain shelved in this report. It must be the starting point the democratic reforms that our country needs," he said.

He said that when police, the public service, regulators, and public entities become an extension of the party in government, then the problem has begun and power is being held onto instead of being safeguarded.

Borg said that the true state of Malta cannot be recognised without acknowledging all the people who are scared to report abuse because they are scared no-one will protect them; or how citizens need to know particular people to get something they need.

He added that Malta is not only defined by the wealth it creates, but by the justice it guarantees as well, and "this is the Malta we want to build."

Prime Minister Abela repeats appeal to let institutions work, mentions Malta's 'AI-friendly' potential

Prime Minister Robert Abela used the first part of his address to call for caution and prudence in regard to the Fenech trial and bring up democratic reforms installed by his administration. He used the second half of his speech to discuss Malta's potential to be the most AI-friendly country in Europe and in its need to invest strongly in education.

The Prime Minister appealed that this case should not be used for political gain by anyone, as this would be detrimental to the country, families, and businesses, he reasoned.

He said that Malta will continue building on the good foundations laid out over previous years.

Abela stated that Malta must remain ready to address the challenges to come with technological change in the coming years, including with the uptake of artificial intelligence technologies. He called for the country to use digital technologies ethically in this ever-changing world, stating that AI should not be utilised to eliminate people's creativity, as an example. He stressed that in his view, everyone should be granted the same opportunities.

Discussing Malta's economic growth, Abela said that Malta's economy grew because large incentives were provided to the private sector, which was coupled by many young people finding jobs within professional services and the financial sector. He added that the latter reduced the need for foreign workers to immigrate to Malta for work, as thousands have in other sectors.

Noting that Malta "is garnering the most sustainable economic growth from all EU countries," Abela said that they key to having better quality of life lies in the economy. He added that Malta must also strongly invest in its education, including in vocational education.

"We have children and youths we want to assist so that no-one falls behind in their educational development," PM Abela said.

Madrid fell at Real Betis 1-0 for its first defeat since the return of coach Jose Mourinho.

PSG fell at home to Monaco 2-1 on the same day that coach Luis Enrique agreed to stay at the European champion through 2030.

Madrid laid low in Seville

Betis stunned Madrid when newcomer Troy Parrott, an Irish striker, knocked in a ball that Thibaut Courtois did well to save from a header by a Betis teammate.

Madrid best chance to reply wasn't until Vinícius Júnior earned a penalty when he was cut down by Natan in the box in injury time. But Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Valles smothered Mbappé's spot kick, adding to his great performance on the night.

Madrid had won its first three games in La Liga. Betis was coming off a shock 5-2 loss to Levante, after it had won twice.

Mbappé scored four goals in his previous two games but the France star was off at La Cartuja Stadium. Besides wasting the penalty, he also squandered a great setup by Vinícius in the first half when he sent back-to-back shots into the bodies of Betis defenders.

"My team played a great game, and sometime you lose and you don't know why," Mourinho said. "We dominated, controlling everything, lots of attacks, lots of chances. If we had drawn we would have been left frustrated, so imagine how we feel after losing."

Next up for Madrid is a home game against Inter Milan in the opening round of the Champions League on Tuesday.

PSG falls after giving out new contracts

PSG looked to be on its way to its first win when Marquinhos put the host ahead in the 31st, but Monaco rallied with goals by Flavio Nazinho in the 58th and Stanis Idumbo in the 72nd.

Monaco leads Ligue 1 as the only team to win its first three games.

PSG had already drawn 2-2 with Rennes and Lille in its first two games. It also lost the French Super Cup to Lens 1-0 last month.

Its first league defeat came hours after the French powerhouse announced contract extensions for coach Luis Enrique and several players.

João Neves, Lucas Beraldo, Senny Mayulu and Willian Pacho all got new deals through 2031, while Fabian Ruiz had his contract extended through 2028.

U.S. striker Folarin Balogun was left out of Monaco's squad after the collapse of his proposed transfer to Everton this week.

Liverpool gets first win

Alexander Isak scored twice and Bradley Barcola debuted as Liverpool got its first win in the Premier League under its new coach after beating Ipswich 2-0 away.

Liverpool had been held to a pair of 2-2s against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in Andoni Iraola's first games in charge.

But Liverpool got clicking right from kickoff at Ipswich as Isak struck twice in the sixth and ninth minutes from a pair of assists by Cody Gakpo.

Barcola went on for his first action in a Liverpool shirt as a 63rd-minute substitution. He joined from PSG on Monday in a deal worth 123 million pounds ($166 million).

Como atop Italy ahead of Champions League debut

Assane Diao scored a brace as Como rolled to a 4-1 win at Genoa in Serie A. Nico Paz and Martin Baturina also added goals.

Cesc Fabregas' side leads the Italian standings by one point ahead of a pack of six teams that have yet to play this round.

Como will make its Champions League debut against Leipzig on Sept. 10, with Manchester United to visit in October and PSG in January.

In Germany, Stuttgart stomped Koln 4-1 in the Bundesliga.

Agius Galea said that he does not believe Daphne Caruana Galizia was murdered because of her work as a journalist and that he does not believe journalists are less safe following the verdict in the trial over her murder.

The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) said that, on the night of the verdict, there were journalists who were afraid to walk alone to their cars and that fear spread through newsrooms. For a Labour Government Minister to attempt to downplay this reality is not only insensitive - it is shameful, the PN said.

Worse still, rather than apologise for these comments, Agius Galea later wrote on Facebook that he regretted it if he had hurt anyone, but at no point did he state that he did not truly believe what he had previously said, the PN said.

"While our journalists are today living through this reality, this morning, ironically, Robert Abela's Government refused to discuss the Opposition's Motion calling for the immediate implementation of the recommendations of the Public Inquiry into the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, which include, among other things, specific recommendations aimed at protecting journalists," the PN said.

The same public inquiry concluded that all the evidence before it pointed towards an intrinsic or direct link with the investigative work carried out by Daphne.

A government that ignores journalists' fears and refuses to discuss their protection is not a government defending journalism. It is a government that has learnt nothing from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, the PN said

This is the same Government that was found responsible for creating the culture of impunity that led to the assassination of a journalist. Nothing has changed, it added.

The PN said it will continue to insist on immediate action to ensure that every journalist in Malta can investigate, question and carry out their work without intimidation or fear.

In a post published on Friday, Caruana Galizia said it was "not true" that Abela had spoken to his father, Peter Caruana Galizia, on Thursday.

"We even wrote to him months ago and he never replied," he said.

Caruana Galizia said that, instead, the Prime Minister's assistant had contacted the family on Thursday seeking a meeting.

"We said we need more time," he wrote.

His comments came two days after a nine-member jury acquitted Fenech of complicity in the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and of criminal association to commit murder.

Caruana Galizia, who has consistently criticised the handling of his mother's murder, said the government was seeking to bring the issue to an end despite the outstanding questions surrounding the assassination.

"Him and his government are trying to close the matter against all odds. They cannot," he wrote.

He also called for public anger over the verdict and its aftermath.

"Everyone should be furious and should express that fury no holds barred," he said.

The comments add to growing pressure on the government following the acquittal, which has left the question of who commissioned Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder unresolved.

The Malta Red Cross, Armed Forces of Malta and Civil Protection Department were involved in a joint search and rescue operation.

Five divers were initially located and brought safely ashore. They then alerted emergency services that three other members of their group were still missing.

A search operation continued until the remaining three divers were located and brought ashore.

Sources close to the rescue operation told Times of Malta that the sea was "very rough", with strong currents pushing the divers away from the shore.

All eight divers were assessed by a medical team from Mater Dei Hospital and were discharged at the scene.

The protest will be held at Great Siege Square in Valletta on Wednesday, 16 September at 7pm, 107 months after Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bomb outside her Bidnija home.

The protest will take the place of the monthly vigil traditionally held on the 16th of every month to demand justice for Caruana Galizia.

"The time for vigils is now over. Protest in solidarity," a poster announcing the event reads.

"107 months from Daphne's murder and instead of justice being served we are now further away than ever," the organisations said.

"Justice has been denied following the verdict in Fenech's trial. We are shocked and horrified and yet determined that we must keep fighting for justice."

Fenech was acquitted on Wednesday of both complicity in Caruana Galizia's murder and criminal association. The nine-person jury returned an 8-1 not guilty verdict on both charges.

Repubblika and Occupy Justice called on those angered by the verdict to attend the protest and show solidarity with Caruana Galizia's family, journalists and activists.

"If you are even a fraction as angry as we are, join us in a protest to show solidarity with Daphne's family, with all journalists and activists, and to continue the call for justice, a fight that has been going on for 107 months," they said.

Repubblika accused Abela of misrepresenting its reaction to Yorgen Fenech's acquittal, saying its respect for the jury and those involved in the trial should not be interpreted as evidence that Malta's institutions worked as they should.

In a statement on Friday, Repubblika said Abela had cited its statements in Friday's emergency parliamentary debate, following Fenech's acquittal, as evidence that the country's institutions had functioned properly.

"That is not what we said. And it is not what we believe," the NGO said.

Repubblika said that after years in which Abela had ignored the organisation, refused to meet it and, in its words, "treated independent civil society with contempt," the Prime Minister had "suddenly discovered that Repubblika is an authority worth citing".

"We admit we took it as a compliment. We would welcome this change if he cited us honestly."

The NGO reiterated its respect for the prosecutors who presented what it described as an "extraordinarily difficult case," the investigators who worked to uncover the truth, the judge who presided over the trial and the constitutional authority of the jury and legal effect of its verdict.

"None of this changes our conviction, based on the evidence we heard, that Yorgen Fenech commissioned the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia," Repubblika said.

"A journalist was murdered because of her work. Those who carried out the murder have admitted their responsibility or been convicted. The man we remain convinced commissioned that murder has walked free. There is nothing here for the government to congratulate itself about," it said.

Repubblika said respecting prosecutors, investigators and the judiciary did not mean approving of the system in which they had been required to work.

It said the trial had exposed an investigation of "profoundly uneven quality" and disturbing relationships between political and economic power and people entrusted with enforcing the law.

The NGO said evidence had been heard concerning leaks and interference, failures in gathering and preserving evidence and conduct which raised questions about whether powerful people were protected when they should have been investigated.

"These problems did not emerge this week," it said.

Repubblika referred to the findings of the public inquiry into Caruana Galizia's assassination, which five years ago found the State responsible for creating a climate of impunity that facilitated her murder.

It said Abela had been Prime Minister throughout these five years but his government had still not implemented all the inquiry's recommendations.

Repubblika said it had repeatedly asked the Prime Minister to act and proposed using the Open Government process to implement the outstanding recommendations, but accused the government of abandoning that process and ignoring its appeals.

It also pointed towards calls for reforms from the European Commission, GRECO and OSCE/ODIHR, saying a number of reforms remained "delayed, weakened or ignored".

"If Robert Abela believes Repubblika's views are worth citing, here are some more he can cite," it said.

The NGO called on the government to implement all the public inquiry recommendations, accompanied by a published timetable and transparent monitoring, and to guarantee genuinely independent policing and prosecution protected from political interference and proximity to political and economic power.

It also called for investigations into matters exposed during the trial, including evidence of leaks, interference, failures to gather or preserve evidence and possible obstruction by public officials or police officers.

Repubblika said authorities should investigate and prosecute the corruption Caruana Galizia had been investigating, arguing that her assassination could not be separated from the corruption and political and business relationships she was exposing.

The organisation also called for effective anti-mafia and obstruction-of-justice laws, the completion of reforms aimed at protecting journalists and journalism, and the restoration of what it described as genuine dialogue with independent civil society.

Repubblika said Abela did not murder Caruana Galizia, conduct the investigation, prosecute Fenech or deliver the jury's verdict.

"But he is the Prime Minister who has had five years since a public inquiry told Malta what went wrong and what needed to change," it said.

"Every recommendation left gathering dust is his political responsibility. Every international warning ignored is his political responsibility. Every reform postponed is his political responsibility. And every further day these failures are allowed to persist adds to that responsibility."

Repubblika said that Malta will not emerge from this crisis by the Prime Minister congratulating himself, and that it requires leadership, humility and reform.

"The Prime Minister has finally decided to cite Repubblika. We hope he will now start listening to what we are actually saying," the group said.

Meanwhile, Repubblika also condemned "in the strongest possible terms" the statements made by Minister Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, who suggested to journalists that it is unclear whether Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed because of her work as a journalist.

"This is not the opinion of a commentator. This is a statement by a Minister of the Government of Malta. We repudiate it and condemn it without reservation. The independent public inquiry established that all the evidence pointed to Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination being a direct consequence of her investigative work into corruption, abuse of power, and the links between politics and business," it said.

"A government minister cannot pretend these facts do not exist. We cannot begin to address the enormous problems facing our country while the Ministers responsible for addressing them deny that they exist," it said.

"This is omertà. This is complicity with the culture that protects organised crime. This is turning a blind eye to the truth - literally before our eyes. When a minister denies facts established by the State's own public inquiry into the assassination of a journalist, it is an outrage to democracy," it said.

Repubblika said that the government must withdraw them immediately and affirm without ambiguity what the Maltese State has already been compelled to acknowledge: Daphne Caruana Galizia was a journalist assassinated because of her work.

Statistician Vincent Marmarà presented the sixth edition of the State of the Nation survey on Friday morning at the San Anton Palace.

Among the many notable results to come out from this study was optimism towards expected life satisfaction. From all survey respondents, 52.3% are hopeful that they will be living a better life next year, 13.5% answered negatively, and the remaining 34.1% were unsure.

The most optimistic age group were youths between the ages of 26-35 years old, with 71.8% of these adults feeling positive towards the coming 12 months. Youths aged 16-25 years of age were the next most optimistic towards the coming year, with two thirds (66.7%) believing that they will be living a better life next year.

Older demographics were more negative towards life in 2027; the older the demographic, the less optimistic for the coming period. The oldest demographic group in this study - those aged 66 and above - were the most pessimistic over their quality of life improving in the coming year; just 37.6% looked to the next year with optimism, and many more, nearly half of these respondents (49.4%), were unsure, while 13.1% answered negatively.

Adults between the ages of 46-65 years of age were found to be statistically most likely to look pessimistically towards the coming 12 months. Nearly a fifth of respondents within this age bracket (around 18.5%) disagreed that they'll be living better by next year.

This expected life satisfaction for 2027, in comparison to today's standards, varied significantly by education attainment levels. Among survey respondents with a tertiary education, over two thirds (68.6%) were optimistic for the next year. This expected compared life satisfaction dropped to 53.7% for those who attained, at best, a post-secondary education; 44.8% for those with secondary education; and just 18.7% for those with a primary-level education.

Marmarà stated that the younger and more educated the respondent was, the more positive their outlook was expected to be.

However, life satisfaction rates have dropped by 4.2% overall since last year. In 2025, 72.1% said they were happy with their lives; this fell to 67.9% in 2026. The number of people unhappy with their lives has doubled since last year, from 2.1% to 4.2%, as has the number of people claiming that life satisfaction could be better (from 25.2% to 27.7%).

Perhaps related, the number of people seeking help from mental health professionals on a regular basis - such as counsellors, family therapists, psychologists, and social workers - has doubled in the past year, to 8% in 2026.

86.8% believe their financial situation to have remained the same or improved in past year

Most respondents (46.0%) stated that their financial situation has remained the same in the past year, while 40.8% stated that this has improved in the past 12 months.

Inversely, 13.2% of respondents said that their financial situation has worsened since last year.

Youths aged 16-25 garnered the largest proportion of improved finances (56.2%), followed by 66+ year olds (48.6%), and those aged 26-35 (44.1%).

Adults aged between 36-45 years old recorded the lowest mark in this statistic, with just around three in every ten (29.9%) stating that their financial situation has improved. Over half of this demographic said that their financial situation has about remained the same.

Regionally, respondents from the Grand Harbour region experienced the least financial losses, with 7.2% marking their situations to have gone south. People from Gozo and Comino recorded the most improved financial situations, at 47.2% stating such.

18.4% wish they were born and raised outside of Malta

Nearly one in five said they wish they were born and raised elsewhere. Last year and the year prior, this mark stood at around one in every four persons.

This question on national pride garnered the lowest positive responses from 16-25 year olds. A third of this demographic admitted to wishing they were from another country and

Most people believe in God, but only around six in ten deem religion important

An overwhelming majority of respondents said they believe in God (90.5%), however only 57.0% admitted that religion was an important aspect of their lives.

Religion's importance is strongest among older generations and weakest in the youngest demographic; belief in God varied between generations in the same way. Religion was said to be very important to about half of all respondents with at least a post-secondary education, i.e., those who acquired their A-Levels.

Just under a third (32.5%) admitted to give religion minor importance in their lives, while 8.7% said it is of no importance to them and the remaining 1.7% were unsure.

Most people (41.2%) heavily consider religion in ethical decisions and 40.0% consider it on occasion. The number of people consistently considering religion in dilemmas between wrong and right has decreased by 12.7% since 2021.

This year's State of the Nation survey results show that 5.6% do not believe in God, while 3.9% are unsure.

Virtually all respondents with just a primary education (98.9%) believe in God. This faith fell among respondents with higher education levels, with this dropping to 86.2% among respondents with a tertiary education.

Public interest in politics rebounding from previous years' lows

The perceived importance of politics in peoples' lives looks to have grown from the drops observed in last year's survey.Last year, just 30.8% saw Maltese politics as something very important - down from 48.3% in 2021. This year, this has increased slightly to 32.2%.

The number of people giving it minor importance in their lives has increased more significantly - up from 35.0% in 2025 to 40.5%.Politics is the at its lowest relevance in the lives of 16-25 year olds and of its highest relevance among 56-65 year olds (49.7%).

Respondents with higher education levels were found to be more disillusioned with politics.A third of respondents (33.9%) said they consider their preferred political party's opinion on matters when coming up with their own position on things - a 6.9% rise from last year. 37.5% said they don't do this, while the remaining 28.7% said they do this on occasion. This practice is most common among older demographics and the lesser educated.60.2% said they've always voted for the same political party. In the last election year, 2022, this mark stood at 71.6%. 44.6% are now considering voting for a different political party in the future - a 12.6% rise since 2022 - with another 20.1% still unsure.

79.5% of all respondents said they are definitely voting in the next general election.74.0% of youths aged 26-35 are considering voting for a different party in the future - an outlier near other demographics.When asked whether they have approached a politician for a favour, 31.1% of respondents said they have. This practice was most prevalent among Gozitans (37.4%).

Facebook has become the preferred news source among Maltese

Newspaper portal links on Facebook have become Malta's preferred means to news. Online newspaper portals themselves have seriously dropped in relevance, from 41.6% of respondents going to this source in 2021 to 17.4% of respondents in 2026.Links on social media are by far the preferred news source for the youngest adult demographic. 16-25 year olds cited online portal links on Facebook as their number one source (68.2%), followed by links on Instagram (63.5%), and links on TikTok (52.0%). This entire demographic said it is on social media.

Other conclusions

This year's State of the Nation had other significant conclusions.Resistance or openness to foreigners varies with age; while younger people were found to be most threatened by foreigners in Malta, it seems that the older people are, the more they recognise that the country needs foreign workers and are thus more open to them, said Marmarà.

He noted how youths, in recent years, have gone from among the most open age demographics towards foreigners to now the age group showing the most resistance towards their presence in the Maltese islands, and on their integration here.Overall, 38% of respondents do not believe that foreigners should come to Malta to fill employment gaps that Maltese people do not want to work.

In addition, while the country's population has nearly doubled since 1950, the country's all-time-low fertility rate currently sits below less than half the substitution level, i.e., the rate of births required for population numbers to break even across generations. 

Survey methodology

This year's State of the Nation survey was carried out three weeks after this year's general election, during what Marmarà called a neutral period. 1,064 Maltese and Gozitan citizens of at least 16 years of age participated in this survey - same amount as last year - to give this survey a margin of error of +/-3%.

This annual study was centred around the theme of the Maltese population and our nation in 50 years' time. The statistician said that this survey looks to better understand the thoughts of Maltese and Gozitans so that the country could be better equipped to address them down the line.

In her opening address, President Myriam Spiteri Debono noted that this State of the Nation survey relates to the same themes discussed in years' past, so that people can observe the fluctuations to the same questions along the years.

She observed that the country's population continues to increase and through the ethnic, economic, educational, and other societal changes that come with population growth, different realities with ever-changing needs and aspects bring about new challenges.

Police confirmed that a package had been reported at 12.30.

The AFM's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team went on site and carried out a bomb disposal procedure as a precaution.

The devide was exploded in a controlled way on site.

These projects have upgraded and modernised the water distribution network, making the system more efficient and reducing water losses. This work forms part of the Government's ongoing commitment to a stronger, more reliable water supply for the years ahead.

The Green Bonds issue, worth €25 million in total, has now disbursed almost €17.8 million, equating to 71% of the total amount, to fund these projects. The company also continues to meet its obligations to bondholders, making an interest payment of just over €1 million on 25 August 2026, the government said.

Minister for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli reaffirmed Government's commitment to supporting green investment in the water sector, ensuring that Malta's water infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of residents and businesses while protecting the environment.

The measure, announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg, forms part of the government's wider efforts to strengthen community healthcare and expand the role of family doctors in Malta and Gozo.

The newly available medicines are omeprazole for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), ibandronic acid for osteoporosis, complete nutritional liquid supplements (sip-feed), and fluid thickeners for patients who require nutritional support or assistance with swallowing.

Under the new arrangements, eligible patients will be able to obtain these treatments through the public health service using a prescription issued by their private family doctor. Access will remain subject to Schedule V entitlement, Government Formulary protocols and established clinical guidelines.

According to the Health Ministry, more than 35,000 patients are already approved to receive these medicines, while newly eligible patients are also expected to benefit from the change.

Chief Government Medical Officer Clarence Pace said the initiative would help reduce unnecessary referrals and ease pressure on hospitals and health centres.

"This is an important step because it will not only reduce the need for patients to make unnecessary visits to other professionals, but will also further ease the pressure on our health centres and hospitals," Pace said.

The announcement follows reforms introduced on 1 September enabling private family medicine specialists and other private specialists to request a broader range of blood tests and ultrasound examinations through the public health service. Those referrals and test results are processed electronically via the myHealth system.

The ministry said the combined measures are intended to reduce avoidable referrals, save patients time and money, and allow more care to be delivered within the community while maintaining safeguards governing the use of government-funded medicines.

Borg said the changes reflected the government's confidence in family doctors and its commitment to expanding community-based healthcare.

