Updated 1245
Maltese success story Sigma goes global with eight events in 2025: Maltese company Sigma is set to host a major gaming industry expo in Manila, Philippines, attracting over 20,000 attendees. The event marks another step in Sigma’s global expansion, following successful conferences in Dubai and Brazil earlier this year. COO Heathcliff Farrugia highlighted the scale and planning required for such international expos, noting a strong network of operators and consistent business participation. Upcoming events are also planned for Cape Town, Malta, Rome, and Colombo. The Manila expo will be inaugurated by Sigma CEO Eman Pulis and Malta’s Ambassador to China, John Busuttil, with several Maltese entrepreneurs in the gaming sector expected to attend.
Major parties collect over €1 million in fundraising marathons: Malta’s two main political parties raised over €1 million during fundraising marathons held on Sunday. The Labour Party collected €721,318 during an event celebrating 30 years of its Ħamrun headquarters, while the Nationalist Party (PN) raised €329,882 through a campaign led by Opposition Leader Bernard Grech. Grech thanked supporters and reiterated key PN proposals, including tax cuts and constitutional reform. Prime Minister Robert Abela expressed gratitude to donors for supporting Labour’s vision of national progress. These events contributed significantly to Labour’s declared €1.45 million in donations for 2024, mainly collected during two major telethons. Most donations were under €500, though Iracil Ltd stood out with a €10,000 contribution. Labour has yet to publish its 2024 financial statement, while the PN has not released donation or financial reports since 2020. Smaller parties ABBA, Partit Popolari, and Volt Malta reported modest donations for 2024.
Malta’s first French-English school to open in September: Malta’s first French-English bilingual school, the French Bilingual International School – Malta, will open in September in Pembroke. Founded by French non-profit AFLEC, which runs schools in Lebanon, the UAE, and Tunisia, the school will follow both the French and Cambridge curricula, with daily lessons in Maltese language and culture. Described as a “boutique private school,” it aims to deliver strong academic outcomes in a culturally rich setting. Classes will be led by both French- and English-speaking teachers, with no prior language requirements for admission. Tuition starts at €9,500. The school targets both foreign and Maltese families seeking international education, and students will be prepared for global exams, enabling continued education locally or abroad.
Morning Briefing
PM Abela: Manoel Island concession stands, promises to listen to all voices
Prime Minister Robert Abela said he will listen to all sides on the Manoel Island project but stressed the concession cannot be revoked. Abela noted that 29,000 people signed a petition to turn the island into a national heritage park, while 5,000 Maltese and Gozitans invested in the project through a bond issue. The concession, granted under a previous PN government, also covers Tigné Point. He said attempts to exceed the concession were blocked, and the project now includes 60% green public space and 20% heritage restoration, with a €150 million investment in historic sites and infrastructure. Abela praised a past agreement led by former Gżira Mayor Conrad Borg Manche and said the government will ensure it benefits the public. (The Malta Independent)
Aquilina resigns from Repubblika amid domestic violence allegations
Robert Aquilina has resigned from Repubblika after reports of an alleged domestic violence case led to police questioning. He denied any wrongdoing and said he was stepping down to protect the NGO’s cause. Aquilina noted the magistrate had rejected a police request for his arrest and allowed him to return home. He accused the police of leaking information, saying a photographer was waiting at HQ. He acknowledged marital difficulties and asked for privacy for his family, especially his children. Aquilina also resigned as honorary president and suspended roles in Fondazione Falcone. Repubblika accepted his resignation. (Times of Malta)
PN leaders say his vision prioritises quality of life
Opposition Leader Bernard Grech said the public is increasingly aware that the Labour Party is trying to undermine the Nationalist Party’s morale due to its own internal leadership and governance issues. Speaking during visits to party clubs on Sunday, Grech said the PN’s proposal to exempt the first €10,000 of part-time income from tax was positively received, even by those directly affected. He said the PN’s economic vision prioritizes quality of life and sustainable progress. Grech also highlighted a new initiative where PN councillors will propose motions on each locality’s carrying capacity to improve planning and put residents’ well-being first. Grech concluded that the PN continues to demonstrate it is a credible alternative government. (TVM)
