The recent debacle involving Graffitti and KSU raised a lot of questions about the role that the University space should play in debating contentious issues. However, more importantly, it highlighted Malta’s inability at a societal level to discuss important sensitive topics. Malta’s Debate on Abortion Abortion remains one of Malta’s most polarising topics. Whilst some movements were made earlier this...
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What if We Try Not Prioritising Cars for a Change? The Mosta Pedestrianisation Dilemma
Mosta’s main square is once again sparking significant controversy. However, this time, it’s the pedestrianisation aspect of the project that is under the spotlight. Only a few weeks after the project’s inauguration, the newly elected mayor wants to reverse the pedestrianisation of the square. Rightfully so, one may think that the square has been pedestrianised throughout the week. However, for...
Has Agius Saliba hindered Labour’s traditional approach to EU affairs?
In staying true to his word and choosing to abstain, Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba may have created a counterargument for the PN, who is often criticized by the PL for similar moves. PL’s Narrative The Labour Party has long emphasized its commitment to supporting Maltese candidates for EU positions, regardless of their political affiliation. This approach has been central...
The Sofia Inquiry summarized and explained.
In a thorough examination, the Sofia inquiry has shed light on the lapses in due diligence and oversight by several government entities, without implicating these entities in corruption or bribery. The detailed examination of the failures identified by the public inquiry reveals a multifaceted breakdown in regulatory compliance, oversight, and enforcement mechanisms across several entities and stages of the project...
What is the farmers protest about?
Malta like the rest of Europe, has experienced another farmers protest against a range of European Union policies, which they claim pose a threat to their livelihoods and the sustainability of agriculture. In the Netherlands, the focus has been on opposing nitrogen emission reduction measures, including mandates to reduce livestock populations. German farmers are rallying against plans to cut diesel...
Married priests. Is it a good idea?
In an interview with the Times of Malta, Archbishop Scicluna said, “why should I lose a good priest who wishes to have a family?” In 2017, the Pope himself already hinted at the possibility of allowing married men to become priests. Maybe times have changed and priests should be allowed to get married. But are married priests a good idea?...
The legal powers of bouncers in Malta
It’s not the first time that the role of bouncers in Malta, particularly in nightlife hubs like Paceville, has been a subject of public debate. Despite a legislative bill being proposed and postponed for years, it’s crucial to understand the legal powers granted to bouncers under Maltese law as it currently stands. Read the article in Maltese The bill regulating...
A lesson in how not to make or communicate policy
Examining the lessons learned from Mosta’s ficus relocation fiasco and the critical need for inclusive policy-making 12 ficus trees located next to the Mosta Rotunda have been stripped of their canopies. The Mosta local council had unanimously agreed to uproot and relocate the trees and relocate them to the Santa Margherita area. Only for the decision to be overturned after...
What Malta’s education system learn from the Estonia
Malta is a small island with very limited resources. Its main resource is manpower. With all the talk of a new economic model, few seem to mention that a serious problem is a severe shortage of skilled Maltese workers, and here is where the education system comes in. For years now, the Malta’s education system seems to be underperforming. Over...
The Air Malta Transition Analysed – The new old airline.
After years of grappling with financial losses, the curtain is drawing to a close for Air Malta, sort of. The transition alludes to the end of Act 1 rather than conclusion of the entire play. The catalyst for this transition was the European Commission’s refusal of the Maltese government’s request to inject funds into the beleaguered airline, owing to EU...
Has crime in Malta been affected by the population increase?
Over the past decade, Malta has witnessed significant demographic shifts. From 2015 to 2022, the total population grew from 450,415 to 522,530, marking a 16% increase. These demographic changes raise pertinent questions. As the population swells and diversifies, there are natural concerns about how this influx has impacted the crime in Malta. Full article in Maltese Despite this growth, the...
Malta hosts USA-China diplomats for talks ahead of possible Biden-Xi summit
This weekend, Malta once again stood at the crossroads of diplomacy, playing host to critical talks between Jake Sullivan, the United States national security advisor to President Joe Biden, and Wang Yi, the People’s Republic of China Foreign Minister. As described by the White House, these dialogues were a concerted effort to “ease tensions between the superpowers,” emphasizing the importance...