When Roberta Metsola announced that she would not be entering the national scene, she closed the door on what many saw as a potential turning point for her personal career and national politics. For many, the decision was disappointing yet unsurprising, but for others, it seemed to lend weight to much of the criticism that...
Neutrality isn’t an excuse not to be prepared for war
Malta, though a small island nation, has played an outsized role in geopolitical and military affairs throughout history. Located at the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta’s geostrategic relevance has endured from antiquity to the present day. As regional tensions rise and military alliances reconfigure, the question of whether Malta is prepared for a more dangerous...
Homeownership rises but more youths turn to family for help
In recent years, Malta has witnessed a significant shift in how families approach homeownership and the property market, driven largely by rising property prices and changing economic conditions. One of the most notable trends is the growing practice of gifting property to children, a strategy that underscores the strong role of the family in Maltese...
Does Malta benefit in having an EU Parliament President?
In January 2022, Roberta Metsola became the first Maltese person to occupy a top EU role by becoming the President of the European Parliament. Yesterday, she was elected for a second term with a thumping majority – news which the Maltese heavily welcomed. However, is obtaining this high-profile role beneficial for Malta, or does it...
Are local councils a failed experiment?
Three decades since their inception, Malta’s local councils face significant scrutiny regarding their relevance and effectiveness. Originally designed to decentralise administrative power, these councils are now plagued by diminished responsibilities, reduced funding, and lack of personnel. Local councils in Malta were established in 1993, with a vision to bring government closer to the citizens. This...
The Magisterial Inquiry – Presenting the two sides of the story
Why was its fairness questioned? Should courts ever be criticized? Should this issue be the main focus of the MEP election? Malta’s former prime minister and more individuals will be charged with money laundering, corruption and bribery. The charges relate to a deal to privatise three state hospitals that was negotiated and managed by Muscat’s...
How does President Spiteri Debono fit in Malta’s political Landscape
Born in Victoria, Gozo, in 1952, President Spiteri Debono is a notary and will become the first female Gozitan appointed President. Her political career includes stints in the Labour Party’s National Executive. Myriam had unsuccessful attempts as a candidate in the general elections. However, in 1996 she was appointed as the first woman speaker of...
What is the new process of electing Malta’s next President?
The selection of Malta’s President has historically been a parliamentary decision, requiring only a simple majority to support the nomination put forward by the Prime Minister. Put simply, the party in government could choose whoever it deemed appropriate with little input required from the opposition. However, significant changes were introduced in 2020, altering the procedure....
Cabinet Reshuffle Strategic Manoeuvre Ahead of MEP Elections
In a surprising move, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced a significant cabinet reshuffle just before the upcoming EU MEP elections. This decision, which is unconventional in timing, appears to be a calculated response to the areas in which the public showed its discontent. The major changes were seen in the creation of new roles and...
Malta’s EU Influence at Stake: MEPs to Vote on EU Veto Power
MEP vote on EU Veto power could significantly reshape Malta’s influence in the European Union’s policymaking. In a democratic Maltese-European country, who should have a greater say in policies affecting the Maltese? The Maltese parliament or the European Union? Most would agree that familiar and reachable Maltese politicians should have a greater role than obscure...