Malta to Introduce Age Restrictions on Social Media Use Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced that Malta will soon adopt social media age limits inspired by Australia’s strict regulations. Initially, the restrictions will apply to children aged 13 and under, though they could be extended to older users. The initiative follows international discussions on the mental health risks of social media exposure, particularly among children. Abela referred to a mother’s testimony about her daughter’s suicide linked to online bullying, underscoring the urgency of action. The Prime Minister also revealed that 227 companies have complied with disability employment regulations after a new policy barred non-compliant firms from hiring foreign workers. The enforcement drive has generated over €1 million for training programmes, with Abela urging employers to hire people with disabilities rather than simply pay fines. (Maltatoday)
PN Leader Alex Borg Says Party Is Uniting the Nation Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg said on Sunday that the PN is becoming a unifying force for Malta while accusing the government of fuelling partisan division. Speaking at the close of the party’s administrative general council, Borg highlighted the PN’s proposal to enshrine the right to enjoy the environment in the Constitution, claiming the government opposed it merely because it originated from the Opposition. He accused Labour of prioritising control over collaboration, noting that “an hour before the parliamentary debate, the government issued a green paper just to claim credit.” Borg called for a “party for all Maltese and Gozitans” and thanked all candidates for contributing to the PN’s mission to set Malta’s national agenda through constructive policy initiatives. (Times of Malta)
Campaign Promotes Sustainable Fish Consumption in Malta A new national campaign, Skopri l-Varjetà, Kul Ħut Sostenibbli (Discover Variety, Eat Sustainable Fish), aims to encourage the public to eat less popular fish species to protect marine ecosystems. Supported by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, the campaign highlights how consumer preference for a few species — such as bluefin tuna, lampuki, and swordfish — places unsustainable pressure on fish stocks. By diversifying consumption, authorities hope to balance demand and safeguard marine biodiversity. Malta’s fishing industry lands dozens of species, yet many are sold cheaply to aquaculture firms for tuna feed, contributing to coastal pollution. The campaign seeks to change consumer habits and promote awareness of the environmental impact of overfishing, drawing lessons from international examples like the Atlantic cod collapse. (Newsbook)
Malta Records Highest Rate of Migrant Deportations Interior Minister Byron Camilleri announced that nine out of ten irregular migrants who arrived in Malta this year have already been deported, as they did not qualify for refugee status. Speaking on Radju Malta, Camilleri said more than 1,000 migrants were also deported for criminal offences or expired visas. He added that 88% of new arrivals, around 127 individuals, were repatriated to their home countries, making Malta the EU’s leader in deportation rates. The minister credited the policy with reducing irregular arrivals by sea while emphasising that protection continues to be granted where necessary, including to Palestinians and LGBTIQ individuals fleeing persecution. Camilleri said the government remains committed to balancing border security with humanitarian obligations. (TVM News)