"We want to empower the professionals who can care for patients close to their homes and within our towns and villages, beyond state hospitals and clinics," he said.

The Health Ministry said it would continue working with family doctors and other stakeholders to identify additional services that can be safely delivered within the community.

For two months and one day, witness after witness took the stand, recordings were played, allegations were made and challenged, and jurors were presented with an enormous volume of evidence surrounding the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

On Wednesday night, the jury delivered its verdict. Yorgen Fenech was acquitted of both complicity in Caruana Galizia's assassination and membership of a criminal organisation, with jurors voting 8-1 for acquittal on both charges.

That verdict must be respected. Nine jurors spent weeks inside that courtroom, heard the evidence directly and listened to the arguments of the prosecution and defence.

They carried a responsibility that nobody following proceedings from outside the courtroom had to bear.

But respecting a verdict does not mean pretending that it has brought closure.

The reaction across the country has made that abundantly clear. There has been disbelief, incredulity, disappointment and frustration among sections of the public.

The verdict has dominated conversations in homes, workplaces and, especially, on social media, with many struggling to reconcile the verdict with what emerged during two months of testimony.

For Caruana Galizia's family, those emotions are inevitably far more personal.

They have spent almost nine years waiting for justice for a wife, mother and sister who was murdered in a car bomb metres from her home.

The conclusion of this trial has not brought the answers Caruana Galizia's family has been waiting for. Their anger and frustration following the verdict come after almost nine years of waiting to know who was ultimately responsible for the assassination of their wife, mother and sister.

That frustration is also being felt across the country.

Since the verdict was delivered, it has been difficult to speak of much else. There is a palpable sense of disbelief among many, accompanied by one question after another about what happens now.

Public sentiment does not determine guilt or innocence. That responsibility belonged to the nine jurors, who heard the evidence and ultimately reached an 8-1 verdict.

But the questions being asked outside the courtroom are real, and they cannot simply disappear with the end of the trial.

Above all: who commissioned the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia?

Five men have already been convicted in connection with Caruana Galizia's assassination. Vince Muscat admitted his role in the murder in 2021 and was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment. Alfred and George Degiorgio each received 40-year prison sentences after pleading guilty in 2022, while Robert Agius and Jamie Vella were sentenced to life imprisonment in 2025 for supplying the bomb used in the attack.

Yorgen Fenech has now been acquitted.

The trial heard of relationships, conversations, warnings, allegations and contacts involving people around some of the country's most powerful institutions at the time. The verdict does not erase what was heard in that courtroom, even if the jury concluded that the charges against Fenech had not been proven beyond reasonable doubt.

And that is perhaps why there is such a powerful sense of unfinished business.

The jury has done its duty. But for Caruana Galizia's family and for a country which has spent almost nine years waiting for answers, there can be little sense of closure while the most fundamental question remains unanswered.

The trial may be over, but Malta is still waiting for answers.

The order was issued by Judge Edwina Grima in her judgment acquitting Fenech on Wednesday, after a nine-member jury found him not guilty of both charges by eight votes to one.

Fenech had been charged with complicity in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and with associating with others to commit a crime. The prosecution had sought a life sentence on the murder charge and a prison term of between 20 and 30 years on the second charge.

Despite the acquittal, the judgment has triggered further scrutiny of evidence that emerged during the lengthy trial.

Judge Grima ordered that copies of testimony given during the proceedings be handed to the Police Commissioner so that investigators could assess whether any third parties may be liable for criminal proceedings.

The court also ordered that the evidence be placed in two existing judicial inquiries.

One inquiry is examining the alleged leaking of information by public officials in connection with the investigation into Caruana Galizia's murder. The other concerns the October 16, 2017 car bomb explosion in Bidnija which killed the journalist.

The orders mean that evidence aired during Fenech's trial will now be available to investigators for further examination, potentially opening new lines of inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the murder.

The development came after eight hours of jury deliberations on Wednesday.

The eight-to-one verdict cleared the former Tumas Group CEO of both charges brought against him, but Judge Grima's order ensures that the evidence heard during the trial will not simply end with the acquittal.

Instead, police have been tasked with examining whether testimony and other evidence presented during the proceedings point to possible criminal wrongdoing by people other than Fenech.

In reply, the government said it had noted the Court's decision, as set out in the judgment, ordering that a copy of the testimony given during the trial be transmitted to two ongoing magisterial inquiries, as well as its decision to notify the Commissioner of Police of the same testimony in order to determine whether any third parties may be liable to criminal proceedings.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to continue providing all the necessary resources to ensure that the country's institutions are able to carry out their functions fully and effectively.

"As it did yesterday, the Government once again calls for prudence and caution in the wake of the judgment, particularly in view of the fact that a specific legal time limit connected to the criminal proceedings is still running, and also the Court's decision in its judgment.

"In this context, nothing should be said or done that could prejudice ongoing judicial or investigative processes."

The government said it remains committed to ensuring that justice is administered by the country's institutions with full respect for the rule of law.

The presiding judge confirmed an eight-month prison sentence for intentionally damaging Cilia’s car in July 2022 and a separate three-month sentence for injuring and threatening her with a knife on Mother’s Day two months earlier.

Cassar is also serving a 40-year prison sentence after admitting to Cilia’s brutal murder, whom he fatally shot as she drove to work in Corradino in November 2022.

Appeal over damage to Cilia’s car rejected

Cilia filed a police report against Cassar on 14 July 2022 after taking their children to see him at a daycare centre.

An argument broke out in the car park over when Cassar was next due to see the children. During the confrontation, he allegedly made a gesture towards Cilia’s neck before kicking her car and damaging it.

The incident came days after a separate alleged threat during a phone call on 8 July. Cilia claimed Cassar asked her to take the children to hospital without anyone accompanying her for protection. When she refused to visit him alone, he allegedly threatened to “blow her head off” in front of her father if the children left the house.

Cassar was charged with attempting to attack, insult, annoy or harm Cilia, insulting or threatening her, and intentionally damaging her vehicle.

The Court of Magistrates acquitted him of the charge concerning insults or threats but found him guilty of intentionally damaging the vehicle and jailed him for eight months.

Cassar challenged evidence given by police officer Andy Borg and Cilia’s relatives, arguing that their testimony was based on what she had told them and therefore amounted to hearsay.

The appeals court ruled that hearsay evidence is not automatically inadmissible, particularly when the person who made the original statements cannot testify. It noted that three relatives consistently recounted that Cilia had told them Cassar attacked and damaged her car.

An estimate prepared by Mizzi Auto Repairs valued the damage at €1,292.13. Company employee Johann Borg confirmed under oath that he had personally inspected the vehicle and prepared the estimate.

The court considered the relatives’ consistent accounts, Joseph Cilia’s observation of the damaged car, the repair estimate and the vehicle registration records. Taken together, the evidence proved beyond reasonable doubt that Cassar had intentionally caused the damage.

Cassar also argued that his eight-month sentence was disproportionate and requested a more lenient punishment. The court rejected his request, noting that the sentence was the legal minimum and was neither incorrect in principle nor manifestly excessive.

All four grounds of appeal were dismissed, and the conviction and eight-month sentence were confirmed in full.

Second appeal over Mother’s Day incident rejected

In a separate appeal, Cassar challenged his conviction and three-month prison sentence over an incident at the couple’s Qrendi home on 8 May 2022.

According to the judgment, Cassar returned home early that morning and attempted to take the children to Gozo. Cilia refused, asking that they remain with her because it was Mother’s Day.

Cilia reported that Cassar threatened to break everything in the house before bringing a knife and holding it close to her face in front of their children. She also said he struck her on the head and pulled her hair in the presence of relatives and the children.

She subsequently filed a police report, underwent a risk assessment and was medically certified as suffering from slight injuries.

Cassar was found guilty of causing slight injuries to Cilia and threatening her with a knife and was sentenced to three months in prison.

The court dismissed his arguments and confirmed the sentence in full.

Cilia was killed before she ever had the chance to testify against him in either of these proceedings.

Judge Neville Camilleri delivered the judgements.

His uncle, Raymond Fenech, was acquitted at the first hurdle, when he was charged personally, rather than in his capacity as a representative of the company that held the licence for Tiffany’s.

Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech took the police to task over what she described as “easily avoidable errors” that were increasingly allowing those who had broken the law to escape justice.

She insisted that the police must stop rushing to sign off on “charges fall apart under scrutiny.”

This was necessary, she said, “so that the court's time is not wasted, the accused does not end up facing half-baked charges and, above all, it is ensured that justice is done to society”.

In February, Fenech was accused of allowing an employee to manage Tiffany’s at Portomaso without the required licence.

He was also accused of allowing loud music that disturbed nearby residents and of running the venue with amplified music or a live band late at night.

Where the prosecution went wrong

The prosecution’s case came unstuck over who was responsible for the alleged offences.

The charges were filed against Fenech personally. However, an affidavit from a Malta Tourism Authority representative showed that the licence was held by Spinola Developments Co. Ltd, with Fenech acting only as the company’s representative.

The court pointed out that Maltese law draws a distinction between a company’s criminal liability and the personal liability of its directors or representatives.

If the police intend to hold a company official personally responsible for an offence committed by a corporate body, the charges must make clear that the person is being prosecuted under the rules on vicarious responsibility.

This is not a mere technicality, the court said. The accused must know precisely what case they are being called on to answer so they can prepare their defence.

Because the prosecution had failed to specify that Fenech was being charged in his vicarious capacity as a representative of Spinola Developments, the court found that he could not be convicted.

Fenech was acquitted on all counts.

Speaking to The Malta Independent in response to criticism that the PN organised a protest immediately after the verdict for political gain, Borg said the easiest opportunity to capitalise politically would have been during the trial itself.

"Obviously, if I truly wanted to take political advantage, the best opportunity would have been during the jury proceedings," Borg said. "Instead, I chose what was probably the toughest road, but also the most politically correct one - the path that showed political responsibility by not commenting throughout the jury."

Borg said that once the jury had delivered its verdict, however, he no longer had the option of remaining silent.

"After the jury's verdict was delivered, I not only had the opportunity but the obligation to comment on what had happened," he said.

The Opposition Leader defended the decision to hold a silent demonstration following the verdict, describing it as a measured response rather than an act of political exploitation.

"The people took to the streets in a silent demonstration. I do not believe in revenge, nor in noise or shouting," he said.

Borg argued that the moment called for unity rather than partisan division, saying the demonstration was held in his constitutional role as Leader of the Opposition rather than as leader of the Nationalist Party.

"I have an obligation to ensure that we give peace of mind to the Maltese and Gozitan people - that there are people who genuinely want to see our country move forward."

Michael Oluwafemi Tewogbola, a Nigerian man with no roof on his head, was arraigned before Magistrate Lara Lanfranco and charged with three thefts, two of which allegedly took place on the same evening in April.

The latest theft took place last Saturday in Sliema.

CCTV footage posted on Facebook by Sliema Mayor John Pillow showed a man approaching a residence, examining its two door-knockers and wrenching one off.

The mayor appealed for information and the video went viral. Police then managed to identify and arrest Tewogbola.

Police then tied him to two earlier alleged thefts on April 13.

The first allegedly took place at a pizza shop in D'Argens Street, Gżira. Later that same evening, he allegedly stole money from a man in St Paul's Bay.

In all three cases, the value of the allegedly stolen property was put at less than €2,330.

Tewogbola was also charged as a recidivist and with leading an idle and vagrant life.

Tewogbola pleaded not guilty, answering the charges in fluent Maltese, and repeatedly shook his head while standing in the dock.

Asked about his circumstances, he told the court that he worked as a plasterer.

The prosecution objected to bail, arguing that the vagrancy charge was not simply being brought for the sake of it.

They said Tewogbola had no fixed address and that when police attempted to access the address registered to him, they found it was not a habitable property, with no roof or suitable place to sleep.

They also pointed out that several witnesses had yet to take the stand.

Bail was consequently refused.

His appearance before the court was not his first brush with theft charges. He was charged with theft in 2002 and was also later found guilty of stealing from a shop.

Legal aid lawyer Martin Farrugia represented Tewogbola. Attorney General lawyer Marcea Fenech prosecuted, assisted by Inspectors Warren Galea and Joseph Buhagiar.

Writing on social media following Yorgen Fenech's acquittal by a nine-member jury, Muscat said he had always maintained that the inquiry he had himself ordered would have been better held after the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.

"Today more than ever I believe it would have been wiser for the public inquiry to take place now, to see everything that emerged rather than make assumptions, some of which can now be interpreted as going against the jury's verdict," he said.

Muscat said he had initially believed the inquiry should follow the trial so that it could consider all the facts that emerged during the proceedings without affecting the criminal case.

However, he said pressure had eventually convinced him that the inquiry should go ahead immediately, as there could otherwise have been an impression that there was an intention not to hold it.

His comments came hours after Fenech was acquitted of the charges relating to Caruana Galizia's murder, with jurors finding him not guilty by an eight-to-one majority.

Muscat also stressed that the verdict had to be respected, while acknowledging that people remained free to agree or disagree with the jury's decision.

"One should respect the course of justice while everyone is free to agree or disagree with the verdict. This is the Rule of Law," he said.

He defended the conduct of the investigation and prosecution, saying that from the outset, including during his time as prime minister, it had been made clear that nobody was protected from justice.

"Investigators and prosecutors worked calmly and were given all the tools they requested," Muscat said, pointing specifically to the testimony of a person who had been granted a presidential pardon following a joint written recommendation by the police and Attorney General.

Muscat also welcomed the reaction of Caruana Galizia's family following the verdict, noting that they had thanked investigators and prosecutors and continued to support the approach taken by the authorities.

He contrasted this with what he described as the political posturing and slogans of those who had chosen to react to the verdict in a manner that, he argued, was contrary to the principle of the rule of law.

"If there is scope for further investigations, as the prosecutors have indicated are taking place, these should be carried out without any reservation or delay," he said.

The former prime minister also suggested that the latest developments could give the public inquiry renewed relevance, particularly in examining evidence and issues that surfaced during Fenech's lengthy trial.

Muscat ended his statement by saying he intended to speak publicly in the coming days and address questions from journalists.

He said he wanted to "remove the stone in my shoe" that he had endured for the past six years out of respect for the institutions.

The public inquiry, which investigated the circumstances surrounding Caruana Galizia's murder and the failures of the state to prevent it, concluded that the Maltese state had to bear responsibility for creating an atmosphere of impunity in which those who sought to eliminate her could feel that they would face minimal consequences.

Writing on Facebook a day after Yorgen Fenech was acquitted on charges related to the murder of his mother Daphne Caruana Galizia, Matthew said the "verdict is obscene and the whole country is in shock. I hope the jurors emerge from their cave and realise what they have done. That they were handed the trigger phone and sent the SMS to blow up my mother all over again. Their decision flies in the face of all evidence, of all logic, of the truth. Of the accused's own admission of his guilt. And that verdict can never be accepted no matter what. What happened in that room is not justice but pure evil."

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Azzopardi said he had "a lot to say," but for the time being wanted to make an appeal based on what he had witnessed during the trial and what he described as shortcomings in Malta's Criminal Code.

"There is a lot I have to say, but for now I will make an appeal as someone who has seen with his own eyes the consequences of our Criminal Code's failure to consider as criminal offences much of the conduct you heard about over the past two months," Azzopardi wrote.

He pointed towards three offences found in UK law: misconduct in public office, which he said carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment; perverting the course of justice, which can also carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment; and assisting an offender, which he said can carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Azzopardi noted that the latter offence had previously been known in England as "accessory after the fact" until 1967.

"Malta does not have them," he said.

"You heard about conduct which took place after the murder which, although it scandalised us, is nevertheless not a criminal offence."

Azzopardi said he had proposed introducing the offences twice before 2022, but that the proposals had been voted down.

"I hope that today you have realised how much we need them. I appeal to the government to legislate immediately," he said.

Azzopardi concluded his post by referring to Charlie Wires, an unnamed court employee who featured during the trial.

"Remember that the only person against whom there is an investigation order is Charlie Wires, a very ordinary court employee," he said.

"But it is no problem if you try to bribe a witness and approach a witness to testify in your favour," Azzopardi added.

This extraordinary session is being held on Friday, 4 September, two days following Yorgen Fenech's "not guilty" verdict, in relation to his charges of complicity and criminal association in the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The Prime Minister made this announcement on Thursday afternoon, inside Castille, during a press conference.

The news came less than 24 hours after Fenech was deemed "not guilty" by a jury after eight hours of deliberation, on Day 55 of the trial judging his complicity and conspiracy in the homicide of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Opposition leader Alex Borg had called for Parliament to convene urgently for a debate, the same evening that Fenech left court a free man. He met the Speaker of the House, Carmelo Abela, hours before PM Abela's Thursday address, to make this formal request.

The Nationalist Party had also organised an impromptu silent protest beginning in front of the Parliament of Malta and ending in front of Castille.

Parliament is currently in the middle of its summer recess, which began this July. Prior to the Prime Minister's announcement, Parliament was scheduled to convene on Monday, 5 October, next month.

Discussing the trial's verdict to open this press conference, the Prime Minister laid the steps ahead following this court decision. Two orders were granted by the case's presiding judge, Edwina Grima, including for the Fenech trial testimony to be sent to the Malta Police Force for it to consider taking action against third parties.

He added that any potential deficiencies in Fenech's criminal proceedings and surrounding investigations may be identified by the police during this pending stage, though did not provide his own personal opinion on it.

The Prime Minister called for public discourse to display prudence and caution as public sentiment has turned for worse following Yorgen Fenech's acquittal, so that any potential legal action that follows is not prejudiced before they can commence. He said that he condemns all forms of contemptuous discourse made.

On this note, the Prime Minister was queried on whether he condemns the past discourse made by his Minister for Home Affairs, Glenn Bedingfield, who had previously referred to Caruana Galizia as a "witch."

Minister Bedingfield was visibly muffling his smiles, beside the Prime Minister, upon hearing this question.

The Prime Minister responded that the tone of this question was "totally opposite" to the tone required in this moment and that it was disrespectful to the Caruana Galizia family.

He added that similar questions, if fielded to Minister Bedingfield, should also be fielded towards PN MP Adrian Delia.

Abela shared that, following the previous evening's verdict, he reached out to Peter Caruana Galizia - Daphne's spouse - and informed him that the Maltese government is at the family's disposition to assist them in this difficult moment.

Abela stated that now is not the time to debate whether Melvin Theuma's presidential pardon should be retained, following Fenech's acquittal, so as not to potentially prejudice the steps ahead.

Prime Minister Abela said that this urgent parliamentary debate grants the government the opportunity to outline the rule of law reforms it has implemented since 2020, to bolster national institutions.

On the subject of these reforms, he was asked whether the government has a timeline at hand for how it will implement the recommendations laid out by the Daphne Caruana Galizia public inquiry, which concluded that the Maltese State must bear responsibility for fostering the culture of impunity, at the highest levels of government, that led to her death.

Here, he cited statements made by the Caruana Galizia family and civil society NGO Repubblika, who have both disagreed with the final verdict, though complimented the judicial process behind this case. He said that his administration has implemented several reforms, such as on the appointment of the police commissioner and the Chief Justice, amongst others.

When pressed to say whether he is satisfied if these reforms have granted journalists peace of mind to proceed with their work, Abela stated that Malta was the first EU country to transpose the EU's anti-SLAPP directive to protect journalists from lawsuits against public participation. International reports, however, have identified "serious gaps and deficiencies" in Malta's anti-SLAPP law, following its introduction, as recently as last year.

Abela reiterated the need for people to continue trusting the country's institutions. Here, he expressed faith in Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà. In this regard, when asked about Matthew Caruana Galizia's comments following Fenech's acquittal, Abela reiterated how even the Caruana Galizia family is respecting national institutions; he noted that Caruana Galizia's remarks referred to the 9-person jury that gave the final verdict, not the judiciary itself.

Responding to journalists' questions, the Prime Minister said that if MPs go into Friday's parliamentary debate with the "partisan and insensitive tone" that he said PN leader Alex Borg is using, then this would go against the national interest as well as this next research and verification phase. Hence, he appealed for MPs to remember to speak responsibly during this extraordinary debate.

Abela said that in the near seven years he has been Prime Minister of Malta, he is proud of the good governance observed by his administration.

"I invite you to mention to me one instance when we had a serious episode of poor governance. I am very proud of the reforms we have introduced," he said, "they serve as a template for how other countries can revolutionise reforms for the rule of law."

PM Abela said that the scheduled Labour Party activity to celebrate the first 100 days of this legislature, this Sunday, will go ahead, though he has called for the tone of this activity to be altered in order to respect the present moment, following this monumental verdict.

Hours prior to this press conference, former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat wrote online that, in his view, in hindsight, the Daphne Caruana Galizia public inquiry should have been conducted after Yorgen Fenech's trial.

Asked about this, Prime Minister Abela refused to comment. Muscat was forced to resign from office following significant the political crisis that emerged in late 2019, after links between Fenech and Muscat's chief of staff, Keith Schembri, came to surface.

When questioned whether Abela's government shall withhold from conducting business with Fenech, out of respect for the Caruana Galizia family, the Prime Minister answered that his company shall be treated like any other business, irrespective of Fenech's position, with exception to the national power station.

He said that rather than speculating, he'd rather have concrete means on which to react to in this regard.

Another matter was that of Daphne Caruana Galizia getting her own monument. The Prime Minister's position said that Caruana Galizia should get her own monument in Bidnija, in the whereabouts of her car bombing.

At the moment, the Great Siege monument, positioned in front of Valletta's Courts of Justice, is being used as a makeshift memorial for the assassinated journalist. Flowers and placards have notoriously been cleaned up on several occasions from the site.

As recently as last October, he had stated that no talks were underway, at the time, for the murdered journalist to be given a dedicated monument. PM Abela had said this in response to PN MP Graziella Attard Previ, who asked him about this through a parliamentary question.

Writing in The Malta Independent today, Sant praises US President Donald Trump's "courageous decision" to change the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America.

"We'd be weaklings if we do not follow in his footsteps," Sant writes.

He says that Malta's strategic position "dominates" the Mediterranean,  yet "over the centuries "we allowed others to brazenly attach their name to parts of it, as with the Tyrrenhian, Adriatic, Ionian seas".

"Worst of all," he continues "there is the name of Mediterranean, attached to the Sea as a whole, as if Malta did not even exist."

The Prime Minister "should take a leaf out of Mr Trump's book and immediately sign an executive order to change the Sea's name. From the Mediterranean, it should become by rights, the Sea of Malta," Sant writes.

