Gap between political parties narrows in latest poll
The Nationalist Party under new leader Alex Borg has significantly reduced the gap with Labour to just three points, or 8,394 votes, according to the latest MaltaToday survey. This is the first poll since Borg’s appointment last month, showing Labour at 48.8%, the PN at 45.9%, and third parties at 5.4%. The survey indicates the PN is holding on to more of its 2022 voters than Labour and has overtaken the governing party among voters under 35. Despite this, Prime Minister Robert Abela maintains a 13-point lead over Borg in the trust barometer. Borg’s rating, however, marks a strong improvement over that of his predecessor Bernard Grech. (Maltatoday)
Malta Named in Europol Crackdown on Sex Trafficking Network
Malta has been named among several European countries linked to an international sex trafficking network dismantled by Colombian and Albanian authorities in a joint Europol operation. At least 17 people were arrested, including the alleged ringleader known as “Lukas”, who was wanted by both Maltese and Albanian police. The network, known as “Raphax”, is accused of recruiting vulnerable Colombian women through social media and transporting them to Europe for sexual exploitation. Victims were reportedly subjected to “conditions similar to slavery” while repaying inflated travel debts. Europol confirmed the ring operated across multiple countries, including Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Malta, though no victims were identified locally during the operation. (Times of Malta)
OASI Foundation Calls for Malta’s Drinking Age to Rise to 21
Malta’s legal drinking age should be raised from 17 to 21, with the ideal threshold being 24 or 25, according to OASI Foundation CEO Noel Xerri. He said brain development continues into the mid-twenties and can be disrupted by early alcohol consumption. While acknowledging that most European countries set the limit at 16 or 18, Xerri said OASI’s recommendation of 21 was a “diplomatic” step to align Malta with the United States. He also called for a comprehensive legal framework specific to alcohol and a national database to track repeat offences and court-ordered rehabilitation compliance. The Foundation believes these measures are necessary to reduce harm and strengthen Malta’s approach to alcohol regulation. (The Malta Independent)
