Yesterday we celebrated Malta’s 59th birthday as an independent nation. Or is our nation older than that? There is a case that could be made that independent Malta is actually 223 years old. Today we explore a remarkable chapter in our history. A story of a tiny island that dared to defy a mighty empire....
Diving deep into Malta’s rich tapestry of history, one cannot help but be enthralled by tales of valiant knights and iconic figures such as Toni Bajada, renowned for his masterful espionage during the Great Siege of 1565. These tales, as gripping as they are, sometimes eclipse the narratives of numerous unsung heroes, particularly the roles...
In the annals of World War II, the Santa Marija Convoy – or Operation Pedestal for the enthusiasts – shines as a beacon of Malta’s resilience. Yet, before this famed mission, several other convoys wrote their own tales of courage in the Mediterranean waters. The Mediterranean became a hotbed of conflict during WWII, with Malta,...
Amid “Malta’s Power Cuts”, the broader European region is also dealing with an electricity crunch. Malta, much like its continental neighbors, faces significant power shortages, particularly during the intense summer heat. As residents flock to the solace of air-conditioned havens, the electric grids are under immense strain, affecting both electricity generation and its distribution. Deciphering...
In the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta finds itself at the epicenter of a debate: Can “citizenship by merit” for athletes coexist with the integrity of sports competitions? The very essence of representing a nation on a global stage hinges on an authentic bond to that land Genuine Connection vs. Competitive Edge When passports are...
Understanding the impact of protectionism on a nation’s economic landscape is key to global economics. This was palpably evident in 1970s Malta under the leadership of Dom Mintoff. As a strategic embodiment of protectionism, the Maltese government introduced dramatic measures to bolster local industries, reducing foreign goods dependency. Among these measures, the most contentious was...
The 2023 budget strengthens the welfare state with 60% of the measures listed in the speech could be considered “socialist”. However, this form of social protection will have challenges in the future such as ageing population which will require a rethink of the system. In the post-Muscat era, the Labour Party is actively trying to...
Amid the economic turmoil and geopolitical tensions across Europe, Finance Minister Caruana unveiled the government’s budget for 2023. Broadly speaking, the budget is similar to recent ones presented by the Labour government. A common narrative of new taxes and an increase in a number of benefits to curb the effects of looming crises, as well...
In short: yes. The latest Eurostat data shows that on average, for every €100 a Maltese man earns, a woman earns €90. The gap is even wider in a lot of European countries, as the EU average means that the average European woman earns €87. This is an undeniable fact. The less straightforward question, however,...
People tend to accumulate wealth as they grow older. But is the wealth gap between today's youth and their parents widening? Recent data suggests that despite the higher wages, higher property prices and a more lavish lifestyle are among the factors which may explain a rising intergenerational inequality gap.