See Alfred Sant's article here

Speaking during a press conference following the verdict in the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder trial, Borg said Malta was at a "crucial moment" and stressed that the Opposition's priority was "the national interest, irrelevant of partisanship."

He said the Opposition had deliberately refrained from commenting extensively while the trial was ongoing, despite having opportunities to do so.

"As an Opposition we decided to closely follow what was coming out of the trial, but we took a step back from commenting," Borg said. "I believed that the best decision was to speak at the appropriate time, which was when the verdict was given."

Describing the assassination as one that "shook our country", Borg said justice had still not been delivered to Caruana Galizia's family nine years after her killing.

"We have faith in the judiciary," he said. "What we don't have faith in is the government of Malta and the politicians who ruined Malta's reputation."

Borg argued that Malta had developed "a culture of absolute impunity" in which ordinary citizens no longer felt protected from the state, adding that this same culture had led to Caruana Galizia's assassination.

Expressing solidarity with the journalist's family, he said: "We cannot even imagine what this family is going through. This family does not have justice not after just a few months, but after nine years."

He said the state now had to answer a fundamental question: "What will the state do to eventually come to the truth of this assassination?"

Referring to the public inquiry's conclusions, Borg said the state had been found responsible for creating a culture of impunity and noted that Castille had been repeatedly mentioned during the trial.

"This shows the severity of what we have in front of us," he said, adding that "Castille, under the Labour Party, was implicated in the murder of a citizen, daughter, mother and journalist."

Borg also questioned whether Malta's institutions had been capable of carrying out their responsibilities after the assassination, saying the issue had evolved beyond identifying the killers to determining whether institutions had functioned effectively.

He criticised Prime Minister Robert Abela's response following the verdict, saying the country had expected "direction, change and reform" but instead heard that "everything will remain as it is."

"A Prime Minister that for many years held himself back from reforms to have stronger institutions. Robert Abela is part of a Labour government that created this culture of impunity," Borg said, accusing the Prime Minister of having "slept on the recommendations of the public inquiry."

He called for immediate reforms to strengthen Malta's institutions and restore public trust.

"We need to see concrete action to save our country, concrete action so that the Maltese and Gozitan citizens have a normal country," he said.

Borg said that he had formally requested the Speaker of the House to reconvene Parliament for an urgent discussion on the implications of the verdict, insisting that neither the country nor Caruana Galizia's family could afford to wait any longer.

"Our country cannot wait anymore, the family of Daphne cannot wait anymore. We lost too much time," he said.

"At the end of the day, our country deserves the truth. Malta will not close this chapter until justice is served."

Rescuers from Fire Stations 1, 5 and 8 responded to the search and rescue operation involving the five swimmers, the CPD said in a Facebook post.

Three of the swimmers managed to make their way safely back to shore, while the remaining two were rescued by CPD personnel.

The two swimmers were brought on board CPD Delta 2 and transferred safely to land.

A medical team from Mater Dei Hospital's Emergency Department was also on the scene.

The swimmers were assessed by medical personnel and were discharged at the scene following the assessment.

The CPD thanked the Malta Police Force and the Armed Forces of Malta for their assistance and cooperation throughout the operation.

In a message addressed to Caruana Galizia, Metsola said the recent days surrounding the trial had been particularly difficult for the journalist's family and loved ones, who have been forced to relive the events surrounding her assassination.

Caruana Galizia was killed by a car bomb outside her home in Bidnija in October 2017. Metsola said the promise made after her murder - to ensure that those who ordered and carried out the assassination, as well as those who sought to cover it up, were held accountable - remained in place.

"That promise holds today," Metsola said, insisting that there would be no giving up or giving in in the pursuit of justice.

She said those responsible should not expect public fatigue to end the search for accountability, particularly in relation to the corruption Caruana Galizia had spent years exposing.

Metsola also said that, despite attempts over the past nine years to silence the journalist, her voice had not been buried.

"Nearly a decade after they stopped you writing, your pen is still mightier than all their swords combined," she said.

Speaking during a press conference in Parliament, Borg called for further reforms to strengthen the independence of Malta's institutions following Yorgen Fenech's acquittal, saying the country was now waiting to find out who was behind the assassination of Caruana Galizia.

Borg said reforms were necessary to prevent incidents and assassinations such as Caruana Galizia's from happening again, while safeguarding journalists and freedom of expression.

"We need to see that the necessary reforms are carried out within Parliament so that actions, incidents and assassinations such as these are not seen again in our country," Borg said.

He said the country must ensure that journalists and freedom of expression are safeguarded, while strengthening the separation between Malta's institutions.

Borg said this was necessary to prevent institutions from becoming intertwined, as he said had emerged from facts presented during Fenech's jury trial.

"We have seen what the result is when there is a lack of separation and independence between institutions," he said, adding that Malta must move towards a stronger democracy.

"We bow our heads to the jury's verdict, but now we need to see what steps will be taken so that, ultimately, we find out who the person or persons behind the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia are," Borg said.

"Ultimately, Yorgen Fenech has been acquitted, but the country is now waiting to see which person or persons were behind her murder," he added

Borg also criticised Prime Minister Robert Abela for not having spoken publicly following the verdict, describing his silence as "striking" and "shocking".

"It is shocking that hours after the jury's verdict, the Prime Minister of our country has still not uttered a word, or at least the Justice Minister or the Home Affairs Minister," Borg said.

He said no comments had been heard about the verdict or what steps would now be taken to further strengthen the independence of Malta's institutions.

Borg called for further reforms to ensure the country has laws which safeguard its democracy and moves towards justice.

He also said justice had not been served for Caruana Galizia's family following the verdict.

"Ultimately, justice must also be done with Daphne's family, and today we know that justice has not been done with them," Borg said.

He said the coming days must show what steps the government intended to take to ensure that the necessary justice was ultimately delivered.

Borg made the request during a press conference in Parliament, saying the seriousness of the verdict warranted an immediate parliamentary sitting to discuss its implications and the next steps.

His request came a day after a jury acquitted Yorgen Fenech of both charges he faced: complicity in the assassination of Caruana Galizia and criminal association. Jurors returned an 8-1 not guilty verdict on both charges.

The request now lies with the Speaker, who will determine whether Parliament should be recalled.

The strategy, launched by the Ministry for Social Policy and the Family, sets out a long-term framework designed to provide people with the tools and opportunities needed to make informed financial choices, plan for the future, avoid unnecessary risks and have greater control over their finances.

The ministry said the strategy will establish a clear direction for the coming years, while strengthening coordination between the parties involved and promoting an approach based on evidence, research and collaboration.

Speaking at a conference announcing the consultation, Minister for Social Policy and the Family Michael Falzon stressed the importance of sustainability, financial planning and responsible money management.

“We are continuing to strengthen all structures in order to provide information, tools and skills for people who want more help on the subject,” Falzon said.

He said people need to be resilient and that a framework should be created to help children and future generations understand the importance of long-term financial planning.

The consultation comes alongside the launch of a new debt advice service, Flusi Malta, which will provide professional support to individuals and families seeking guidance and assistance with debt, including outstanding bill payments.

Chairperson of the Pensions Strategy Group Mark Musu welcomed the Government’s acceptance of the group’s recommendations to create the debt advice service.

Musu said the service would need to be supported by competent and qualified professionals and noted that, in collaboration with MCAST, an accredited programme had been developed to provide specialised training to those delivering the service.

The first group of qualified debt advisers was recognised as part of the initiative.

The financial capacity initiatives were developed by ĠEMMA, the Ministry’s financial education platform, together with the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, MCAST and the European Consumer Debt Network, which contributed to the design of the services.

The six-week public consultation is now open for submissions on the proposed National Strategy for Financial Capacity 2026-2031.

"A jury has answered the question that was put before it. We are shocked and profoundly disappointed by its verdict. As we said yesterday, we believed, and continue to believe, that the prosecution presented a serious and compelling case. But respect for the rule of law requires us to respect the authority of the court and the jury's decision, including when that decision is not the one we believed the evidence warranted. We do not propose to retry that question in public," the NGO added in its second statement following the acquittal of Yorgen Fenech on Wednesday..

"But the assassination of a journalist, the corruption she investigated, the failures of the institutions that should have protected her, and the culture of impunity identified by the Public Inquiry are not resolved by the verdict in one criminal case," the NGO said.

The question today is therefore not whether Malta accepts yesterday's verdict. It must. The question is what Malta does next, the NGO said.

The public inquiry remains

The independent Public Inquiry established that Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination was intrinsically linked to her investigative work and that the State must bear responsibility for creating the culture of impunity in which her murder became possible. Those findings have not been erased, the

Five years after the public inquiry delivered its report, almost none of the reforms demanded have been implemented. Its recommendations cannot remain a document commemorated every July and ignored for the rest of the year. They must now be implemented fully and urgently, the statement added.

That means serious reform against corruption and abuse of public office. It means measures capable of confronting organised crime and obstruction of justice. It means effective systems for identifying and responding to threats against journalists. It means protection from intimidation, economic pressure and abusive litigation. It means genuine access to information and institutional conditions in which journalism can operate independently of government and powerful private interests.

Protecting journalists does not mean assigning them bodyguards after somebody decides to kill them. It means building a country in which exposing corruption does not make a journalist the enemy of the State, the NGO said.

The corruption Daphne investigated must be prosecuted

Serious allegations arising from matters Daphne investigated remain inadequately investigated or unprosecuted, the NGO said.

Every credible allegation of corruption connected with her work must be investigated independently, promptly and without regard to the political, economic or social power of the people concerned. Where the evidence justifies prosecution, prosecution must follow.

No one should be too powerful to be investigated. No office once occupied, political service once rendered, friendship once enjoyed or wealth accumulated should provide immunity from the law, it added.

Political responsibility does not disappear

The Public Inquiry established the State's responsibility and identified a culture of impunity generated at the highest levels of Joseph Muscat's administration. Malta cannot renew itself while rehabilitating the political culture that brought us here.

Those who bore political responsibility for creating, sustaining or defending that culture of impunity should not now be rehabilitated as statesmen or returned to positions of public authority and influence. Criminal responsibility is determined by courts. Political responsibility is determined in democratic life, the NGO said.

Yesterday's verdict does not extinguish political accountability. This is not vengeance, and it is not collective punishment. It is an elementary requirement that public office carries consequences when exercised in ways that gravely damage democratic institutions.

Nor can Malta pretend that the problem belongs only to the past. The political culture that flourished under Joseph Muscat did not automatically disappear when Joseph Muscat left office. Corruption scandals continue to emerge without adequate consequences. Democratic safeguards remain vulnerable. Institutions charged with defending the rule of law remain exposed to political pressure.

A genuine national reckoning must therefore concern not only what happened then, but how Malta is governed now.

The State has already been found responsible for the circumstances that enabled Daphne's assassination, and a Prime Minister has previously apologised for the State's failures.

But an apology is not a sentence spoken once at a press conference. A sincere apology requires acknowledgement, responsibility and change.

The police must be independent

No democracy can function properly if people suspected of serious wrongdoing can reasonably hope that political relationships will tell them what investigators know, what investigators intend to do or how they might avoid consequences.

The Malta Police Force must be structurally and operationally independent of government. Appointments, security of tenure, resources and accountability mechanisms must allow investigators to follow the evidence wherever it leads: into Castille, ministries, political parties, major businesses or the police force itself.

Police officers must know that their careers do not depend on pleasing politicians. Politicians must know that the police do not work for them. Citizens must know that the law applies equally to everyone.

Repubblika's response to yesterday's verdict will not be to dispute the authority of the court. It will be to insist that every other institution now exercises its own authority and fulfils its own responsibilities. Investigate the corruption Daphne exposed. Implement the Public Inquiry in full. Close the gaps in the law. Guarantee the independence of investigators. Protect journalists. Reject the rehabilitation of the political culture that created impunity. Teach another generation that public office is a trust and corruption is an attack on democracy.

Behind all these demands remains the human reality with which we began yesterday: a family has lived for almost nine years with the murder of a wife, mother and daughter, and with everything that followed it. No institutional reform can undo that loss. But the least Malta owes Daphne's family, and the country she served through her journalism, is to learn from what happened and ensure that the failures that made her assassination possible are never repeated.

Yesterday a trial ended. The work that Malta has still not done remains.

Repubblika said it intends to continue doing its part.

“Any applicable service charge must be clearly and visibly indicated on the menu or price list made available to the consumer before they place their order. In this way, consumers will know in advance about the applicable charges and will be able to make an informed decision,” the MCCAA said.

The MCCAA emphasised that consumers should not find out about a service charge for the first time when they receive the bill. Price information, including any mandatory additional charges, must be provided clearly and transparently before the consumer places their order, it added.

Accordingly, the Authority urged restaurants and other catering establishments to review their menus and price information and ensure that any service charge is clearly communicated to consumers before they place their order.

“Consumers, for their part, are encouraged to check the menu and applicable charges before ordering. Anyone who believes that a service charge was applied without being adequately informed beforehand may contact the MCCAA at mccaa.org.mt and provide the relevant details and documentation, including, where available, a copy of the menu and receipt,” the MCCAA said.

The MCCAA said that it will continue to monitor market practices and take the necessary action in accordance with the applicable consumer protection legislation.

The estimated value of the tender is €10.2 million excluding VAT. The new plant will have a nominal production capacity of 11,200 cubic metres of potable water per day, with the potential to reach a maximum capacity of at least 13,000 cubic metres per day, thus, increasing the plant's capacity by 20%. It will be produced from two independent, identical reverse osmosis systems.

The existing SWRO plant and its ancillary equipment will remain fully operational throughout installation, testing and commissioning, ensuring production is not affected during the works. The contract will be carried out under the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) conditions of contract for Plant and Design Build, and the contractor will be responsible for all mechanical and electrical works needed to deliver the plant to its specified capacity.

"This tender adds further capacity to Malta's desalination network and forms part of our National Investment Plan to strengthen the country's water production capacity," said Karl Cilia, CEO of the Water Services Corporation.

The Pembroke tender is part financed with EU funds and forms part of WSC's National Investment Plan, which will see more than €400 million invested in Malta's water infrastructure over the next decade. It follows the recently issued tender for a new reverse osmosis plant at Ghar Lapsi, and is part of a wider programme to increase Malta's freshwater production capacity by approximately 81,000 cubic metres per day. For more information and full tender documentation, interested economic operators can visit www.etenders.gov.mt. 

Fenech, a prominent businessman, had been accused of complicity in the murder and of taking part in a criminal conspiracy to kill Caruana Galizia. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.

After deliberating for eight hours, the jury returned not-guilty verdicts on both counts.

Caruana Galizia, 53, was killed on 16 October 2017 when a bomb planted in her car was detonated as she drove near her home. Her assassination sent shockwaves across Malta and Europe, triggering mass protests and contributing to the eventual resignation of then Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

The killing also exposed deep concerns about corruption, political influence and a culture of impunity.

Fenech was indicted in 2021 and was the last of six people charged in connection with the assassination to face prosecution. Prosecutors had alleged that he played a central role in planning and ordering the murder. The other five are in jail.

Caruana Galizia was one of Malta's most prominent investigative journalists through her reporting on alleged corruption involving politicians, businessmen and other figures close to the country's political establishment.

At the time of her death, Caruana Galizia was facing more than 40 libel cases.

An independent public inquiry into her assassination, published in 2021, concluded that the Maltese state had to bear responsibility for her death because of a culture of impunity that had developed within the country and "emanated from the highest levels" of government.

The inquiry found that the state had failed to protect Caruana Galizia and had created an environment in which those seeking to silence her could believe they would not face serious consequences.

In the morning, Madam Justice Edwina Grima concluded her address in which she highlighted the main points brought up during the testimony in the last two months.

Judge Grima delivered the final segments of her address to the jurors, guiding them toward deliberations.

The trial started on 1 July.

20:20 Yorgen Fenech walks out of court with his team of lawyers, who proved his innocence.

19:53 The prosecution team and parte civile lawyers walked out of court without making any comments

19:48

The court room is split. On one side Daphne's family are seen crying, while Yorgen Fenech's family members hug.  

As the verdict is delivered, an emotional Fenech turns to his lawyer Charles Mercieca and embraces him tightly.

Shouts of 'yes' erupt across the courtroom from the defence table as the 8-1 verdict is delivered.

Daphne's sister rushes out of the courtroom moments later.

The jurors have now been exempted from jury duty for life.

19:45 Daphne's sons left the court house without commenting.

19:37 Fenech celbrated with his lawyers.

19:35 As the verdict is read out in court, jurors found Fenech not guilty on the first count by eight votes to one.

The same verdict followed on the second count, with eight jurors voting to acquit and one voting against.

19:29 Such has been the interest that some lawyers have been left in the corridors as the gallery is full. 

19:27 Members of Daphne Caruana Galizia's family have been given a place close to journalists. Her husband Peter and sons Matthew, Andrew and Paul are all present. Her sister Corrine Vella is also here. Members of Yorgen Fenech's family are seated on the general public's end of the courtroom.  

19:25 Defence lawyer Gianella Caruana Curran has also arrived.

19:19 Our reporters have made their way through the court building's security checkpoint, and our now waiting to be let into Hall 22.

A large crowd is waiting to be let in, and the corridor outside the court room is packed with people.

19:10 The tension is palpable as court reporters wait to be let in.

The scene is like that on a full-up bus, with shouts of "move back" heard as they wait to be let in by security officials.

19:16 Lawyers and investigators are entering court. Lead investigator Keith Arnau is among the first.

19:01 There are signs that a verdict has been reached.

18:20 Jury deliberations continue. The jurors have been deliberating for more than seven hours. Journalists are waiting outside and inside the law courts building. A reminder that jurors are not constrained by having to give a decision today. They can seek the judge's approval to continue their deliberations tomorrow.

15.31 Police officers are gathering outside the law courts, many of them next to the Great Siege Monument which also serves as a memorial to Daphne Caruana Galizia.

11:10 Jurors have been sent out of the courtroom to reach a verdict.

11:09 Bringing her comprehensive review of the evidence to a close, Judge Edwina Grima instructed the nine jurors to examine every piece of direct and indirect testimony in its entirety. She stressed that their sole responsibility is determining the guilt or innocence of the accused, warning them not to get sidetracked by third-party names like Keith Schembri, which she characterized as a defense strategy. The judge reminded the jury that their role is strictly to establish the facts rather than grapple with complex legal points, urging them to set aside all emotion, sympathy, and antipathy to focus entirely on whether the state has proven its case. 

11:01 Judge Edwina Grima is explaining to the jurors the procedure they must follow during deliberations and how the vote on the verdict will eventually be taken.

She explained that for a verdict to be valid, there must be a majority of at least six to three. In the event that the vote is, for example, five to four, the jurors will be sent back to continue deliberating.

The judge stressed that the deliberation must take place collectively, with all nine jurors discussing the case together, but when the moment of voting arrives, each juror must cast their vote separately. She also explained that it will be the Foreman who writes the verdict. Since there are two counts of the indictment, the jurors must vote separately on each of the two counts.

10:55 Judge Edwina Grima is reminding the nine jurors about the responsibility now in their hands, while giving them final directions on how to conduct their deliberations. She is summarising the principles that should guide them, including what they should consider and what should not enter into their decision when deciding on the guilt or innocence of the accused. 

10:55 Judge Edwina Grima has finished taking jurors through the evidence heard during Yorgen Fenech's trial, bringing her extensive recap to an end.

Having dealt with the last three witnesses brought forward by the defence, the judge now shifts her focus to the concluding section of her address.

Grima is expected to outline the main legal considerations jurors must keep in mind when assessing the case and ultimately reaching a decision.

The proceedings are now approaching the point at which the nine jurors will retire to begin their deliberations.

10:52 Having wrapped up her review of Yorgen Fenech's evidence, the judge now begins going through testimony from other witnesses brought forward by the defence.

She starts with John Abela, an Office of the Prime Minister director, whose evidence dealt with the protocol in place for people entering Castille to attend meetings.

Grima then moves to the final evidence concerning Electrogas, recalling testimony from the company's head of legal affairs about information leaks from within Electrogas.

10:44 Grima is now going over Fenech's account of what he knew before Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed.

Fenech had conceded that he knew of the alleged murder plan but never passed that information on to investigators, despite his friendship with Silvio Valletta.

He also denied meeting businessmen while in prison and claimed that Keith Schembri had taken advantage of him.

Turning to 17 Black, Fenech said he could not say when the company changed its name and maintained that Caruana Galizia had never contacted him by phone.

10:31 Proceedings are moving swiftly this morning, with Grima already nearing the end of her recap of Yorgen Fenech's testimony.

The judge now recalls Fenech's evidence concerning his personal relationships, including his acknowledgement that he may have bought gifts for Rosianne Cutajar on occasion and that he was friends with Edward Zammit Lewis.

10:17 The judge continues retracing Yorgen Fenech's evidence, now focusing on events surrounding searches of his property, including his boat, Portomaso office and residence.

Fenech had told jurors that his state of mind was deteriorating during this period. He claimed he became increasingly concerned for his safety because of what he knew, with his anxiety eventually leading him to turn to doctor Adrian Vella for help.

He also recalled an exchange with investigator Keith Arnaud, who told him: "There is always light at the end of the tunnel."

Grima then moves to Fenech's account of correspondence allegedly coming from Keith Schembri. Fenech said his wife had informed him that he received a letter from Schembri after he was granted bail.

According to his testimony, Schembri later called him and indicated that a second letter would reach him through Adrian Vella.

10:03 The judge now turns to the part of Yorgen Fenech's testimony dealing with 17 Black. Fenech had confirmed to jurors that he was behind the company, while maintaining that it had no connection to the Electrogas project.

Grima also recalls Fenech's account of how Melvin Theuma allegedly obtained updates about the murder investigation.

Fenech said Theuma claimed Edgar Brincat, known as il-Ġojja, was feeding him information which Brincat was allegedly receiving from then-police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar.

09:58 Grima's summary now moves to a gathering at the Fenech family ranch, where conversation turned to a blog post by Daphne Caruana Galizia concerning Keith Schembri's health.

Fenech had told jurors that Schembri appeared to have become fixated on the journalist, recalling that Schembri and Melvin Theuma continued discussing her during the gathering.

His account then shifts to December 2016, when Theuma was driving him to the airport. Fenech said it was during that journey that Theuma first spoke to him about an alleged plan to have Caruana Galizia killed.

Grima then moves further into Fenech's testimony, during which he had shown jurors his passport to establish the dates when he was abroad.

Fenech had described relaying messages between Theuma and Schembri as one of his biggest mistakes.

According to his testimony, Theuma began contacting him repeatedly after the arrests of George and Alfred Degiorgio and Vince Muscat. Fenech recalled Theuma being in a state of panic and believing the three men had betrayed him.

