Updated 1200
Ryanair Adds Ninth Malta Aircraft, Targets 6 Million Passengers in 2026: Ryanair will base a ninth aircraft in Malta for Summer 2026, launching four new routes to Gothenburg, Newcastle, Palma and Tirana as part of a $900 million investment. The airline projects 20% traffic growth to six million passengers, expanding its Malta network to 70 routes and increasing frequencies on over 40 others. CEO Michael O’Leary said the expansion would support up to 5,000 jobs and marks the airline’s largest-ever summer schedule for Malta. (The Malta Independent)
Restore Your Home Scheme Draws Record Applications Within Days: Four days after reopening, the Planning Authority’s Irrestawra Darek u l-Villaġġ scheme has attracted a record number of applications, exceeding allocated funds in some regions. In the Northern Region, applications topped €7 million against a €4.9 million budget. Executive Head Johann Buttigieg said the €30 million scheme, matching the total of the previous five editions combined, supports restoration of properties in town and village cores. Grants range from €15,000 for façades to €100,000 for higher-grade buildings. The scheme is open to NGOs and businesses, excludes double funding, and initially requires only expressions of interest. (TVM News)
Judge Urges Authorities Not to Deport Woman Over Late Permit Renewal: A judge has called on authorities to act humanely and avoid deporting a third-country national who failed to renew her single permit while battling severe depression and the death of her father. The woman, legally employed since arriving in 2021, applied eight months late and was refused by Identità, whose rules allow no exceptions. Although Judge Wenzu Mintoff said the law left him unable to uphold her appeal, he urged authorities to let her reapply without leaving Malta. His ruling was forwarded to key immigration and employment bodies. (Newsbook)
Morning Briefing
Six Arrested in Usury and Money Laundering Probe: Six people are under arrest following a months-long police investigation into usury and money laundering that reportedly affected around 50 victims. The arrests were carried out on Monday by officers from the financial crimes unit in Marsa. During the operation, police raided several properties and seized thousands of euros in cash, along with a number of exotic animals and other items connected to the alleged offences. The investigation focused on suspected organised lending practices and the subsequent laundering of illicit proceeds. Magistrate Joe Mifsud has appointed a magisterial inquiry to oversee the case and examine the evidence gathered by investigators. Police said further inquiries are ongoing, with additional arrests or charges not being ruled out as financial analysis and witness statements continue to be assessed. (Times of Malta)
Archbishop Urges Ethics of Truth Over False Judgement
Archbishop Charles Scicluna appealed for the promotion of ethics, responsibility and truth, urging society to resist false judgement and malicious speech. Speaking during a homily at St Paul’s Shipwreck Collegiate Church in Valletta, he reflected on the symbolic image of St Paul shaking off a viper and called on people to reject harmful accusations in their own conduct. The Archbishop said that rash judgements, when not grounded in truth, can inflict serious damage on individuals and communities. He stressed the importance of restraint, encouraging people to remain silent when unsure rather than risking unfair or malicious claims. His message focused on personal accountability, honesty and integrity in public discourse, highlighting the need for social responsibility in an age where misinformation and unfounded accusations can spread quickly and cause lasting harm. (Newsbook)
Corruption Index: Malta sees slight year-on-year improvement, but long-term decline persists
Malta scored 49 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index for 2025, a modest improvement over the 46 recorded in 2024. Despite the increase, Malta remains among the countries showing the largest long-term declines within Western Europe and the EU. The CPI ranks 182 countries on a scale from 0, indicating high perceived corruption, to 100, reflecting a very clean public sector. Malta’s current score represents an eight-point drop compared to its standing in 2012, placing it alongside Spain and the UK among the region’s most significant decliners over time. Transparency International said the index reflects expert and business perceptions drawn from multiple international sources, underlining ongoing concerns about governance and accountability despite the recent marginal improvement. (The Malta Independent)