Fenech said that during the same period, he also began receiving calls from Johann Cremona.

09:54 The judge now begins going through Yorgen Fenech's own testimony before the jury.

Fenech had spoken about joining his family's business at 18 and later working with his uncle, Ray Abdilla, after his father passed away.

His evidence also dealt with his relationship with Keith Schembri. Although the two had known each other from an early age, Fenech said they became much closer after Schembri took up his role as chief of staff to Joseph Muscat.

He portrayed Schembri as someone he was extremely close to and said he "used to look up to him".

Fenech also recalled that Schembri would visit his family's ranch. During one such visit, Schembri suggested they cook a lamb, leading Fenech to contact Melvin Theuma, whom he knew from Marsa, and ask him to get one for the gathering.

09:44 Grima now moves on to the testimony of Andrew Caruana Galizia, who had spoken to jurors about his mother's journalistic work and the relationship she maintained with her sources.

He had explained that his mother largely worked independently and that those who provided her with information trusted her to protect their identities. Andrew, who had spent eight years living abroad before returning to Malta, said he deliberately avoided asking about who those sources were.

He further recalled knowing that his mother was working with his brother, Matthew Caruana Galizia, and that she had been investigating the ownership of 17 Black.

Andrew had also described how his mother spoke to him about the harassment she was facing and how it was affecting her ability to live peacefully. At one point, she told him: "They are trying to fry me alive."

09:37 Grima now moves through another part of Kurt Zahra's evidence, turning first to Melvin Theuma's recordings and how they were sent to Europol before being presented as evidence in court.

Her summary then shifts to the searches carried out at properties linked to Keith Schembri. Zahra had told jurors that no SOCO personnel accompanied police to Schembri's home and that officers initially had trouble finding the residence. The search yielded no items, with Schembri telling investigators that his phone had gone missing.

The judge also recalls what Zahra said about Schembri's office at Castille. No police officer had been stationed outside the office, and while Zahra could not remember who unlocked the door, he was clear that Schembri went inside ahead of the officers.

Zahra had explained that while he was not directly involved in the inquiry for its first two years, fellow investigator Keith Arnaud kept him informed of developments.

Theuma began attracting police attention after Vince Muscat, il-Koħħu, started sharing information with investigators. At the time, Muscat was not granted a presidential pardon because what he told police was considered hearsay.

Investigators subsequently obtained further information through intercepted calls, which indicated that Theuma was handing money to the Degiorgio brothers. The FCID then began looking into Theuma in connection with an illegal lottery operation.

Following his eventual arrest, Theuma told investigators about an ice-cream box in which he had stored electronic material, including screenshots of messages and a photograph showing him with Keith Schembri.

He then informed police that he also wanted to speak about Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination and asked for a presidential pardon.

09:25 Zahra had testified that in October 2017 he was informed of an explosion and that there were suspicions Caruana Galizia had been inside the vehicle. When he arrived at the scene, he saw body parts scattered on the road.

He had also spoken to Matthew Caruana Galizia, who told him that his mother had left home in the rental car and returned because she had forgotten her chequebook. She then left again, with the explosion occurring shortly afterwards.

09:22 Judge Edwina Grima is addressing jurors for a third day.

Grima immediately resumes her review of the evidence heard throughout the trial and begins taking jurors through the testimony of Inspector Kurt Zahra, one of the lead investigators in the case.

09:12 The trial by jury of Yorgen Fenech has entered its final stages. Judge Edwina Grima has entered the courtroom alongside the jurors, with today's sitting now set to begin.

"We remain grateful to everyone who worked to bring Fenech to justice, in particular our hardworking lawyers Therese Comodini Cachia and Jason Azzopardi, the police, the prosecution, the judiciary, the press, and civil society in Malta and abroad."

Today should have belonged to Daphne, the family said.

Her dreams and ours were shattered when she was killed outside her family home, aged just 53. During Fenech's months-long trial, we have heard many people speak, but we will never see or hear Daphne again, they added.

Accountability is now overdue for all those who enabled, facilitated, or protected her murderers. Had Daphne not been killed, we believe she would have exposed corrupt links between Yorgen Fenech, the then Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi and Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Keith Schembri, centred on Fenech's company, 17 Black.

Evidence presented in court shows that Fenech himself considered ElectroGas to be "one big mistake" and that he feared its collapse because it would have ruined him, the family said.

"We believe the motive for Daphne's murder was to stop her investigating Fenech's once secret company, 17 Black, and its financial transactions. Documents show that the €5,000 per day due to Konrad Mizzi's and Keith Schembri's once-secret Panama companies was expected to be paid via Fenech's offshore company, 17 Black," the family said.

Justice must now be served for the corruption that made Daphne's murder possible. Yorgen Fenech and fellow ElectroGas director Paul Apap Bologna, Konrad Mizzi, Keith Schembri, Brian Tonna, Karl Cini, Mario Pullicino, and their various companies, are already variously charged with bribery and corruption in connection with the ElectroGas project.

Separately, Fenech is also charged with bribing the police inspector who was responsible for the Economic Crimes Unit and for the investigation into Fenech's company, 17 Black, and Keith Schembri is being prosecuted for leaking information from the murder investigation to Yorgen Fenech.

Other prosecutions may follow.

"Nine years after Daphne's brutal assassination, the institutional failures that enabled her murder remain unaddressed and unreformed. Lasting justice means no person should ever face the same risks again. Our country failed to protect Daphne's life. It owes it to her to prevent other lives being lost."

The incidents took place during the night between August 28 and 29, 2026, with the total value of the stolen items exceeding seventeen thousand euro. According to police investigations, which included reviewing security footage, the crimes were coordinated by the same three individuals. The suspects targeted victims by blending into crowds on the dance floor, ripping necklaces directly from victims' necks, and fleeing into the crowd.

Police successfully identified one of the suspects initially, and subsequent surveillance led to the identification of the remaining two accomplices. All three individuals were located and arrested at a residence in Birżebbuġa, where officers recovered several of the stolen necklaces during a search.

The suspects are currently being held in police custody as investigations continue and are scheduled to be arraigned in court today at 2:00 PM before Magistrate Dr. Lara Lanfranco LL.D.

Located in the lively St George's Bay, the luxurious hotel is set to transform the area through hospitality, entertainment and economic development. Hard Rock Hotel Malta delivers the legendary vibe of the Hard Rock brand with the friendly charm and sunny reputation of Maltese hospitality.

Esteemed guests from across the island, Hard Rock executives and partners, and international guests Leomie Anderson, Corinna Brown, Gizzi Erskine and Arielle Free gathered to celebrate the opening of the new five-star* destination. The event featured upbeat live entertainment from some of Malta's biggest names - including Aiden, Malta's Eurovision 2026 Representative, Malta's top selling female artist Ira Losco, and singer Shaun Farrugia, as well as an artistic swimming performance in the hotel's guitar shaped pool before guests ended the night dancing to local DJ J Joy. 

Silvio Debono, Chairman of DB Group, smashes his guitar at the historic opening of Hard Rock Hotel Malta on September 2, 2026. Photo Credit: Hard Rock Hotel Malta.

"We are thrilled to see our vision for Hard Rock Hotel Malta come to life as part of the wider development of St. George's Bay," commented Robert Debono, CEO of db Group. "We can't wait to show guests the rich culture and incredible views that Malta is famous for, combined with Hard Rock's iconic, music led experience in hospitality."

Nearly 2,000 dignitaries, community leaders, Maltese celebrities and guests attended the star-studded guitar smash ceremony and official grand opening of Hard Rock Hotel Malta on September 2, 2026, led by Silvio Debono, Chairman of db Group, and Holly Tiger, Vice Chairwoman for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and President of Seminole Tribe of Florida Inc. Photo Credit: Hard Rock Hotel Malta.

"The opening of Hard Rock Hotel Malta marks an incredibly exciting new chapter for St. George's Bay, St. Julian's, Pembroke and the wider island," said Thomas Guss, General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel Malta. "We're thrilled to finally welcome our guests and the local community and bring to life a vibrant new destination where music, entertainment, dining and unforgettable experiences come together. We can't wait to see Hard Rock Hotel Malta become a new favourite on the island!"

The opening represents a monumental €350 million direct investment in Malta's tourism sector, and has created several hundred new jobs spanning a vast array of specialised roles, from master mixologists and culinary artisans to wellness therapists and luxury hospitality specialists.

"Tonight is a celebration of Malta's incredible culture, heritage and talent, alongside the music, creativity and experiences that make Hard Rock unique," said John Rees, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations at Hard Rock International. "This landmark opening is a significant investment in Malta, with €350 million invested in the island's tourism sector and hundreds of new jobs created. We're so proud to be part of Malta's next chapter and excited for guests to experience everything Hard Rock Hotel Malta has to offer."

The unmistakable, vibrant energy of the Hard Rock brand is felt throughout the new 397-room destination, from the rooftop cantilever pool to the beach club, immersing guests in the beauty and spirit of the Mediterranean's beachside atmosphere. With 11 swimming pools, more than 10 restaurant, bar, lounge and club venues, a 3,800 sqm spa wellness and fitness space (which is one of the largest venues in Malta), and a 466 sqm ballroom, guests are set to experience Malta's history fused with Hard Rock's iconic lifestyle.

The hotel is also home to one of Malta's largest wellness destinations, Rock Spa®, spanning almost 4,000 square metres. Hard Rock Hotel Malta will offer signature wellness experiences, including the largest Body Rock®in the world (Hard Rock's state-of-the-art workout facility) and Rock Om®, a customised yoga experience for guests to experience from the comfort of their rooms. At the Rock Spa®, guests can enjoy Rhythm & Motion, a fully immersive music-centric spa menu.

Hard Rock Cafe St. Julian's Malta brings the iconic Hard Rock experience to one of the Mediterranean's most vibrant destinations, combining world-class dining, live entertainment, legendary hospitality, and an impressive collection of authentic music memorabilia. 

Located within the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel Malta, the 1,400-square-metre venue offers indoor and outdoor seating for 222 guests, a vibrant restaurant and bar, the iconic Rock Shop®, and exclusive memorabilia celebrating some of the world's most renowned artists. With a globally recognised menu, live music, special events, themed nights, and unique Malta-exclusive merchandise, the cafe is positioned as a dynamic entertainment and social destination for both locals and international visitors.

Hard Rock Hotel Malta is now accepting reservations through the website and at +356 2124 6000.

Local councils need resources if they are to address the everyday problems that affect residents: deteriorating pavements, accessibility issues, public spaces in need of attention and other relatively small interventions that can make a significant difference to the quality of life in a community.

The principle behind the scheme is also sound. Local councils are closer to residents than central government and, provided they are given the necessary resources and technical support, they should have a strong say in determining where investment is most urgently needed.

There is, however, one question which the government needs to answer.

Why does this particular scheme not apply to local councils in Gozo?

The government has confirmed that the €12.8 million agreement between the Public Works Department and local councils covers councils in Malta, while Gozitan councils are to continue receiving support through the Ministry for Gozo.

The Labour Party's explanation is that Gozitan councils are not being excluded from investment because similar initiatives are funded through the Ministry for Gozo. That may be so. But it does not fully answer the question of why a distinction is being made in the first place.

If the government believes that local councils should have greater autonomy, and if it accepts that councils themselves are best placed to identify the priorities of their communities, why should that principle be different in Gozo?

The issue is not necessarily whether Gozo is receiving money for infrastructure. It is whether Gozitan councils are being given the same mechanism, autonomy and direct access to resources as their counterparts in Malta.

There may well be administrative or organisational reasons for the different arrangements. If there are, the government should explain them clearly.

This should not detract from the merits of the €12.8 million scheme itself. Indeed, the government should be encouraged to expand rather than restrict opportunities for local councils to improve their communities.

The 123 projects completed under the previous agreement demonstrate that such cooperation can produce practical results. The increased allocation provides an opportunity to do even more.

But the councils themselves must also rise to the occasion.

Some local councils are noticeably more proactive than others. There are mayors who work hard, identify problems, seek funding, pursue projects and continually look for ways to improve their locality. Others appear content to carry out the basic functions of administration without showing much ambition beyond what is strictly required.

That should not be acceptable.

A local council is not merely another layer of bureaucracy. It exists to serve its community. Councillors and mayors should be constantly looking at what can be improved and should actively seek assistance when resources are available.

This applies equally to Malta and Gozo.

The government has taken the right approach in recognising that councils need greater financial and technical support. It should now apply the same logic consistently. If Gozitan councils are receiving equivalent opportunities through a different mechanism, the government should publish the details and demonstrate that this is genuinely the case.

If the objective is stronger local government, there should be no second-tier version of it.

The €12.8 million scheme is a good idea. Local councils should make full use of it, and those responsible for administering it should make it as accessible and effective as possible.

The verdict changes nothing about this: whoever gave that order is still walking free. That fact alone is a scandal, PEN said.

"This is not the closure the State promised. It is the latest instance of a pattern: an investigation and prosecution that, at every stage, the State itself controlled, resourced and ultimately failed to see through. The State built its own path to justice and that path has now collapsed. That is a failure of the state's making, not the jury's," the NGO said.

It should not need repeating that Malta's own public inquiry into Daphne's assassination, concluded in 2021, found that the state had to shoulder responsibility for creating an atmosphere of impunity in which such a murder became possible; an atmosphere built over years of institutional capture, political interference in the police and prosecutorial bodies, and the protection of those close to power.

The outcome is what that impunity looks like when it is left to fester. It is the predictable result of a state that has never fully reckoned with its own role in Daphne's murder, and has allowed those the public inquiry named to remain untouched by consequence.

"Daphne Caruana Galizia was murdered for doing journalism. Every year that passes without a full, credible accounting of who ordered her killing, and without consequences for the state actors who enabled the conditions for it, is a renewed assault on her memory and on press freedom in Malta. It tells every journalist in this country what happens to those who investigate power here.

"The obligation to remedy this does not end with one jury's verdict on one defendant. It falls on the Maltese state, which controls the police, the Attorney General's office, and the prosecution, to explain how this case was built and why it failed, to pursue with renewed seriousness the question of who ordered this assassination, and to finally act on the findings the public inquiry handed down nearly five years ago. Malta cannot call this case closed while the person or persons who commissioned Daphne's murder remain unidentified and unpunished, and while those the inquiry found responsible for the climate that enabled it continue to hold office, position, or influence.

PEN Malta said it will not treat this verdict as the end of the story. "We owe Daphne, and every journalist working under threat in this country, nothing less."

The protest was hastily organised by the PN less than two hours after a jury cleared Fenech of two charges related to the assassination.

Addressing those present, PN leader Alex Borg said he would be reaching out to the Speaker of the House of Representatives for him to convene Parliament urgently. The House is set to resume its work on 5 October after the summer recess, but Borg said he will be seeking an urgent parliamentary discussion on the country;s future following Fenech's trial.

Addressing the media during the demonstration,  said the party respected the jury's verdict and the principle of the rule of law, but argued that the government had "failed" to deliver full justice in a case that has shaken Malta for almost nine years.

After years of investigations, inquiries and judicial proceedings, justice has still not reached where it needed to reach - neither for Daphne's family nor for our country.

Borg stressed that the PN accepted the jury's decision and the fundamental principle that nobody can be found guilty unless the case against them is proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Borg called on the police to continue their investigations, saying that further work was needed to establish the full truth and ensure justice was done.

He also called on Prime Minister Robert Abela to address the country and explain his position on the outcome of the trial, as well as what reforms he believed were necessary to strengthen the justice system.

Borg said the country had reached a moment when partisan politics and vendettas had to be put aside and "serious decisions" taken.

He also stressed the importance of journalists being able to carry out their work freely and safely.

Asked whether he believed Melvin Theuma's presidential pardon should be withdrawn, Borg declined to be drawn into the issue.

Theuma, a key witness in the case, had been granted a presidential pardon in return for providing information about the assassination.

Fenech walked out of the law courts after jurors returned an 8-1 not guilty verdict on both charges he faced.

He was accompanied by his defence lawyers Giannella De Marco, Charles Mercieca and Gianluca Calleja Curran, and escorted from the building by several police officers.

The verdict brings to an end Fenech's long-running trial over allegations that he was involved in the 2017 assassination of Caruana Galizia, who was killed in a car bomb attack outside her home in Bidnija.

As Fenech emerged from court, a crowd gathered outside shouted insults at the businessman, with some branding him an "assassin" and accusing him of being linked to the mafia.

Fenech had consistently denied any involvement in the journalist's murder.

Alex Borg said that today, the PN's first thoughts are with Peter, Matthew, Andrew and Paul, with Daphne Caruana Galizia's parents and with her entire family.

"Nearly nine years after a woman, mother, daughter and journalist was murdered, her family is still without full justice over who ordered her assassination. After years of investigations, inquiries and judicial proceedings, justice has still not reached where it needed to reach - neither for Daphne's family nor for our country," Borg said.

The PN respects the jury's verdict and the fundamental principle of the rule of law that no one may be found guilty unless the case against them is proven beyond reasonable doubt.

However, respect for the verdict does not mean remaining silent in the face of the grave questions that emerged during the trial, Borg said. The country has the right to ask how, nearly nine years after an assassination that shook an entire nation, the State failed to secure the conviction of the person accused of commissioning the murder. It has the right to know the whole truth and who will shoulder responsibility for what went wrong, the PN leader said.

Throughout the trial, the PN exercised restraint so that the jurors alone could decide the case on the evidence before them. Now that the trial has ended, the PN has a duty to speak about what the country heard.

"We heard about an investigation surrounded by serious questions: a senior official who was removed because of a conflict of interest, important electronic evidence that was not seized and suspected leaks of information which the investigators themselves asked to have investigated," he said.

These are not minor details. How much evidence was lost, and how many lines of inquiry were not pursued in time? How different might the Prosecution's position have been had we, from the very first day, had independent institutions free from conflicts of interest and political pressure?

The Public Inquiry found that a culture of impunity had been created at the highest levels of the administration and that the State was responsible for creating the environment that led to this crime. Yet, five years later, not all of its recommendations have been implemented, Borg said.

Robert Abela cannot evade responsibility by claiming that this belonged to another time. This remains the same Labour Government, operating within a system that continues to concentrate too much power in the hands of the Prime Minister. Genuine change is not measured by who occupies the seat, but by how power is exercised.

No one should use this verdict as a certificate that "the institutions worked". The jury and the Court did their duty. The political question is whether the State did its duty from the very first day. Today, there are very serious grounds for demanding accountability, Borg said.

The chapter on Daphne has not been closed. It will not be closed until her family has the whole truth, until we know whether failures or conflicts weakened the investigation, and until everyone who played a criminal role faces justice.

The PN will not accept a country in which connections, money or power give anyone an advantage over ordinary citizens, Borg said.

We want a police force that is free to investigate everyone, a judiciary free from all pressure, journalists able to work without intimidation, and institutions that are stronger than any government.

We owe Daphne's family a debt of truth, accountability and justice. No verdict can bring Daphne back, but neither can it erase the questions that have brought our country to this point.

The PN Leader continued: "We will not give up. We will continue searching for the truth, demanding accountability and working to ensure that political power can never again capture an institution that should belong to the people."

At the end of his message, Alex Borg announced a demonstration to be held outside Castille this evening. It will be a protest for all Maltese and Gozitans because this is not about party politics, but about a grave failure and injustice.

Alex Borg concluded: "We want a free country. A country that is not afraid."

The government said it has always provided the support and resources required for all institutions to fully carry out their functions.

In relation to the same case, a number of people have already been investigated, charged and sentenced to lengthy terms of imprisonment.

The government said it remains committed to ensuring that justice is carried out by the institutions.

At this sensitive moment, the government appealed for prudence in public comments which could do more harm than good.

All institutions will continue to receive the government's full support in their work, it said.

Following the major reforms implemented in recent years, the government "also remains committed to continuing with further reforms aimed at further strengthening the rule of law".

"We think first of Daphne's family. For almost nine years they have endured the murder of their wife and mother and daughter, the exposure of the most intimate details of their loss in public, years of criminal proceedings, ongoing attacks and vilification, and the intolerable burden of having to fight for truths the State itself was duty-bound to uncover. We recognise how painful and disappointing today's outcome must be for them," the NGO said.

We followed the evidence presented publicly during this trial. We believed, and continue to believe, that the prosecution presented a serious and compelling case. But it was for the jurors, not us, to decide whether that evidence proved guilt to the standard required by law. They have decided that it did not, the NGO added.

Their verdict does not, however, require Malta to pretend that the evidence heard during this trial was never heard. It does not erase the findings of the Public Inquiry. And it does not answer the profound questions that remain about corruption, impunity, political interference and the failures of the State, the statement said.

This trial has also forced Malta to confront uncomfortable truths. We heard evidence of an investigation of profoundly uneven quality; of the extraordinary proximity between political power, economic power, the police and people touched by the investigation; and of conduct which, even when deeply disturbing, exposed serious gaps in our criminal laws.

An acquittal does not make those problems disappear, the group said.

"Malta now needs a national reckoning. The corruption Daphne investigated must be prosecuted. Those politically responsible for the culture of impunity of the Muscat years must not be rehabilitated into public life. The State must sincerely accept its responsibility and apologise to Daphne's family. The recommendations of the Public Inquiry must finally be fully implemented," the statement said.

We need independent police, laws that effectively punish obstruction of justice and abuse of public office, anti-mafia laws and institutions, and real protection for journalists. We must teach future generations that corruption, patronage and silence in the face of wrongdoing are not normal features of public life, Repubblika said.

And we must eventually reconcile. But reconciliation cannot be built on forgetting. It must be built on truth, accountability and reform.

For almost nine years, citizens, journalists and civil society refused to allow delay, hostility and exhaustion to extinguish the demand for justice. Today neither vindicates nor repudiates any campaign: courts determine criminal responsibility, not the legitimacy of civic action. The experience of the past nine years nevertheless demonstrates why democratic vigilance matters.

The verdict answers the question the jury was required to answer. It does not answer all the others.

Malta must, Repubblika said.

The Court has reached its decision through the criminal process and according to the standard it was required to apply. But this verdict does not change the central and devastating fact: Daphne was assassinated, and Malta is still without full accountability for the person or people who ordered her murder, the group said.

"Our first thoughts are with Daphne's family. No family should have had to endure what they have been forced to navigate through over the past years: not only the loss of Daphne but years of delay, uncertainty, public attacks, and the continuing absence of full justice," Occupy Justice said.

For almost nine years, the protest memorial and the vigils have stood for one simple thing: Daphne must not be forgotten, and those responsible for her elimination must not be allowed to disappear into the shadows. That remains true today.

"The work does not end here. Malta still needs truth, accountability, protection for journalists, and institutions that act before corruption and impunity become irreversible. Daphne's reporting exposed what too many people preferred not to see. Justice for her must also mean taking seriously the country she insisted on defending through her investigations," the group said.

"We will not allow the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia to be normalised, forgotten or closed away as an inconvenient chapter. We will continue to remember, to speak up, and to demand accountability.

"Until the full chain of responsibility for Daphne's assassination has been established through lawful means, and until the institutional failures exposed by her murder are properly addressed, the fight for justice remains unfinished."

After 55 days of trial before Madam Justice Edwina Grima, the jury found Yorgen Fenech not guilty of the charges of complicity in the wilful homicide of Daphne Caruana Galizia and criminal association to commit the murder.

This verdict must be fully respected as the outcome of the judicial process. Nonetheless, this does not mean the IGM is not disappointed with the outcome.

Daphne's murder remains unresolved in the fullest sense, and today's outcome is not the accountability many of us had hoped for. We still expect justice - full justice, nothing less - and we await what comes next in this investigation.

Someone, somewhere, placed a hit out on Daphne, and that person or persons remain disappointingly free.

The IGM called on the police to pursue all leads that emerged in the trial, including those that point to former senior political figures, in the hope that justice can prevail.

Earth is soon going to exceed the safe temperature threshold agreed upon by the world in the 2015 Paris climate accord because of warming from the burning of coal, oil and gas, according to a bleak first-of-its-kind report issued by the United Nations Environment Programme Wednesday.

Instead of giving up, scientists and U.N. officials recommend trying to limit excessive warming and then bring the temperature back down to the agreed-upon threshold. But it still will mean decades of increased weather-related disasters, rising seas, extinctions and melting ice and glaciers.

"Humanity is speeding past the limit to avoid climate catastrophe," United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said.

After a period of over-the-limit warming, the new strategy envisions getting back below the limit by ending fossil fuel use and developing some kind of way to suck industries' carbon dioxide out of the air.

"It's a reality check. We have to live with this warmer world," said report co-author Richard Betts, a climate scientist at the University of Exeter. "But there's still a lot we can do to limit warming."

Passing the longtime warming threshold

After the Paris climate accord, the United Nations ordered its climate science arm to study different warming limits. A goal of 1.5 Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) above mid-19th century temperatures became generally accepted after the scientists found dramatic impacts that affect people and the planet at 2 degrees Celsius (3.8 degrees Fahrenheit) but not at 1.5 degrees.

The world is now at 1.4 C (2.5 F) above pre-industrial levels, some scientists have calculated. The measure is based on a 20-year average, rather than a single year's temperatures.

Despite experts saying there's no way to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, U.N. officials long maintained the 1.5 window was still open. Wednesday's report finally admitted that the world will cross the 1.5 threshold "in the next few years."

The report said the most optimistic scenario has warming peaking at 1.8 C (3.2 F) around mid-century if countries pursue ambitious climate goals, but that governments' current policies should push temperatures to 2.6 C (4.7 F) above pre-industrial levels by 2100.

So instead of preventing warming of 1.5 degrees, now the U.N. said it wants policymakers to "prepare for and navigate a future'' in which the globe crosses that limit and then corrects course and cools temperatures. The report envisions that global temperatures will pass 1.5 "within the next few years," follow a hump-shaped path of more warming, peak, then gradually cool to below the 1.5 mark, ideally by the end of the century. The report and experts call it "overshoot."

"Let's be very clear, 1.5 target is still the goal. But now we need to approach it differently from above," said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.

The 1.5 limit is not "some magical climate cliff" where it's just game over, said University of Victoria climate scientist Andrew Weaver, who wasn't part of the study. "Every tenth of a degree we avoid still means less damage."

Limiting how high temperatures go past threshold is key

It's most important to first limit the new peak temperature and then reduce the amount of time above 1.5 degrees, Andersen said.

But the world likely will be in that overshoot period for "many, many decades," Betts said.

Every five years of delay in reducing emissions adds at least a tenth of a degree to peak warming, said report co-author Joeri Rogelj, a climate scientist at Imperial College London.

"If we act now we can limit overshoot," the report said. "Not a safe world, but safer than remaining above" 1.5 degrees for the long term.

"This is among the bleakest U.N. climate reports I have read. It carries the unmistakable tone of desperation, frustration and urgency - but not resignation," Weaver said.

Climate scientist Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics, said that "although UNEP does a good job of describing the hole we've dug ourselves into, it does a poor job of showing us that there's a way out."

Adapting to a deadlier, hungrier, thirstier world

Governments need to increase efforts to adapt to worsening warming, which hits the poor hardest, "because some impacts simply cannot be avoided," Andersen said.

The report calls this phase "coping and containment."

During this overshoot period, more people will die or get sick because of the worsening climate change and its extreme weather, the report said. Food production will drop, people will go hungry, water shortages will worsen, economies will be hurt and species like coral will go extinct, the report said.

Although the triggers behind the recent deadly Nepal flooding that came as part of a Himalayan glacier dislodging are complex, Betts said "unfortunately we do expect to see more of such things and this is exactly why we need to limit peak warming."

The report warns of "tipping points" with irreversible and cascading effects, including the loss of the West Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, the loss of the Amazon rain forest and the shutdown of the Atlantic Ocean circulation system that keeps much of Europe warm.

"Some locations might become more or less uninsurable or even uninhabitable," the report said.

The last phase in overshoot is cooling the planet by removing carbon dioxide from the air and storing it somewhere. The report said the traditional approach of this is planting more trees, but it says planting trees could, at most, shave a tenth of a degree off global temperatures. So the authors said more novel carbon removal approaches will be needed.

Other scientists called that unreliable and expensive.

"We were unable to stop the runaway train of global emissions to avoid 1.5 C of warming," said Stanford University climate scientist Rob Jackson, who wasn't part of the report. "Now overshoot scenarios require us to stop the train quickly and to back it up. Is it our best hope? Absolutely. Is it likely? Absolutely not."

In a statement on Facebook, Camilleri said the evaluation process for these submissions will commence in the coming days and weeks.

This charter arrangement serves as an interim measure until two new permanent vessels are purchased to join the existing fleet, aligning with the long-term strategy for the future of the Gozo crossing service.

The new fourth vessel will be replacing the Nikolaos, which has been chartered by Gozo Channel for several years but which has limited operations and has been the subject of so much criticism by passengers.

This parental leave will be paid in the form of a benefit by the Department of Social Security at a rate equivalent to the married rate established for the Sickness Benefit for the year in which the parental leave is taken.

Self-employed parents, including adoptive and foster parents, are entitled, with effect retrospectively from 1 January 2026, to four (4) months of Parental or Adoption Leave for each child, which must be taken before the child reaches the age of eight (8).

The first two months, or eight (8) weeks, of paid parental leave are non-transferable between eligible parents. In the case of a self-employed parent, they will now be eligible to receive the benefit. The second two months, or eight (8) weeks, of unpaid parental leave may be transferred between parents, including from a self-employed parent to an employed parent, but no benefit or paid leave will be provided.

Minister for Social Policy and Children's Rights Michael Falzon said that the Government's word is a contract with the people and, therefore, what is announced in the Budget is implemented by the Government. He said that through this measure, the Government is continuing to encourage flexibility and a better balance between work and family life, including for self-employed persons, so that the quality of life of families in Malta can continue to improve.

Minister Falzon concluded by saying that these social rights will continue to be strengthened through the measures in the "Int Malta" Electoral Manifesto in the coming period. These measures include further improvements and increases in maternity, paternity and parental leave, whereby whatever is introduced for employed persons will also be introduced for those who are self-employed.

The event, held on 1 September, brought together government representatives, Xjenza Malta, current and former Esplora employees, educators, researchers, partners and collaborators who have contributed to the centre's development since it opened its doors in 2016.

Addressing the anniversary celebrations, Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima highlighted Esplora's role in advancing Malta's ambitions in education, research, innovation and human capital, while encouraging future generations to prepare for an increasingly changing world.

"This is a moment in which we reflect on the Malta we want to build in the coming decades - a more innovative, resilient and creative Malta, better equipped to compete internationally while continuing to improve the quality of life of the Maltese and Gozitan people," Grima said.

He said Malta could not achieve the objectives of Vision Malta 2050 if opportunities were available only to those who already had access to them.

"Esplora helps connect science, research and innovation with society, and inspires young people to explore opportunities in these fields and support the ambitions of Vision Malta 2050," he said.

Over its first decade, Esplora has established itself as Malta's national interactive science centre, reaching children, schools, educators and families through hands-on experiences and educational activities.

As it enters its second decade, the centre plans to place greater emphasis on STEAM - science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics - recognising the importance of combining scientific knowledge with creativity, design, communication, critical thinking and collaboration.

Xjenza Malta CEO Silvio Scerri said Esplora served as an important bridge between research and society by making science more accessible, relevant and engaging to people of all ages.

"By fostering science literacy, curiosity, skills and a culture of innovation, Esplora is helping Malta's communities and future generations develop the knowledge and confidence they need to shape the future," he said.

Esplora Senior Director Mary Ann Cauchi said the centre's ambition for its second decade was to strengthen its role as Malta's national platform for STEAM engagement.

"Our ambition is to strengthen Esplora as Malta's national platform for STEAM engagement, connecting science, research and creativity with people and communities across the Maltese islands," she said.

The anniversary also marks a new chapter for the centre, with a greater focus on new interactive experiences, community engagement, accessibility and inclusion, opportunities for young researchers, stronger partnerships and closer links between science, creativity and innovation.

During the ceremony, guests watched a short documentary looking back at Esplora's 10-year journey, highlighting key milestones since the centre opened in 2016 as well as its ambitions for the years ahead.

The official ceremony was followed by a concert by Esplora Ambassador Ivan Grech and Friends. The performance had particular significance as Grech had also performed at Esplora's official opening a decade ago, returning to Villa Bighi to mark the centre's first 10 years.

The anniversary celebrations also recognised the contribution of former and current Esplora and Xjenza Malta employees, educators, researchers, partners, collaborators, visitors and communities who have helped shape the centre over the past decade.

Bishop Anton Teuma may say that people should not judge without knowing all the facts. But there is one fact that cannot be brushed aside: a priest intervened in a case involving an alleged sexual abuse, influenced the family to accept money, and contributed to the withdrawal of the allegations.

The Bishop himself has acknowledged that this happened. His decision, however, is that no canonical action should be taken against the priest.

That is the part that is difficult to understand.

There is a much wider moral and institutional responsibility when a person in a position of trust is confronted with an allegation of sexual abuse involving a child.

In this case, the priest did not encourage the family to allow the proper procedures to take their course. His intervention contributed to the case being dropped. The parents themselves later regretted accepting the money.

And there is another detail that makes the situation even more disturbing: the priest was a relative of some of the men accused.

That fact should surely have demanded an even greater degree of caution.

Instead, the Diocese has effectively decided that there should be no consequence.

The argument that the priest would act differently today does not resolve the matter. Indeed, it amounts to an admission that the course of action taken then was not the right one. It is certainly not an adequate response to the harm that may have resulted from that intervention.

The Church should understand that its responsibility does not end where criminal liability ends.

This is precisely the point made by the Lisa Marie Foundation, which has rightly expressed shock at the Bishop's decision. It has stressed that safeguarding is not merely about determining whether somebody committed abuse or broke the law. It is also about the ethical responsibility of people in positions of trust when allegations of child abuse are brought to their attention.

And what message does this decision send to victims?

Labour MP Ramona Attard's response is perhaps the most damning consequence of all. She has advised victims of sexual abuse not to report such cases to the Church, but instead to turn to the police or other professionals.

A Church should never find itself in a position where a public figure has to give such advice.

Victims should be able to approach the Church without fearing that their allegations will be minimised, diverted, or privately settled. They should be met with compassion, but also with an unequivocal insistence that allegations of child abuse be referred to the proper authorities.

There is some consolation in the fact that the law has changed since this case occurred. At the time, the continuation of proceedings depended on the complaint being maintained. Today, the legal framework is different, meaning that the police do not depend in the same way on a victim's consent to pursue such allegations.

That is progress. But laws alone cannot create a culture of safeguarding. Institutions have to demonstrate through their actions that protecting children comes before protecting reputations.

The Bishop says the Church continues to invest in safeguarding and prevention. That commitment will ring hollow unless difficult cases are dealt with in a way that gives victims confidence that the Church understands the gravity of what happened.

There is one question that needs to be asked: was the priest's intervention appropriate when a child was alleged to have been sexually abused?

By the Bishop's own account, it was not. The priest himself now accepts that he should have acted differently.

Yet there will be no canonical consequence.

That is why this is not simply an old case. It is a test of what the Church believes safeguarding actually means.

And on this occasion, the Gozo Diocese has sent the wrong message.

The significance of the site extends far beyond early human habitation. Excavations at Ta' Latnija are reconstructing 300,000 years of climatic history, offering vital insights into past climate change and ecosystem resilience. Led by Professor Eleanor Scerri, the project benefits from millions in European funding while generating specialized career opportunities and allowing Maltese students to participate directly in the fieldwork.

International recognition has quickly followed. Scientists from around the globe are visiting the site to evaluate the findings, and National Geographic is currently preparing a dedicated feature on the Mellieħa discoveries. Furthermore, the excavation disproves the previous historical assumption that Mesolithic hunters lacked the seafaring capabilities for long-distance travel, proving instead that entire societies navigated open waters over distances of at least 100 kilometers.

Accompanied by the Minister for the Arts, Culture and National Heritage, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, Abela praised the meticulous work carried out by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) and the team of archaeologists. He noted that sites of this caliber hold the potential for World Heritage status and reaffirmed the government's ongoing commitment to safeguarding Malta's rich cultural patrimony.

Minister for Local Government and Public Works Alison Zerafa Civelli, alongside Director General for Works Perit Stephen Bonello, highlighted these ongoing efforts during a site visit to the Dominican Sisters Convent in Ħal Safi. Technical assessments at the convent revealed that water infiltration had severely compromised the safety of the stone lintels above the doors. The department carried out essential consolidation and specialized waterproofing treatments to permanently resolve the issue and ensure a safe environment for the community.

In addition to the convent, the department executed an extensive renovation project at the Ħal Safi Parish Centre, known as the Domus. Upgrades included structural reinforcements near the stage, modernized restrooms and corridors, courtyard refurbishments, new utility services, improved lighting, and the complete restoration of the facade and parapet walls. These enhancements transform the building into a safe, accessible, and welcoming hub for local residents and children's activities.

Parish Priest Ivan Scicluna and Safi Mayor Johan Mula joined the ministerial visit to express their gratitude for the tangible improvements made to local facilities. These initiatives underscore the government's ongoing commitment to investing directly in community spaces, ensuring that voluntary organisations are equipped with safe, modern, and functional venues to serve the public for years to come.

The campaign is aimed at children and students returning to school, MCAST, Junior College, the University of Malta and other educational institutions for the new scholastic year. Once registered, students can travel free of charge on Malta Public Transport's day and night bus services using their personalised Tallinja card.

Applications are open for students aged between 11 and 16, as well as those 17 and over who can provide proof of attendance on a full-time study course lasting more than three months.

The personalised Tallinja card can be used for journeys to and from educational institutions, as well as for travel during the day and after school hours.

Students who do not yet have a personalised Tallinja card are encouraged to take advantage of the campaign and apply during the applicable days.

For more information and to apply, visit the Malta Public Transport website.

The German government on Tuesday blamed Russia for the attempted attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on Aug. 4 using a drone laden with explosives and announced it would shut down a Russian consulate among other measures.

The drone was found near a Ukrainian cargo plane and the device was defused. The airport is a major international freight hub and is used for providing support to Ukraine. German officials said at the time that the incident posed a new level of danger.

"It is clear that it has all the hallmarks of state sponsored terrorism. The question is: what do we do about this?" EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told reporters before chairing a meeting of the bloc's defense ministers in Ireland.

Moscow has been widely accused by Western officials of running a campaign of sabotage and disruption with the aim of undermining support for Ukraine and destabilizing European nations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Berlin's allegations, instead claiming that Germany's government wants to distract from its own failings and dissatisfaction among voters with "the need to counter an aggressive Russia." He said that any proof being offered "has been planted."

The EU had already been planning to impose sanctions on more people over Russia's war on Ukraine and has "in the pipeline 1,600 listings for the military complex of Russia, and maybe there are more to be added," Kallas said.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the failed attack was part of "a long-term plan led by the Kremlin to destabilize the European Union, its democratic processes, but obviously also its support for Ukraine."

Barrot said France has summoned Russia's envoy in Paris to "protest strongly."

"We won't allow an act of such gravity without consequences," he said, adding that France wants to impose more sanctions on shadow fleet ships illicitly transporting oil to fuel the Kremlin's war on Ukraine.

The nature of the attempted attack and its attribution to Russia appear to warrant a new approach from the EU and perhaps NATO, but the member nations remain cautious about being dragged into open conflict with the nuclear armed country.

Germany insisted that it was "not at war" but had become a "daily target" of Russia's hybrid campaign.

The EU has slapped almost two dozen packages of sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukraine, targeting roughly 3,000 people and entities, including President Vladimir Putin, several oligarchs who back him and scores of Russian lawmakers.

Russian banks and financial institutions have been hit, as well as hundreds of ships that make up a shadow fleet illicitly shipping oil to fuel Putin's war effort, and many companies, notably energy firms and drone manufacturers.

The measures mostly concern asset freezes and travel bans. People and companies in countries considered backers of Russia are also on the EU list, including from Belarus, China, Iran and North Korea.

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also attended the EU meeting, along with officials from Ukraine, Canada, Norway, Switzerland and Iceland.

"We see an attempt by Russia to divide us in Europe and to deter us from our support for Ukraine," Miliband told reporters.

"This attempt will fail. It will fail because we will stand up to Russian aggression. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends in Ukraine," he said, for "as long as it takes for them to prevail in this conflict."

The failed attack in Germany is one of several worrying incidents or acts of sabotage reported across Europe recently, including a fire at a major drone making factory in Poland, with Russia suspected in many cases. There have also been drone incursions in Estonia and Latvia resulting from Russia's war in Ukraine.

Spain has publicly accused Russia, along with Israel, of using disinformation to incite migrants to cross from Morocco into its Ceuta exclave in northern Africa.

Launched by Minister for Accommodation and Lands Owen Bonnici, this measure fulfills an electoral commitment for the government's opening 100 days and addresses the reality that housing needs evolve throughout a person's life.

Minister Bonnici emphasised that buying a home is one of the most significant financial and personal decisions a family can make. The charter is designed to ensure buyers clearly understand their rights and responsibilities, know what potential pitfalls to watch out for, and have actionable recourse if their rights are compromised. By bringing key industry stakeholders together, the initiative seeks to create a practical, credible tool that empowers everyday consumers.

Building upon the First-Time Buyers Guide introduced by the Housing Authority last year, the new charter expands its scope to cover all residential property purchasers regardless of age or life stage. Matthew Zerafa, Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Authority, noted that the project aims to establish a shared set of national standards for good practices within the local property market.

The collaborative consultation process engages a broad spectrum of professionals and authorities, including property developers, real estate agents, commercial banks, architects, notaries, and public regulators. Together, they will work to shape a single, accessible framework highlighting best practices and critical considerations before buyers commit to major investments.

The public consultation will remain open for two months. Interested individuals and organizations can review the proposal and submit their feedback by visiting the official government consultation portal at https://www.gov.mt/mt/publicconsultation/Pages/2026/NL-0031-2026.aspx.

The MHRA said it believes that whether a restaurant applies a service charge, a cover charge, or neither, should remain a commercial decision for the entrepreneur.

Different establishments operate different business models, and that flexibility should be respected, it said.

"What must be guaranteed is full transparency, with customers clearly informed of any applicable charge before placing an order and in line with consumer protection requirements," the statement said.

The MHRA also stressed that service charges and cover charges are not the same thing and should not be confused.

The association is calling on the government to introduce a clear framework whereby genuine tips and qualifying service-related payments distributed to hospitality employees are tax-free.

"Where a charge is specifically represented as being for employees, it should be distributed fairly and transparently to those employees and remain separate from the employer's responsibility to provide proper wages and employment conditions," it said.

The MHRA is urging the government to use the forthcoming Budget process to introduce a simple framework based on three principles: freedom for businesses to determine their commercial model, full transparency for consumers, and tax-free rewards for employees who deliver excellent service.

Malta's online gaming sector continues to attract scrutiny over licensing standards, player protection, and payout reliability. Against that backdrop, three platforms operating under the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) - Playzee, SpinYoo, and Casiku - offer a useful case study in how a shared regulatory foundation can support distinct commercial approaches within the same market.

All three brands hold MGA licensing, which requires adherence to standards covering transparent gaming practices, player fund protection, and timely payout processing. Despite operating under this common regulatory umbrella, each platform has developed a positioning strategy aimed at a different segment of the player base.

Playzee: An Integrated Sports and Casino Offering

Playzee's model centres on combining a full sportsbook with an extensive casino lobby under a single account. The platform hosts more than 3,500 titles sourced from established developers including NetEnt, Microgaming, and Pragmatic Play, allowing users to move between live sports markets and casino games without managing separate balances. Its Zee Club loyalty structure layers personalised promotions and VIP rewards on top of the core offering, reflecting a broader industry trend toward tailored retention strategies rather than blanket promotional campaigns.

SpinYoo: A Customisation-Led Approach

SpinYoo differentiates itself through interface design rather than game volume. Its "You&Yoo" feature allows players to construct a personalised homepage, surfacing preferred titles and active promotions while filtering out the rest of the catalogue. The platform draws on more than 40 software studios, including Play'n GO, Relax Gaming, and Hacksaw Gaming, and supplements this with structured recurring incentives such as daily spin promotions and weekly cashback offers - a model designed to sustain engagement through predictable value rather than one-off bonuses.

Casiku: Scale and Player-Value Positioning

Launched more recently than its counterparts, Casiku has expanded quickly into what is now one of the larger game catalogues in the MGA-regulated market, featuring more than 4,000 titles from upwards of 110 studios. Its commercial positioning leans on player-favourable bonus terms, including wager-free spin promotions and recurring cashback, which distinguish it from operators relying more heavily on high-turnover welcome bonuses.

Regulatory Context

The presence of three differently positioned brands under one licensing framework illustrates a broader pattern in Malta's gaming industry: MGA authorisation sets a baseline of consumer protection and operational transparency but does not constrain how operators compete on product design, loyalty mechanics, or promotional structure. For players, this means the choice between platforms such as Playzee, SpinYoo, and Casiku is less about trust - all three meet the same regulatory bar - and more about which product experience and reward structure best fits individual playing habits.

As Malta's iGaming sector continues to mature, this kind of differentiation within a shared regulatory standard is likely to become more pronounced, with operators competing increasingly on personalisation and value transparency rather than licensing credentials alone.

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The service will now operate Monday to Friday from 7am to 4.30pm, instead of ending at 2pm, and will also operate on Saturday mornings.

The extension was announced by Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Deo Debattista during a press conference attended by Permanent Secretary Renzo Degabriele, Active Ageing and Community Care CEO Steve Agius and Silver T representative Yaser Teebi.

The measure was included in the Labour Party's electoral manifesto and is being implemented during the first 100 days of the new Government.

Silver T provides free transport to people over 60 who require assistance to carry out their duties in the community. The service allows elderly people to travel to places including banks, markets, supermarkets, health centres and local councils without having to constantly depend on family members or friends.

More than 33,000 journeys were made through the Silver T service between the beginning of the year and the end of June, while around 1,000 people use the service every month. Since its launch in 2019, the service has continued to expand and is now available nationally across Malta and Gozo.

Debattista said the extension formed part of a wider political vision focused on the independence, dignity and participation of older people.

"For this Government, active ageing is not simply a slogan, but a policy that we are translating into concrete services that make a difference in people's daily lives," he said.

"Our services must adapt to the lives and needs of the elderly, not the elderly having to adapt to the services."

He added that behind every journey was a person who had been able to attend an appointment, carry out an errand or remain active in their community, as well as a family that could have peace of mind knowing their relative had reached their destination safely.

Degabriele said the extension reflected the Government's continued commitment to investing in accessible, flexible and person-centred community services.

Agius said the longer hours would allow Silver T to better respond to the needs of elderly people and give them greater choice when planning their appointments and daily responsibilities.

The Silver T service must be booked at least three days before transport is required.

The judge's summing-up is taking place after all the evidence has been heard, with jurors being reminded that it is their role to determine the facts on the basis of what was presented in court.

Fenech, 44, has pleaded not guilty to complicity in the assassination of Caruana Galizia and to membership of a criminal organisation allegedly formed to carry out the murder.

Caruana Galizia, a columnist with The Malta Independent, was killed by a car bomb on 16 October 2017.

During Tuesday morning's sitting, Grima moved through testimony from a large number of witnesses, at times dealing with individual accounts in considerable detail and at others moving quickly through evidence concerning the investigation and forensic work.

The morning began with the judge returning to the testimony of Vince Muscat, known as il-Koħħu, and the events surrounding the alleged plot to kill Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Muscat had testified about an earlier plan in 2015, which he linked to former minister Chris Cardona and which involved a €50,000 payment expected to come through lawyer David Gatt. According to Muscat, the money never arrived and the plan collapsed.

He also testified that Caruana Galizia's movements had been monitored for around six weeks, with Jamie Vella allegedly expected to carry out the killing using a machine gun.

Grima then moved to Muscat's account of the later plot in 2017.

Muscat testified that the original intention had been to shoot Caruana Galizia through a window at her home while she was working on her laptop late at night. That plan was subsequently abandoned because of concerns about the risks involved, including the possibility of the perpetrators being stopped at a roadblock.

The method was then changed to the use of an explosive device.

Muscat also recalled meetings involving Melvin Theuma and the Degiorgio brothers. He testified that Alfred Degiorgio would meet Theuma at the Busy Bee in Msida and that the hitmen had insisted on receiving money upfront because they had already been disappointed by the failed 2015 plan.

The plan was temporarily suspended when the 2017 general election was called and resumed after Labour returned to government, according to Muscat's evidence.

Muscat also testified about what happened after the arrests. He said the Degiorgio brothers had learned that he was cooperating with police and had attributed this information to Theuma. He recalled threats involving the children and said his lawyer had also been frightened.

Grima also recalled evidence from Alfred Degiorgio, who had told the court that he had no doubt Schembri, Gatt and Cardona were involved in Caruana Galizia's murder. Degiorgio declined to elaborate further, referring to proceedings pending before the European Court of Human Rights.

The judge then moved to evidence concerning George Degiorgio's account of the alleged earlier plot. He had testified that the same people allegedly involved in the 2015 plan were involved again in 2017.

The summing-up then moved to evidence surrounding Theuma's arrest and subsequent cooperation with police.

Superintendent Nicholas Vella's testimony was revisited, including his evidence concerning the operation in which Theuma, Edgar Brincat, Charmaine Theuma and Chayenne Zammit were arrested. Vella said that, when the time came for the suspects to be arraigned, he was informed that the authorities were considering a presidential pardon for Theuma.

Grima subsequently turned to the testimony of Edgar Brincat, known as il-Ġojja, who had known Theuma for many years.

Brincat testified that Theuma had told him he was involved in the murder of Caruana Galizia. According to Brincat, Theuma was extremely distressed during the conversation, crying and appearing highly agitated.

He also recalled Theuma speaking about the government job he had been given and saying that he had gone to Castille when the arrangement was made, where he had taken a photograph with Schembri.

Brincat told the court that Theuma wanted to go to police because he had recordings which could explain the case. He initially tried to dissuade him, saying that he feared Theuma would bring more trouble upon himself and that he did not trust the police.

The judge also revisited Brincat's contacts with former police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar.

Brincat testified that Cutajar had asked him to obtain information from Theuma to understand where matters stood. He said Cutajar had told him: "If you help me, I'll help you."

Cutajar subsequently took the witness stand and denied passing information about the investigation to Brincat. He also denied having any role in securing Theuma's presidential pardon or receiving money in connection with it.

Cutajar maintained that he had instead been trying to ensure that Theuma's recordings were handed over to the authorities.

Grima then turned to the testimony of Johann Cremona, who was described in court as being close to Fenech's uncle and as having been a business partner of Fenech in a gaming company.

Cremona testified that Kenneth Camilleri had contacted him in May 2018 asking to speak to Theuma. Cremona drove Camilleri to Theuma's home, where Camilleri spoke to him.

Cremona later brought the two men together again outside Parliament. It was during that meeting, according to Cremona, that he realised the conversation was connected to the Caruana Galizia assassination.

Cremona said Theuma subsequently began visiting him frequently and speaking to him about the case. He testified that Theuma had admitted to being the middleman in the assassination.

The judge also referred to Cremona's evidence that Theuma believed he might receive a presidential pardon and his claims concerning former police commissioner Cutajar and the recordings.

The testimony of Kenneth Camilleri was then revisited. Camilleri said Schembri had asked him to contact Theuma through Cremona, but that he never understood why he had been drawn into the matter.

He denied ever meeting Theuma with the intention of killing him and said the episode had left him dreading going to work. He testified that he had felt intimidated and was even afraid of Schembri.

Grima then moved to the searches carried out at Schembri's residence.

SOCO officer Michelle Camilleri testified that officers had been instructed to seize devices identified by Schembri himself. Schembri moved around the house while officers followed and collected the items he indicated, including a children's tablet.

Camilleri stressed that Schembri did not have a mobile phone in his hand and that other devices in the property were not seized because officers were following instructions to collect only those he identified.

Officer Mario Azzopardi gave similar evidence, saying officers moved around the property with Schembri while he pointed out the devices to be collected. Azzopardi said such a search was not normally conducted in that manner and that it would not usually be expected for a

The afternoon sitting resumed with Grima turning to the testimony of former chief of staff Keith Schembri, who had categorically denied any involvement in Caruana Galizia's murder.

Schembri testified that he had known Fenech since childhood and said that between 2015 and 2017 he had no business dealings with him. He recalled a photograph taken with Melvin Theuma before the 2017 election, maintaining that he had never met Theuma before that occasion and never met him again afterwards.

He denied sending Kenneth Camilleri to speak to Theuma or being approached about bail for the Degiorgio brothers. Schembri also said he had tried to calm Fenech and told him not to flee Malta, while maintaining that Theuma should never have received a presidential pardon.

Grima revisited Schembri's evidence about his missing mobile phone and the search of his Mellieħa residence. Schembri claimed officers had "turned everything upside down", despite SOCO officers testifying that they had been instructed to collect only devices which he pointed out.

Officer Gary Scerri similarly testified that what took place was not a search in the ordinary sense because officers did not independently look through the property.

The judge then moved through several other witnesses before revisiting testimony from Caruana Galizia's husband Peter and son Matthew.

Peter recalled arriving in Bidnija following the explosion and asking Inspector Kurt Zahra whether his wife had died. "Yes, she died," Zahra replied.

Matthew testified that he was among the first people to reach the scene and realised from the wreckage and the car's registration plate that it was his mother's vehicle and that she could not have survived.

He said his life changed completely from that day and that he put aside his career to dedicate himself to seeking justice. Grima also revisited his evidence concerning the investigative work he carried out with his mother on the Panama Papers, 17 Black and Electrogas.

The judge later turned to Logan Wood, captain of Fenech's yacht, who testified that they left Portomaso at around 5am on the morning of Fenech's arrest before being stopped by the Armed Forces around half an hour later.

Wood said Fenech had instructed him to switch off the yacht's AIS tracker and make sure "the coast was 100% clear". He also confirmed that one of his tasks had been to hide cash for Fenech.

Grima subsequently moved to the testimony of Fenech's family doctor, Adrian Vella, revisiting events in the days leading up to Fenech's arrest.

Vella testified that he invited Fenech to rest at his holiday home in Gozo on 15 November 2019, at a time when Fenech was struggling with drug use. He later received a message from someone identifying himself as "Yors", asking him to bring something from Schembri.

Vella recalled collecting documents from Schembri and handing them to Fenech, who reacted by saying: "It can't be, it can't be. If I go down, they go down with me."

When police later came for Vella, he called Schembri twice. Vella also admitted deleting WhatsApp chats while in police custody, saying his phone contained medical information.

The final part of Tuesday's sitting was dedicated to the extensive testimony of Melvin Theuma.

Theuma testified that he came to know Fenech while working as a taxi driver around the Hilton area. According to his account, Fenech later called him over near the Blue Elephant restaurant and asked whether he knew George Degiorgio, because he wanted Caruana Galizia killed.

Theuma said Fenech told him the motive concerned information the journalist was expected to publish about "Uncle Ray".

According to Theuma, around two weeks after Labour won the 2017 general election, Fenech handed him three envelopes containing €50,000 each and told him to proceed with the murder.

Theuma also testified that Fenech told him: "Make sure they don't just cut off her legs like they did to Bone", referring to a car bomb attack on Romeo Bone which he survived.

He further claimed that Fenech later warned him of a major police raid targeting the hitmen in December, saying the information had come from former deputy police commissioner Silvio Valletta.

Throughout his testimony, defence lawyers repeatedly challenged Theuma's credibility, highlighting inconsistencies in his account, his criminal connections and allegations that he had attempted to pressure or blackmail Fenech.

They also questioned the circumstances surrounding his presidential pardon, focusing on instances in which Theuma admitted having lied when he implicated Schembri in the murder in a handwritten letter. The defence argued that Theuma obtained his pardon in exchange for implicating Fenech while clearing Schembri.

The judge also revisited the heated confrontation between Theuma and George Degiorgio on the witness stand.

Degiorgio claimed Schembri had sent Theuma to commission the murder, which Theuma angrily denied, insisting that he had never mentioned either Schembri or Fenech to the killers.

"Tell the truth... they never gave us a pardon because we were going to expose the big fish. Because we have balls, unlike you," Degiorgio told him.

Grima reminded jurors that Theuma received a presidential pardon in connection with five cases: money laundering, Caruana Galizia's murder and three hold-ups linked to HSBC branches in Balzan and Qormi and the Casino di Venezia.

She opted not to revisit Theuma's recordings, telling jurors they had already heard enough of them and had practically all the material before them.

Proceedings will resume at 9am on Wednesday.

The union's concerns come amid increasing reports of restaurants and other food establishments adding an additional 10% service charge to customers' bills.

The GWU said wages, working conditions and employment benefits should remain the direct responsibility of employers and should not depend on additional charges imposed on customers.

It argued that linking workers' income to a mandatory service charge could undermine fair pay and stable working conditions, while also creating uncertainty over how the money collected from customers would be distributed.

The union also warned that the charge could effectively increase prices for consumers, who would be paying an additional fee on top of the cost of their food and drinks. It said this could place further pressure on families and consumers already facing economic difficulties.

Another concern raised by the GWU is the potential impact on traditional tipping practices. The union said customers may assume that workers are already being adequately compensated through the mandatory service charge and consequently reduce or stop giving tips.

This, it warned, could leave workers financially worse off, particularly if there is no clear system guaranteeing that all money collected through the service charge reaches employees.

The GWU stressed that the service provided in restaurants, hotels and other establishments is the result of workers' professionalism and dedication, and said that any service charge introduced should ultimately benefit those providing the service.

The position is also supported by the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE), which has publicly stated that any service charge should be for the benefit of workers.

The union is calling for a clear and transparent regulatory framework governing service charges, ensuring that any money collected is administered fairly and distributed to workers without different establishments interpreting the system differently.

The GWU is also questioning the reasons behind the proposal, pointing to an earlier public discussion about reducing VAT on restaurants to 7% as a measure to support the sector.

As that proposal did not materialise, the union said questions have been raised over whether the service charge could effectively be an attempt to fill the gap left by the proposed VAT reduction.

The GWU said any changes affecting workers, consumers or the hospitality sector should follow proper consultation with all social partners rather than being introduced through measures that could create further uncertainty.

It said the priority should remain ensuring decent wages, improved working conditions and effective protection for workers, while maintaining a fair balance with consumers' interests.

The union said it will continue to monitor developments and reiterated its commitment to defending workers' rights and ensuring that any decision is fair, transparent and in the interests of workers and the wider public.

Facts of the case

The plaintiff company operates a yacht yard and provides storage, maintenance and ancillary services to vessels in return for the payment of the applicable fees and charges. These services include the provision of storage facilities, ground rent and the supply of utilities such as water and electricity to vessels kept within its yard.

The plaintiff explained that the Yacht had remained within its yard for a considerable number of years, and during this period, continued to benefit from the facilities and services that were being provided by the plaintiff. Therefore, the Yacht was ultimately abandoned by its owners, leaving substantial amounts unpaid.

In view of this, the plaintiff instituted proceedings against the Yacht, seeking payment of the sum of thirty-nine thousand, six hundred and thirty-three euro and eighty-four cents (€39,633.84) in respect of outstanding storage fees, ground rent, and charges for the supply of water and electricity while the Yacht remained berthed within the plaintiff's yard, as established by the evidence demonstrated before the Court. The plaintiff further requested that the award include the costs associated with the warrant of arrest filed contemporaneously with the present application.

The Court appointed curators, Dr Sarah Tua and P.L. Marie Claire Bartolo (Curators) to represent the abandoned Yacht and they appeared on behalf of the Yacht. The Curators raised a preliminary plea contending that the Yacht was not the legitimate defendant to the plaintiff's claims. They argued that the Yacht should therefore be released from the observance of any judgment delivered in the proceedings.

The Courts Considerations

The court first considered the preliminary objection raised by the Curators and rejected this claim noting that this present case falls within the limits of Article 742B of the Code of Organization and Civil Procedure (Chapter 12 of the Laws of Malta, hereinafter referred to as the "COCP"), which grants the Maltese courts the jurisdiction in rem against any ships or vessels in certain maritime claims.

742B. Save as otherwise expressly provided by law, the civil courts of Malta shall have jurisdiction in rem against ships or vessels in the following maritime claims:

The Court noted that the present case falls specifically within Article 742B(l) of the COCP, which states that Maltese courts have jurisdiction in rem against any ships in "any claims regarding costs or expenses relating to the raising , removal, recovery, destruction or the rendering harmless of a ship which is sunk, wrecked, stranded or abandoned, including anything that is or has been onboard such ship, and costs or expenses relating to the preservation of an abandoned ship and maintenance of her crew;".

This concept of in rem jurisdiction was central to the judgement. An in rem action is a proceeding brought against a property or subject matter to which the claim relates, rather than solely a person. In maritime claims, as can be seen from this case, this property is generally the vessel itself. Maltese law confers such an in rem jurisdiction against the vessel, where in this case the Yacht itself is the defendant and claims can be enforced against the vessel and its value. Therefore, the Court had in rem jurisdiction in respect of the plaintiff's claims concerning expenses relating to the maintenance of the abandoned Yacht.

When considering the facts of the case and the evidence presented before it, the Court was satisfied that the plaintiff had successfully established that the Yacht had been abandoned within the plaintiff's yard. In reaching this conclusion, the Court relied on a substantial body of evidence, including witness testimonies, invoices, statements of account, and a marine survey report confirming the Yacht's state of abandonment. Against this background, the Court held that the plaintiff's claim fell squarely within the scope of Article 742B(l) of the COCP.

Consequently, the Court rejected the preliminary objection and held that the Yacht was the proper defendant in these proceedings. Taking all the evidence together, including the documentary evidence and the unchallenged testimony of the plaintiff's witnesses, the Court found that the plaintiff's claim had been satisfactory proven and that there was no reason to doubt the amount claimed.

In delivering its judgment, the Court, for all the foregoing reasons:

1.     rejected all preliminary objections raised by the Curators; and

2.     upheld the plaintiff's claim, having found it to be successfully established through documentary and testimonial evidence, and consequently ordered the Yacht to pay the sum of thirty-nine thousand, six hundred and thirty-three euro and eighty-four cents (€39,633.84), together with costs and commercial interest.

Concluding remarks

This judgement is important as it provides a useful illustration of the practical operation of in rem jurisdiction in Malta and that  proceedings may be initiated directly against the vessels.. In doing so it confirms the effectiveness of in rem action in circumstances where a vessel has been abandoned and the owner is either unknown or not actively participating in the proceedings. The decision also reinforces the protection afforded to maritime service providers faced with vessels that have been abandoned while incurring expenses for storage and maintenance.

Simay Cilingir Associate at Ganado Advocates working within the firm's Shipping department.

Mattea Bianchi also contributed to this article. She is a legal intern within the Shipping department at Ganado Advocates, has also contributed to the drafting of this law report.

Disclaimer: Ganado Advocates is responsible for contributing this law report but was not in any way involved as legal advisor for the parties in the judgment being covered in this law report.

Police said they were informed of the incident at around 3:45pm. The accident happened at a construction site in Triq il-Farkizzan.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the man, who lives in Ħamrun, was carrying out works when he fell down the lift shaft from a height of approximately three storeys.

Members of the Civil Protection Department and a medical team were called to the scene to assist. The injured worker was taken by ambulance to Mater Dei Hospital, where he was certified as suffering from serious injuries.

Magistrate Dr Philip Galea Farrugia has been informed of the case and appointed an inquiry.

Police investigations are ongoing, together with investigations by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The report of the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life was adopted after, during yesterday's meeting of the Parliamentary Committee, the two members nominated by the Prime Minister - Ministers Byron Camilleri and Jonathan Attard - abstained, while the two substitute members nominated by the Leader of the Opposition, Paula Mifsud Bonnici and Michael Piccinino, voted in favour.

The case concerned a statement containing partisan attacks and unfounded allegations which the Minister issued through the Government's Department of Information (DOI), despite a number of previous cases in which the Commissioner had already drawn the attention of other Ministers to the fact that statements issued through the DOI should be objective and should not contain partisan material.

"While other Ministers had apologised and given assurances that such cases would not be repeated, Minister Bonett remained obstinate and continued to fail to distinguish between his role as a Minister and his role as a member of a political party," the PN said.

At the same time, the PN cannot but express its disappointment at the fact that the Government continues to drag its feet on giving legal force to the guidelines issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Standards on how the Code of Ethics for Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries should be interpreted with regard to Government advertising and promotional material.

This has resulted in reports by the same Commissioner concerning the abuse of Government advertising by Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries not being adopted by Parliament's Standards Committee, on the grounds that the advertising guidelines do not have the force of law.

This happened once again yesterday during the same meeting of the Standing Committee on Standards in Public Life, which had before it three reports concerning abusive Government advertising.

Speaker Carmelo Abela decided to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor and voted against all three reports of the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life.

Back in 2021, the previous Speaker had abstained on a similar report on the grounds that there were no guidelines establishing clear criteria on how Government advertising should be carried out without becoming personal publicity for Ministers, the PN said.

Only a few months later, the then Commissioner for Standards published a document setting out clear guidelines on how the Code of Ethics should be interpreted in this regard. That document was circulated to all Members of Parliament and no objections were raised.

Despite this, even after the guidelines were introduced, both former Speaker Anġlu Farrugia and now the current Speaker Carmelo Abela have voted against every report by the Commissioner for Standards finding an ethical breach by Ministers or Parliamentary Secretaries who used public funds for advertising and personal promotion. The justification given has been that these guidelines do not have legal force, the PN said.

At the same time, the Government has taken no steps to incorporate these guidelines into the Code itself if its Ministers are incapable of interpreting the Code of Ethics when it comes to advertising and promotional material.

This has created a situation in which Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries effectively have carte blanche to disregard the Code of Ethics in this area, knowing that the Committee, through the Speaker's casting vote, repeatedly rejects the report even when the Commissioner finds a breach.

While some Ministers involved in similar reports apologised voluntarily, and there were cases in which funds were even reimbursed, others have continued to repeat the same abuse, report after report.

The PN said it deplores this situation, which continues to create a clear imbalance in the use of the machinery of the State and public funds in the functioning of democracy.

The PN also called on the Government to adopt the Commissioner for Standards' guidelines without further delay. For as long as it continues to refuse to do so, it will only be confirming that it is deliberately dragging its feet so that, when it comes to advertising funded by public money, its Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries can continue doing as they please.

Yesterday, Grima opened her summing-up by reminding jurors that they are the judges of fact and must base their decision only on the evidence heard in court.

"You are not investigators. You are judges," she told them, warning against speculation over evidence that was never presented or investigative steps that may or may not have been taken.

The judge also reviewed the core legal principles governing their eventual verdict, including the presumption of innocence, the prosecution's burden of proof and the requirement that guilt be established beyond reasonable doubt.

She explained how jurors should assess witness credibility, circumstantial evidence, expert opinion and documentary evidence.

Businessman Yorgen Fenech, 44, is facing trial after pleading not guilty to complicity in the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and to membership of a criminal organisation allegedly formed to carry out the murder. 

Caruana Galizia, a columnist with The Malta Independent, was killed in a car bomb on 16 October 2017.

Five men have already been convicted in connection with Caruana Galizia's assassination. Vince Muscat admitted his role in the murder in 2021 and was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment. Alfred and George Degiorgio each received 40-year prison sentences after pleading guilty in 2022, while Robert Agius and Jamie Vella were sentenced to life imprisonment in 2025 for supplying the bomb used in the attack.

The prosecution is being led by Attorney General lawyers Godwin Cini, Anthony Vella and Danika Vella, assisted by Assistant Commissioner Keith Arnaud and Inspector Kurt Zahra. Fenech is represented by lawyers Charles Mercieca, Giannella de Marco and Gianluca Caruana Curran, while lawyers Therese Comodini Cachia and Jason Azzopardi are appearing parte ciThe court will take a short break until 5:15pm.The court will take a short break until 5:15pm.vile on behalf of the Caruana Galizia family.

Judge Edwina Grima is presiding.

Please refresh for updates

18:37 That brings the 54th day of Yorgen Fenech's trial to a close, exactly two months after proceedings began on 1 July.

The judge's address is now drawing closer to its conclusion, after which jurors will eventually retire to deliberate on their verdict. Proceedings will resume at 9am on Wednesday. Thank you for following, we will have a roundup of today's sitting on our website shortly.

18:20 Judge Edwina Grima reminded jurors that Melvin Theuma was granted a presidential pardon in connection with five cases: money laundering, the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia and three hold-ups linked to HSBC branches in Balzan and Qormi and the Casino di Venezia.

As she continued going through Theuma's testimony, the judge chose not to revisit the recordings, remarking that jurors had already heard enough of them and had practically all the material before them.

18:02 Theuma's testimony also produced one of the jury's most explosive moments, when he came face-to-face with hitman George Degiorgio on the witness stand.

The confrontation erupted after Degiorgio claimed that Keith Schembri had sent Theuma to commission the murder, prompting an angry denial from Theuma, who insisted that he had never mentioned either Schembri or Fenech to the killers.

"Tell the truth... they never gave us a pardon because we were going to expose the big fish. Because we have balls, unlike you," Degiorgio told Theuma as the pair clashed.

George Degiorgio had said that Theuma approached him first, rather than Alfred Degiorgio.

He also claimed that they had gone to Chris Cardona, and that Cardona told them Keith Schembri had sent Melvin Theuma.

Theuma, for his part, denied that account.

18:00 Throughout his testimony, defence lawyers repeatedly challenged Theuma's credibility, seeking to highlight inconsistencies in his account of events.

They drew jurors' attention to Theuma's criminal connections and alleged that he had attempted to pressure or blackmail Fenech.

The defence also repeatedly questioned the circumstances surrounding Theuma's presidential pardon, pointing to instances in which he admitted having lied when he previously implicated Keith Schembri in the murder in a handwritten letter.

Defence lawyers argued that Theuma secured the pardon in exchange for implicating Fenech in the murder while clearing Schembri of involvement.

17:58 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing Melvin Theuma's testimony, in which he described how, after members of his family ended up in court and his daughter was served with a warrant, Edgar Brincat went to speak to him at home.

According to Theuma, Brincat told him that former police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar knew about the existence of the recordings.

Theuma testified that after receiving that information, he alerted both Yorgen Fenech and Johann Cremona.

17:54 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing the testimony of Melvin Theuma, who said Yorgen Fenech warned him that the hitmen were facing a major police raid in December.

According to Theuma, Fenech told him that the information was coming from former deputy police commissioner Silvio Valletta.

Theuma also testified that Fenech referred to the message sent to activate the bomb that killed Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The review then moves to money Theuma said he passed to Mario Degiorgio, brother of George and Alfred Degiorgio, with some of the funds intended for the brothers.

Mario Degiorgio was not called to testify in this trial.

17:45 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing the testimony of Melvin Theuma, who said Yorgen Fenech had bet on a Labour victory in the 2017 election and won around €300,000.

According to Theuma, around two weeks after the election win, Fenech gave him three envelopes containing €50,000 each and told him he could proceed with the murder.

Theuma also testified that Fenech told him: "Make sure they don't just cut off her legs like they did to Bone," referring to the car bomb attack on Romeo Bone in Msida, which the victim survived.

17:40 Madam Justice Edwina Grima begins reviewing the testimony of Melvin Theuma.

Theuma said that between 2015 and 2016 he began working as a taxi driver around the Hilton area, where he came to know Yorgen Fenech.

According to his evidence, Fenech later called him over near the Blue Elephant restaurant and asked whether he knew George Degiorgio, known as iċ-Ċiniż, because he wanted Daphne Caruana Galizia killed.

Theuma said Fenech told him the reason was information the journalist was expected to publish about "Uncle Ray."

Theuma also testified that Fenech called him to warn him that he would receive a call from Sandro Craus at Castille.

17:38 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing the testimony of doctor Adrian Vella.

Vella testified that while he was being held by police and was in a police car, he deleted WhatsApp chats, saying the phone contained medical information.

He also said he spoke to Keith Schembri shortly after midnight, rather than at around 5am as Schembri had testified when describing his final contacts before losing his phone.

Vella further recalled that former police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar did not believe his account that certain documents had come from Schembri, telling him they could have been written by Vella himself or by someone else.

17:37 In her summary of doctor Adrian Vella's testimony, Madam Justice Edwina Grima recalls that Vella said he spoke to Keith Schembri almost every day, after the two became close when Schembri fell ill.

Vella said they may at times have discussed the case, although he could not recall the details of those conversations.

According to his evidence, Yorgen Fenech expected Schembri to help him, and said he was prepared to "drag [Schembri] down with [him]."

On the trip to Gozo, Vella said he did not know who had originally suggested going there with Fenech, but did not rule out that it may have been Schembri.

17:23 In the summary of doctor Adrian Vella's testimony, jurors are reminded of the moment he said he handed Yorgen Fenech documents he had collected from Keith Schembri.

According to Vella, Fenech reacted by saying: "It can't be, it can't be. If I go down, they go down with me."

Vella also testified that when police later came for him that evening, he called Schembri twice: first to inform him, and then again, with Schembri telling him to open the door to police.

On Melvin Theuma, Vella said he did not know him personally, but knew that he supplied meat to the Fenech family and that he and Yorgen were friends.

17:22 Continuing the summary of doctor Adrian Vella's testimony, jurors are reminded of the days leading up to Yorgen Fenech's arrest.

Vella said he coordinated with Yorgen's brother, Franco Fenech, in an attempt to calm him down in Gozo.

According to his testimony, Yorgen and Franco were behaving erratically and began referring to various planes and rockets. Vella said they told him not to interfere and to go outside to water the garden.

He maintained that he could not recall the substance of their conversation.

After leaving angrily, Vella said he returned a few days later and found a considerable amount of white powder on the floor.

Around the same period, Keith Schembri invited him over for a whisky, but Vella declined. He later received a missed call from an unfamiliar number, followed by a message from the same number from someone identifying himself as "Yors," asking him to bring something from Schembri.

17:17 Judge Edwina Grima moves to the testimony of doctor Adrian Vella, who said he was Yorgen Fenech's family doctor.

Vella testified that he had travelled abroad with both Fenech and Keith Schembri, and also with Schembri alone, on occasions linked to Schembri's health.

He also recalled that on 15 November 2019 he invited Fenech to rest at his holiday home in Gozo, at a time when he said Fenech was struggling with drug use.

According to Vella, Fenech was under the influence of drugs that day and had stopped by to collect something from the office.

The doctor also said Fenech did not have his own mobile phone with him and asked to use Vella's phone to make three calls. Vella said he did not know who Fenech was speaking to, but recalled that he sounded angry during the calls.

17:06 Judge Grima again moves quickly through a series of witnesses and material linked to the digital evidence.

Among the material being placed back before jurors is the "No Valletta, No Party" chat, which featured in the evidence during the trial.

17:05 Judge Edwina Grima now moves to the testimony of the psychiatrist who examined Melvin Theuma to determine whether he was mentally and psychologically fit to testify in court.

17:02 Madam Justice Edwina Grima moves to the testimony of Logan Wood, the captain of Yorgen Fenech's yacht.

Wood testified that on the morning of Fenech's arrest they left Portomaso at around 5am, but were stopped at sea by the Armed Forces roughly half an hour later.

According to his evidence, Fenech had told him to switch off the yacht's AIS tracker and make sure "the coast was 100% clear."

Wood also confirmed that one of his tasks was to hide cash for Fenech.

Asked whether the two had ever discussed the Daphne Caruana Galizia case, Wood denied it and said: "We just used to speak about boats."

17:00 The judge and jurors enter the courtroom.

16:25 We will take a short break until 4:45pm.

16:17 Madam Justice Edwina Grima moves to the testimony of Matthew Caruana Galizia, Daphne's son, summarising both the immediate aftermath of the explosion and the investigative work he carried out alongside his mother.

Grima recalls how Matthew was among the first people to reach the scene after the blast, where the wreckage and the car's registration plate made him realise it was his mother's vehicle and that she could not have survived.

He testified that from that day onward his life changed completely, and that he put aside his career to dedicate himself to seeking justice.

The judge also revisits his evidence about the work he carried out with Daphne on the Panama Papers, 17 Black, and Electrogas, including his role in helping analyse large volumes of data and emails linked to those investigations.

16:07 Madam Justice Edwina Grima moves to the testimony of Peter Caruana Galizia, revisiting the events of 16 October 2017 from his perspective.

Caruana Galizia testified that he left home at around 7:30am, while Daphne and their son were still asleep. Later that day, after receiving a call and speaking with his sons, he learned that a bomb had exploded in Daphne's car.

When he arrived in Bidnija, he found the area crowded with emergency services and sealed off by police. There, he asked Inspector Kurt Zahra whether Daphne had died.

"Yes, she died," Zahra replied.

Grima also recalls Peter describing Daphne as someone who worked very late into the night.

The judge further revisits the period when allegations circulated suggesting that even Matthew Caruana Galizia may have been involved in his mother's murder.

Peter also testified about the legal proceedings that ultimately led to Silvio Valletta being removed from the investigation.

After hours of evidence review, the jurors appear visibly tired.

Some have their hands over their faces and, from where we are sitting, several seem to be struggling to maintain the same level of attention.

The judge's address has now been running for several hours as she continues working through the large volume of evidence heard during the trial.

According to his evidence, Logan Wood asked him what he was doing there, with Mirabelli replying that he wanted to keep an eye on the boat.

When Mirabelli asked whether they were planning to head out to sea, he said Wood gave him a look which he understood as a reference to the bad weather conditions.

Wood, according to the testimony, told mirabelli he was employed by Yorgen Fenech.

15:32 Madam Justice Edwina Grima moves to the testimony of officer Gary Scerri, who said Keith Schembri's residence was not under surveillance and that he did not know whether any items had already been seized by Keith Arnaud and Kurt Zahra before his team arrived.

Scerri stressed that what took place at Schembri's home was not a search in the ordinary sense, because officers were not independently looking through the property.

According to his testimony, they collected only the items Schembri himself pointed out, because those were the instructions they had received from their superiors.

Schembri also testified that Kenneth Camilleri once took his firearm in the vicinity of Michelle Muscat.

That account, however, was denied by both Camilleri and Muscat.

Grima also revisits an episode Schembri recounted involving lawyer David Gatt. Schembri said he once found Gatt naked in his office, allegedly to show that he was carrying nothing on him.

Schembri said he told him to leave because he had to meet the Israeli ambassador.

Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing Keith Schembri's testimony, in which he said doctor Adrian Vella once went to his home, went upstairs and took whatever he needed from among a number of documents and items kept there.

Schembri said he did not know exactly what Vella had taken.

15:24 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing Keith Schembri's testimony, in which he said he did not know what had happened to his mobile phone.

Schembri testified that workers had arrived at his home at around 5.30am, but said he did not want to point the finger at anyone over what may have happened to the device.

On the search at his Mellieħa residence, Schembri claimed officers had "turned everything upside down." This came despite SOCO officers testifying that they had been instructed to seize only the devices Schembri himself pointed out to them.

He also said he had been friends with Neville Gafà, but had not spoken to him for around seven months following remarks Gafà had made about members of the Labour Party.

Schembri categorically denied having any role in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

He also expressed the view that Melvin Theuma should never have been granted a presidential pardon.

On Adrian Vella, Schembri said he had received no letters from him, only blood records and medical documents.

Schembri also said he could not understand why Theuma would implicate him.

He further questioned why the letter naming both himself and Fenech was found in Fenech's possession and had been kept, rather than disposed of.

Schembri also denied that anyone had ever approached him about bail for the Degiorgio brothers, or that he had called Yorgen Fenech in connection with the meetings between Camilleri and Theuma.

Towards the end of his testimony, Schembri said he should have spoken to Joseph Muscat earlier, and also maintained that he did not believe Fenech could have carried out everything on his own.

15:10 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing the testimony of Keith Schembri, who said Johann Cremona had claimed the defence tried to buy him off with hundreds of thousands of euros to testify in favour of Yorgen Fenech.

Schembri also testified that a person whose name was heard behind closed doors and cannot be reported had told him in 2020 to make contact with Fenech's lawyers.

Grima also recalls the confrontation that took place between Schembri and Cremona.

During that confrontation, Cremona initially said he was prepared to take all the blame himself, but later said the story he had told Schembri about an alleged financial offer from the defence was a lie.

Cremona also said he had had enough of everything and had lost everything he had worked for.

14:58 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing the testimony of Keith Schembri, who said that over time he had learned to take Daphne Caruana Galizia's articles "with a pinch of salt," including those concerning his illness.

Schembri also testified that foreign investors, including people from Pakistan, had asked him why he did not "get rid of her," to which he said he would reply: "This is Malta."

In her summary, Grima also revisits the companies Tillgate and 17 Black, which Schembri said were linked to plans for investment in waste recycling.

On Egrant, Schembri testified that it was a shell company belonging to no one, while saying he had no idea who owned MacBridge.

In her summary, she recalls Schembri saying he had known Yorgen Fenech since childhood - he was 14 and Fenech was 11 - and that over the years he had visited, among other places, Fenech's ranch and once his boat.

Schembri testified that between 2015 and 2017 he had no business dealings with Fenech.

Shown a photograph of himself with Melvin Theuma, Schembri identified him and said he recalled it being taken before the 2017 election. He maintained that he had never met Theuma before that occasion and did not know he worked as a taxi driver.

Schembri explained that during that period, particularly in the run-up to an election, many people would approach him for favours or requests, and it was common for them to ask for a photograph.

He also said that, having suffered from two cancers, he sometimes found it difficult to remember every detail.

According to his testimony, after that photograph he never met Melvin Theuma again.

14:41 The judge and jurors have taken their seats in Hall 22.

The sitting is expected to resume at any moment.

13:00: Judge Edwina Grima has called for a break.

The sitting will resume at around 2:30pm.

12:59: Madam Justice Edwina Grima moves to the testimony of officer Mario Azzopardi, who was also involved in the search at Keith Schembri's residence.

Azzopardi had confirmed that officers moved around the property together with Schembri, who was pointing out which devices they should collect.

He also said he did not know whether any other search had been carried out before that one.

In his testimony, Azzopardi said searches are not normally conducted in this manner, and that it would not be usual for a person regarded as a suspect to accompany officers while they search their own property.

The judge then moves briskly through a number of digital forensic officers who worked on the examination of mobile phones, devices and data seized during the investigation.

12:55: Madam Justice Edwina Grima moves to the testimony of SOCO officer Michelle Camilleri, who was involved in the search at Keith Schembri's residence.

Camilleri had testified that Neville Gafà was also present, and that officers were instructed to seize the devices Schembri himself pointed out to them.

According to her evidence, Schembri moved around the house while officers followed and collected the items he indicated. Among the devices seized was a children's tablet, which he had identified for them.

Camilleri stressed that Schembri did not have a mobile phone in his hand, and that other devices in the house were not seized.

She said this was because officers were following the instructions they had been given: to collect only the devices Schembri indicated.

12:48: Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing the testimony of Kenneth Camilleri, who said Keith Schembri had dragged him into something he should never have been involved in.

Camilleri firmly denied ever meeting Melvin Theuma with the intention of killing him.
He also testified that, after these events, he began dreading going to work and felt intimidated.
According to Camilleri, he was even afraid of Keith Schembri.

Madam Justice Edwina Grima now moves at a quicker pace through a number of police witnesses involved in the searches linked to Keith Schembri.

She is also referring to testimony from several MSS officers, who had outlined their role during that phase of the investigation.

12:43: Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing the testimony of Kenneth Camilleri, who said he never understood why Keith Schembri had sent him to speak to Melvin Theuma and that he became angry at having been drawn into the matter.

Camilleri testified that Johann Cremona later contacted him again to meet Theuma outside Parliament, where they once more discussed the possibility of bail for the Degiorgio brothers. He said that was the last time he spoke to Theuma and that he did not want any further contact with him.

After that, Camilleri said he made several attempts to reach Schembri - directly, through Neville Gafà, and even through former prime minister Joseph Muscat - but Schembri still did not speak to him.

Camilleri also recalled that on one occasion, after reporting for work, Muscat called him in and told him: "It's better if I don't know."

12:42: The evidence recap moves to the testimony of Kenneth Camilleri, who said he once received a call from Keith Schembri asking him to contact Johann Cremona and, through him, speak to Melvin Theuma.

Camilleri testified that at the time he did not know who Theuma was, and therefore asked Cremona to collect him from home.

On his relationship with Schembri, Camilleri said they would speak in the corridors of Castille and that he was sometimes sent abroad with ministers or asked to make contact with other people.

He said he had also been asked in the past to speak to people who were angry with the Labour Party, and initially assumed the Theuma matter might be something similar.

12:38: Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing Johann Cremona's testimony, recalling that he said Melvin Theuma had told him around three people were involved in the assassination plot.

Cremona also said he did not know how Keith Schembri had learned that he knew Theuma, nor why Schembri had specifically used him as the link through which Kenneth Camilleri was sent to speak to Theuma.

Towards the end of his testimony, Cremona had produced a screenshot of a chat between defence lawyer Charles Mercieca and Keith Schembri, together with an image.

However, a court-appointed expert said that the image could have been manipulated, a point the judge is now placing back before the jurors.

12:22 Johann Cremona said he believed Theuma may have deleted some recordings or kept those that suited him, and that he became angry when he realised Theuma had also been recording conversations with him.

According to his testimony, Theuma also told him that the Degiorgio brothers were demanding €400,000 from David Gatt and Chris Cardona to see the case through to trial without exposing them.

Despite those references to other people, Cremona said Theuma continued to insist that the money for the murder had come only from Yorgen Fenech.

Cremona also maintained that Fenech himself had never drawn him into the matter, saying it was Kenneth Camilleri who had brought him into it.

12:17 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing the testimony of Johann Cremona, who said that in May 2019 Melvin Theuma told him he might be granted a presidential pardon if he revealed what he knew.

Cremona also testified that, according to Theuma, former police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar knew about the recordings because Edgar Brincat, il-Gojja, had spoken to him about them.

The review then moves to September 2019, when Cremona said he was summoned to Castille by Keith Schembri.

According to his testimony, Schembri was concerned because Yorgen Fenech was not answering him, and asked Cremona to let him know if he managed to get in touch.

Cremona said that after that meeting, Schembri continued messaging him on Signal asking for updates about Fenech.

He also said he told Fenech about this, but Fenech replied that he should ignore Schembri.

12:10 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing the testimony of Johann Cremona, who said Melvin Theuma admitted to him that he was the middleman in Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination.

According to Cremona, Theuma was insisting on obtaining information from Keith Schembri.
Cremona also testified that Yorgen Fenech would try to calm Theuma with remarks such as: "You and I will be fine, they can kiss our balls."

Despite this, Cremona said there were days when Fenech would not speak to Theuma, and on those occasions Theuma would become angry and agitated.

12:05 The review of Johann Cremona's testimony continues with the meetings between Melvin Theuma and Kenneth Camilleri.

Cremona testified that the day after their first meeting, both men went to his office. During the conversation, Theuma became agitated and started swearing, leaving Cremona with the impression that he had not obtained what he was expecting.

Three days later, Cremona brought them together again in Valletta, outside Parliament. According to his testimony, Theuma and Camilleri were discussing the possibility of bail for the Degiorgio brothers.

Cremona said it was at that point that he realised the conversation was connected to the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Camilleri, he said, also told him not to put him in contact with Theuma again.

When Cremona later asked Theuma what the matter was about, Theuma mentioned Yorgen Fenech and Keith Schembri.

From then on, Cremona said Theuma began visiting him almost every day, frequently speaking to him about the case.

12:00 The evidence recap moves to the testimony of Johann Cremona, who said he was very close to Yorgen Fenech's uncle and was also a business partner of Fenech in a gaming company.

Cremona testified that in May 2018 he received a call from Kenneth Camilleri, whom he knew through his father from the time Camilleri worked as a traffic police officer.

According to Cremona, Camilleri said he needed to speak to Melvin Theuma, with the contact taking place at around 8pm.

Cremona drove him to Theuma's home and said he remained in the car, while Camilleri got out and spoke to Theuma near the corner of his residence.

11:54 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing the testimony of former police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar, who denied ever passing information about the investigation to Edgar Brincat.

Cutajar maintained that, on the contrary, he had always been trying to ensure that Melvin Theuma's recordings were handed over to the authorities.

He also denied having any role in securing a presidential pardon for Theuma, or receiving any money in connection with it, stressing that the decision to grant a pardon was not his to make.

In his testimony, Cutajar also denied personally knowing Theuma, his partner or her daughter.

11:50 The evidence recap moves to the testimony of former police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar.

Cutajar testified that he was receiving updates on the investigation from former deputy commissioner Silvio Valletta.

He also said he knew both Melvin Theuma and Edgar Brincat, il-Gojja, from the Marsa racetrack.

According to his evidence, Cutajar met Brincat and asked him about Theuma's recordings.

On that meeting, Cutajar said he did not believe he was breaking any law or ethical rule, despite the contact with Brincat taking place without the knowledge of the MSS.

11:47 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing the testimony of Edgar Brincat, who said that after the murder Melvin Theuma began visiting him very frequently - at times up to five times a week.

Brincat also testified that former police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar told him he would not expose him if he passed on information about Theuma's recordings.

Despite this, Brincat said he did not provide him with any information.

11:43 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing the testimony of Edgar Brincat, il-Gojja, recalling that he said Melvin Theuma had spoken to him about money being passed on to the Degiorgio brothers.

Brincat had testified that Theuma told him he would obtain further money from Yorgen Fenech for the brothers, and that on occasions when Fenech was abroad and could not be reached, he intended to turn to Keith Schembri for funds.

Brincat said this led him to believe that Schembri might also have been involved.

He also had recalled Theuma speaking about the government job he was given and saying that he had gone to Castille when the arrangement was made, where he took a photograph with Schembri. According to Brincat, Theuma told him he had never asked for the job, but that Fenech had sent him to Castille.

Brincat further testified that he had never caught Theuma lying about anyone.

He denied forcing Theuma to write the letter naming Fenech and Schembri, saying instead that he encouraged him to tell police about the recordings and hand them over.

Brincat also denied knowing in advance when the raids would take place or receiving any such information from former police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar.

He described Theuma as being "like a son" to him. Brincat also knew that Theuma was not reporting for the government job he had been given, although he did not know who had told him he could stay away and still be paid.

Asked about Fenech himself, Brincat said he only knew him from the newspapers.

11:36 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing the testimony of Edgar Brincat, "il-Ġojja," recalling that Brincat said Melvin Theuma had identified Yorgen Fenech as the person who gave him the money.

Brincat knew that Theuma and Fenech knew each other because Theuma would mention him, and he also knew that Theuma worked as a taxi driver around the Hilton.

In her summary, Grima recalls that Theuma told Brincat he wanted to go to the police and that he had recordings which could explain the case. Brincat, however, testified that he tried to dissuade him, fearing that Theuma would only bring more trouble upon himself.

According to Brincat, he told Theuma that Yorgen Fenech had considerable power and knew many people, and that he did not believe the police would take him seriously.

Brincat also feared that if Theuma spoke out, the consequences could fall on all of them, and said that at the time he did not trust the police.

Theuma never told him where the recordings were being kept, although Brincat said he knew that the idea to secretly record conversations had come from Chayenne Zammit.

Brincat later heard some of the recordings but said he could not make out much of what was being said, describing the audio as unclear and distant. He believed police equipment could help enhance them.

Grima also revisits Brincat's connection with former police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar, whom he knew from a restaurant in Birżebbuġa. Brincat had heard a recording of a phone call involving Cutajar and also testified about a citation linked to one of his employees.

He said he once went to Cutajar's home in Ħal Luqa, where Cutajar told him to get a lawyer and said: "If you help me, I'll help you." According to Brincat, Cutajar wanted him to obtain information from Theuma to understand where matters stood.

11:30 The evidence recap moves to the testimony of Edgar Brincat, known as "il-Ġojja", who said he had known Melvin Theuma since he was young.

Brincat used to help him with horses, they met regularly and, according to his testimony, the two trusted each other closely.

He recalled that, around the time it was being suggested that Vince Muscat could receive a presidential pardon, Theuma asked to meet him.

During that meeting, Brincat said, Theuma told him that he was involved in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Brincat testified that Theuma appeared to be very distressed as he began crying, was highly agitated and seemed as though he was losing control.

11:05 The sitting is set to resume shortly.

10:24 The court has gone for break until 11am

10:22 The review moves to the testimony of officer Rennie Stivala, who was involved, among other things, in the arrest of Ryan Farrugia.

Farrugia is the partner of Chayenne Zammit, the daughter of Melvin Theuma's partner.

Stivala's evidence formed part of the testimony concerning the operations and arrests linked to the investigation into Theuma and those around him.

10:22  Madam Justice Edwina Grima is reviewing the testimony of Lawrence Pace, who said Melvin Theuma had entrusted him with money linked to White Stars. Pace also said he did not know whether Theuma himself lent money.

The review then moves to evidence concerning Alfred and George Degiorgio while they were in prison.

According to that testimony, Lolly would pass money to the brothers, with the funds coming from their brother, Mario Degiorgio.

10:18 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing the testimony of foreign experts involved in the forensic analysis of the explosion.

Among the points being revisited are the findings concerning the bomb placed inside Daphne Caruana Galizia's car, how it was constructed and the materials used in the device.

The technical evidence formed part of the forensic examination aimed at establishing how the explosive was built and placed inside the vehicle.

10:14 Madam Justice Edwina Grima is reviewing the testimony of forensic officers who worked on the investigation in cooperation with Europol.

Among the steps taken was the collection of DNA samples from the Degiorgio brothers, while forensic officers were also present during a number of searches carried out in connection with the case.

Their role included securing and processing material that could later be examined as part of the investigation.

10:02 Madam Justice Edwina Grima now moves to the testimony of Superintendent Nicholas Vella, recalling his role in the investigation that led to the arrest of Melvin Theuma.

Also arrested in the same operation were Edgar, Charmaine, Theuma's partner, and Chayenne, her daughter.

Vella testified that when the time came for them to be arraigned, he was informed that the authorities were considering a presidential pardon for Theuma.

09:58 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing the testimony of George Degiorgio, who said that between 2015 and 2017 no one had approached them again about the murder until Melvin Theuma began making contact.

Degiorgio also testified that, after their arrest, lawyer David Gatt would visit them in prison and tell them they would be granted bail.

According to his account, Keith Schembri had picked up Theuma and promised a presidential pardon.

Degiorgio further claimed that the same people allegedly involved in the 2015 plot were again involved in 2017, and that other benefits had been promised, including Freeport consignments and a petrol station.

9:52 Madam Justice Edwina Grima is now reviewing the testimony of George Degiorgio, recalling, among other points, that he said he received €10,000 from the deposit, but did not know where the money had originated.

Degiorgio also testified that Chris Cardona would tell him they had to "get rid of her" because Daphne Caruana Galizia was going to "destroy a party."

According to his account, the same people allegedly involved in the 2015 plot were also involved in 2017.

The judge also revisits his testimony about the earlier alleged plot, which Degiorgio said involved meetings with David Gatt and Chris Cardona at Portomaso, but ultimately did not materialise.

9:50 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues to review evidence that emerged after Vince Muscat, il-Koħħu, began cooperating with the police in mid-2018.

Muscat had testified that the Degiorgio brothers learned he was speaking to investigators and told him the information had come from Melvin Theuma. He also referred to threats against children and said his lawyer had been frightened.

According to Muscat, George Degiorgio told him that four people were involved in the assassination, including former minister Chris Cardona.

The judge also recalls the testimony of Alfred Degiorgio, who said from the witness stand that he had no doubt Keith Schembri, David Gatt and Chris Cardona were involved in Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder.

Degiorgio, however, declined to elaborate further, saying he had proceedings pending before the European Court of Human Rights, despite being cautioned by the court.

09:46 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues summarising the testimony of Vince Muscat, il-Koħħu, focusing on the period after the arrests.

Muscat testified that the Degiorgio brothers wanted to stand firm and appear confident, projecting the impression that they had influential people behind them.

He also said the brothers had managed to smuggle a mobile phone into prison.

The judge recalls that Muscat began speaking to police and Inspector Keith Arnaud around mid-2018. According to his testimony, the Degiorgio brothers later learned that he was cooperating and told him the information had come from Melvin Theuma.

Muscat also testified that he had heard threats that acid would be thrown at the children, and that his lawyer was frightened because of them.

9:40 Madam Justice Edwina Grima continues reviewing the testimony of Vince Muscat, il-Koħħu, including what he said about the days leading up to the Degiorgio brothers' arrests.

Muscat testified that lawyer David Gatt would visit the potato shed and make hand gestures, including a thumbs up. According to Muscat, George Degiorgio used a similar gesture to refer to "number one", whom Muscat said was Keith Schembri.

The judge also revisits Muscat's testimony about the money he received for the murder, which he said totalled €50,300.

Muscat further testified that the Degiorio brothers had already heard rumours that they could be arrested on 4 December 2017 and had even cleaned the area beneath the potato shed beforehand.

According to his evidence, that information had come from Melvin Theuma.

Muscat also said Toni l-Iblaħ, whom he described as someone who frequently associated with Chris Cardona, was at the potato shed that day. He further testified that attempts were made to contact Cardona.

09:25 Madam Justice Edwina Grima explains how il-Koħħu said he did not recall Melvin Theuma identifying who had ordered the murder.

Muscat did, however, testify that Theuma was pressuring the hitmen to move ahead, telling them that Daphne Caruana Galizia was about to publish certain information.

According to his account, the original plan was to shoot her through a window at her home while she was working on her laptop late at night.

That plan was eventually considered too risky because of fears the hitmen could be stopped at a roadblock. The method then shifted from a shooting to an explosive device.

Muscat also testified that he drove Alfred Degiorgio to Valletta, near Castille, on around three occasions to meet former minister Chris Cardona and obtain information from him.

He said he did not know whether Degiorgio ever actually received any information from Cardona.

9:22 Madam Justice Edwina Grima recalls that Vince Muscat, il-Koħħu, testified that he would drive Alfred Degiorgio, il-Fulu, to the Busy Bee in Msida to meet Melvin Theuma.

According to Muscat, the hitmen were insisting on receiving an upfront deposit, having already been "burned" by the failed 2015 plan, in which the money never materialised.

Muscat testified that when the 2017 general election was called, the plan was temporarily suspended. It then resumed after the Labour Party was returned to government.

9:18 Madam Justice Edwina Grima begins summarising the testimony of Vince Muscat, il-Koħħu, returning to the alleged 2015 plot to kill Daphne Caruana Galizia.

According to Muscat's testimony, the plan was linked to former minister Chris Cardona, while a €50,000 payment was expected to come through lawyer David Gatt.

Muscat said the money never arrived, and the plan ultimately collapsed.

He also testified that Caruana Galizia's movements were monitored for around six weeks, with Jamie Vella allegedly expected to carry out the killing using a machine gun.

According to Muscat, Vella would say that Cardona was all "empty talk" because the money was not materialising.

9:10 The court sitting begins.

A man accused of raping and sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl is due to stand trial before a jury in the Criminal Court on Tuesday.

The case centres on allegations dating back to 2018 and 2019, when the girl was 13. The Attorney General has filed a three-count bill of indictment accusing the man of aggravated rape, corrupting a person under the age of 16, and participating in sexual activities with a person under 16.

According to the prosecution's case, the girl was friends with the accused's daughter after the two met through gymnastics and would sometimes sleep over at the family's home.

The first alleged incident took place at a residence in around October 2018.

Prosecutors claim the girl was upstairs while her friend was downstairs doing homework and the accused's partner was at work.

The bill of indictment alleges the accused called the girl into his bedroom, where he sexually assaulted her. The prosecution says the incident stopped when the man's daughter called out to him from downstairs.

A second alleged incident is said to have taken place several months later, on 28 June 2019, during a weekend boat trip.

According to the indictment, the girl had been invited to spend the weekend on the accused's boat with the family. At one point, the accused was allegedly left alone on the vessel with the girl after his daughter and partner went ashore for a gymnastics lesson.

Prosecutors allege that the accused called the girl over on the pretext of showing her a new bed on the boat before sexually assaulting her. The indictment further alleges that he attempted to penetrate her before she managed to push him away. The girl was 13 at the time.

The prosecution maintains that the alleged conduct across the two incidents amounts to aggravated rape because the alleged victim was a minor and under the age of 15. The charge covers alleged acts carried out between October 2018 and June 2019 at the residence and on the boat.

Under the second count, the accused is charged with corrupting a person under the age of 16 during a period in which the girl had temporarily been entrusted to his care. The Attorney General is seeking a prison term of between six and 12 years upon conviction on that count.

The third count accuses the man of participating in sexual activities with a person under 16 in connection with the same alleged events. The indictment specifies a punishment of between seven- and 20-years' imprisonment upon conviction on that charge.

For the aggravated rape charge, the bill of indictment lists a possible prison sentence of between five and 20 years if the accused is found guilty.

The case has previously been the subject of a series of preliminary legal challenges by the defence, including objections concerning the validity of the indictment and the admissibility of evidence. The defence had also challenged the fact that the three charges were being brought together and raised procedural complaints over the compilation of evidence.

The accused is being represented by lawyers Mario Mifsud and Nicholas Mifsud.

Judge Conuelo Scerri Herrera is presiding over the case.

Through this sustainable approach the Project aims to educate and inform the visiting public about the importance of these sites, and how they can also help in protecting and conserving these areas for the benefit of the environment and to preserve it for future generations, the ministry said.

 Project E-CORE (Environmental Connectivity for Optimised Resiliency and Ecosystem Management in Natura 2000 Sites) was launched by Minister for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli and Minister for European Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection Keith Azzopardi Tanti, together with Ambjent Malta and the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA). 

With a total investment of approximately €9 million, co-financed through European Union and national funds, Project E-CORE seeks to safeguarding important habitats while enhancing public access and appreciation of the islands' natural heritage. 

“This ambitious project highlights the importance of Malta's natural environment and reflects our commitment to protecting biodiversity while ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from the country's unique natural heritage. This launch is the beginning of a significant long-term investment in conservation, ecological restoration and environmental protection, reinforcing our commitment to protecting its Natura 2000 sites and strengthening resilience to future environmental challenges. Works have already started in some areas, and we will continue investing in projects that protect biodiversity while allowing people to better experience, understand and appreciate our natural heritage,” stated Minister Miriam Dalli. 

Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti said that, “This is an important environmental project, which is being carried out in synergy between two different Ministries. For this project we are allocating no less than €9 million. Thanks to these projects, European funds can be invested in initiatives that will benefit and be enjoyed by the Maltese and Gozitans.” 

Through a series of interventions across diverse protected Natura 2000 sites, the project will focus on habitat restoration, invasive species control, environmental monitoring and wildlife conservation.

Ambjent Malta Director General Herman Galea stated, “The E-CORE Project is strengthening the protection of Malta’s Natura 2000 sites while helping people connect with nature. Through the work of Ambjent Malta’s Nature Stewards, visitors can better understand the importance of biodiversity and the shared responsibility of protecting our natural heritage.” 

Chief Scientific Officer at Ambjent Malta’s Environment Projects Directorate Alexander Borg Galea explained that, “Through the E-CORE Project, we are restoring key habitats, protecting vulnerable species, and enhancing Natura 2000 sites to ensure Malta’s natural heritage can be enjoyed and safeguarded for generations to come.”
Environment and Resources Authority Chief Executive Officer Kevin Mercieca stated that “The E-CORE project is a significant investment in Malta’s natural environment, marking a shift from legal protection to active ecosystem management and restoration. Through the collaboration between ERA and Ambjent Malta, we are combining scientific knowledge with on-the-ground implementation to strengthen the conservation of our Natura 2000 sites. The project’s success will be measured not only by the works carried out on-site and the new facilities available for public enjoyment, but also by the natural Heritage which will be passed down.” 

Project E-CORE will also introduce new educational and visitor facilities, including the transformation of the former Marfa Radar Station into a Natura 2000 and Nocturnal Fauna Interpretation Centre and the development of a Buskett Water Heritage Trail. Enhanced visitor infrastructure, awareness campaigns and training opportunities for conservation professionals will further support the sustainable management of Malta's protected areas.

The company received the funding through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)-backed Business Enhance grant scheme, using the support to invest in professional catering equipment and modern refrigeration systems for its new operation.

The visit by Minister for European Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection Keith Azzopardi Tanti formed part of the government's efforts to showcase projects supported through EU funds.

According to the ministry, the government has committed more than €39 million through over 680 grant agreements under various ERDF schemes designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The funding covers investments including machinery and equipment, digitalisation, marketing consultancy, internationalisation, certification standards and business studies intended to strengthen competitiveness.

Speaking during the visit, Azzopardi Tanti described SMEs as the backbone of Malta's economy, saying they play a vital role in creating jobs and driving economic activity. He said European funds provide businesses with an opportunity to expand operations, improve productivity and achieve long-term growth.

Rodrick Zerafa, chief executive of Servizzi Ewropej f'Malta, said KG Catering's investment demonstrated how European funding can translate into tangible business improvements. He noted that the agency provides free support to businesses in Malta and Gozo by identifying suitable funding opportunities and assisting with the application process.

KG Catering representative Giuseppe Gravina said the company invested around €250,000 in modern kitchen and specialised equipment, with European funding helping make the project possible. He said the investment enabled the company to establish the restaurant with modern, efficient facilities.

The minister also highlighted the launch of the second call under the Digitalise your SME scheme, backed by a €15 million allocation. The programme includes increased funding thresholds for artificial intelligence projects, support for personnel costs through Simplified Cost Options and measures promoting the responsible adoption of AI.

Eligible projects may receive grants of up to €235,400, covering up to 50% of eligible investment costs in Malta and 60% in Gozo. Projects aligned with Malta's Strategic Roadmap for the Digital Decade 2023-2030 may also qualify for an additional 10% top-up from the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, subject to available funds.

Concluding the visit, Azzopardi Tanti encouraged more businesses to apply for available funding, saying continued investment by local enterprises would contribute to strengthening Malta's economy.

The figures were announced by Infrastructure, Planning and Employment Minister Jonathan Attard during a review of work carried out under the Budget 2026 measures. The government has allocated €400,000 over 24 months to the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) to provide the training free of charge.

Attard said the strong response demonstrated the demand for greater knowledge and expertise on health and safety across different sectors of society.

“While in previous years the specialised OHSA courses reached an average of just over 150 people per year, in the last three months training has already been provided to 2,000 people,” Attard said.

He added that more than 800 people are already registered for training sessions taking place until the end of the year, with 57 sessions currently scheduled and the possibility of adding more.

The initiative provides access to specialised training covering both occupational health and safety and mental health, reaching small businesses, self-employed people and workers in sectors including aviation, construction, manufacturing, retail, restaurants and hotels, as well as care and welfare services.

Voluntary organisations, NGOs, local councils, Church entities and organisations involved in community activities are also benefiting from the training.

The government is also investing in basic health and safety training specifically for volunteers, helping them identify and assess risks and carry out their projects and activities with greater preparation.

OHSA Chief Executive Josianne Cutajar stressed that voluntary work does not mean work without risk, saying everyone involved in an activity or project needs to understand the risks and know how to protect their own health and safety and that of others.

Cutajar also highlighted the inauguration of the OHSA Training Centre in 2025, describing it as an important step in strengthening the culture of health and safety in the workplace.

She said OHSA would continue investing in practical and specialised training, supported by research and technical expertise, while also adopting innovative methods, including artificial intelligence, to ensure its training responds to the changing world of work.

During the conference, a video featuring testimonials on the benefits of the training was also shown.

Commissioner for Youth and Scout Development Daniel Cassar welcomed the initiative, highlighting its importance for adults involved in the organisation as well as its wider educational impact on members of the community.

Attard said the Government would continue working to widen access to training and address the risks associated with evolving workplaces, stressing that health and safety is everyone’s responsibility.

The conference was also attended by Permanent Secretary Ronald Mizzi, OHSA board chairman Pierre Fava, and representatives of various stakeholders and organisations which participated in the training.

The PN said it was concerned about the conditions being experienced by students sitting the examinations, saying it had received reports that a number of students were having to sit important exams in what it described as "unbearable heat".

Over the past few days, several students and examination invigilators complained about the conditions in which the resit examinations were being held at the height of summer, while the party said it had also received reports from parents whose children were experiencing the same situation.

"This is unacceptable," the PN said.

"Students are sitting examinations that may be decisive for their future, and they have the right to do so in a safe, dignified environment that is conducive to learning and concentration. We cannot speak about improving the quality of education when even the most basic conditions are not being guaranteed."

Concerns about high temperatures in schools are not new. Parents complained about children enduring "sweltering heat" during summer school earlier this year, with reports of schools either lacking air conditioning or having systems which were not functioning.

Malta Union of Teachers president Marco Bonnici told Times of Malta at the time that there was no comprehensive plan for air conditioning across schools despite their use throughout the year, adding that some refurbished schools had air conditioning but the power supply was not sufficient to cater for increased demand.

The Education Ministry had said that improving the teaching and working environment in schools was a priority and that the installation of air conditioning in remaining schools would take place through a phased programme over the coming years, alongside upgrades to ventilation systems and other infrastructure. Prime Minister Robert Abela had pledged in 2022 to install air conditioning in all schools in Malta and Gozo as part of an extensive investment in school infrastructure.

In its statement, the PN said it had long insisted that education required more resources, greater investment and a clear long-term plan.

More recently, it said, the party had called on the government to accelerate the programme to equip schools with adequate air-conditioning systems, together with immediate measures such as improved ventilation to protect students and educators from excessive heat.

The PN called for a clear and urgent plan to ensure that schools are equipped with adequate cooling and ventilation systems, as well as greater investment in school infrastructure, covering both new projects and continuous preventive maintenance.

It also called for immediate measures to be introduced during heatwaves, particularly when examinations and resits are taking place, together with the further installation of photovoltaic panels on school rooftops.

The party said more resources should also be allocated to education so that investment in the sector keeps pace with the real needs of students and educators.

"Quality in education does not begin with slogans. It begins by providing students and educators with the environment they deserve," the PN said.

"If we truly want to make a leap forward in quality, we must first ensure that the foundations are sound. It is evident that major shortcomings still remain in those foundations, including in the most basic of areas."

The party said it would continue listening to students, parents and educators and putting forward what it described as concrete solutions to ensure schools provide a dignified environment for children's education.

The statement was signed by Shadow Minister for Education and Citizenship Jerome Caruana Cilia.

Grima wrote that the decision was a result of pressure made by Opposition Leader Alex Borg with this newspaper.

The Malta Independent categorically denies Grima's statement.

The decision was based on editorial considerations, which take place on a regular basis.

When communicating this decision to Grima this morning, The Malta Independent thanked Grima "for the many years during which you have contributed to the newspaper, first as its editor and later as a contributor. Your long association with the newspaper, and the contribution you have made to it over the years, are something we genuinely appreciate."

It also rejects any accusation that it interferes, or has ever interfered, in the selection of journalists and opinion writers engaged by the various broadcasting and print media organisations in Malta.

"With reference to allegations made this morning by a former editor and columnist of an independent newspaper, the PN categorically denies that Partit Nazzjonalista Leader Alex Borg had any involvement whatsoever in the decision to discontinue that individual's contributions to the newspaper".

The PN said it firmly believes in the value of free, independent and responsible journalism as an essential pillar of a strong democracy.

The party was referring to comments made by Noel Grima on his Facebook page that PN leader Alex Borg put pressure on The Malta Independent to stop him (Grima) from writing weekly articles.

The man is currently being investigated over an alleged theft and damage caused to a residence in Ta' Sliema.

Sliema mayor John Pillow had earlier appealed for information after publishing CCTV footage of the incident on Facebook.

The footage showed a man approaching the door of a residence in Dingli Street and looking up at the entrance. He is then seen touching one of the door-knockers before moving towards the second one, which he allegedly breaks off.

The investigation is ongoing.