Updated 1220
Inflation Tops Maltese Concerns as Support for EU Remains Strong: People in Malta continue to show strong support for the European Union, despite growing worries over inflation, immigration and housing, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey. Rising prices and the cost of living were identified as the country’s main concern by 41% of respondents, followed by immigration (29%) and housing (24%). At EU level, respondents viewed Russia’s war in Ukraine, global instability and security as key issues. Trust in the EU reached 60% in Malta, above the EU average of 51%, while 68% said they were optimistic about the bloc’s future. (Maltatoday)
Malta to Introduce Instant Fines for Tourists and Non-Resident Foreigners: From 1 June, authorities in Malta will be able to issue on-the-spot fines to tourists and non-resident foreigners who break the law, with immediate electronic payment required. Police, LESA and Environment and Resources Authority officers will enforce the new rules, aimed at tackling unpaid fines and improving public order. The measures target offences such as littering and excessive noise. Byron Camilleri said the reform responds to residents’ concerns and promotes respect for Maltese society. Foreign nationals who contest a fine will still have the right to appeal before a tribunal. (The Malta Independent)
Sliema Mayor Opposes Manoel Island Lido Plan: John Pillow said he will urge the Sliema Local Council to oppose plans for a new lido and land reclamation project along the Sliema seafront facing Manoel Island. The proposal includes an outdoor pool, sun deck, restaurants and play area. Pillow warned the development would damage public space, alter iconic coastal views and worsen overdevelopment in the locality. Neville Chetcuti also voiced reservations, saying too much coastline had already been taken up by similar projects. (The Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Employers Warn Election Campaign Risks Becoming ‘Bidding Contest’
Malta’s employers’ body has delivered a strong warning to both major political parties, cautioning that the election campaign is increasingly turning into a “bidding contest” driven by costly pledges and short-term populism rather than long-term economic planning. Launching its electoral memborandum, Malta Employers presented 140 proposals spread across twelve strategic pillars aimed at strengthening competitiveness, governance and fiscal sustainability. The document stresses that “there is no such thing as free money”, warning that unsustainable electoral promises would eventually lead to higher debt, increased taxes or fewer opportunities for future generations. Malta Employers President Ivan Refalo said election campaigns should serve as “a moment for serious reflection about the future we wish to build”, rather than becoming a race over which party can make the biggest promises. “The temptation to win short-term support through eye-catching pledges is deeply irresponsible,” Refalo said. “Leadership is not measured by how much one promises, but by how responsibly one governs.” (Newsbook)
PL Pledges Free Breast Screening for Women Over 45
The Labour Party has pledged to introduce free breast screening for women over the age of 45 as part of a broader commitment to women’s healthcare. The proposal was announced by Lydia Abela during a Mother’s Day event on Sunday, where she stressed the importance of early detection and regular health checks. She said encouraging more women to attend screenings could help identify cancer earlier and improve treatment outcomes. Abela also revealed plans for Malta’s first national women’s health strategy under a future Labour government. She said the strategy would aim to ensure access to healthcare services for women at every stage of life. During the event, Labour representatives also pledged to launch a national educational campaign designed to challenge stereotypes surrounding family roles and women in society. Speakers emphasised that fathers and husbands should not merely “help” mothers, but instead share equal responsibility within family life. Abela said the campaign would help reinforce the idea that women should be recognised as individuals in their own right, adding that cultural change was still needed in this area. (Maltatoday)
PN Pledges Six Months’ Paid Maternity Leave Under Family-Focused Plan
A future Nationalist government would extend maternity leave to six months on full pay, while also increasing paternity leave to four weeks, Opposition leader Alex Borg announced during a Mother’s Day campaign event in Mġarr. Addressing supporters alongside partner Sarah Bajada, Borg said the PN wanted to place families at the heart of national policy by giving parents greater support during the early stages of parenthood. He argued that the first months of a child’s life were crucial and that mothers deserved more time, security and dignity during that period. Under the proposal, maternity leave would rise from the current 18 weeks to 26 weeks, with the government covering the full salary for the first six months. Borg described the measure as a key social investment aimed at strengthening family life. The PN is also proposing to increase paternity leave from 10 working days to four weeks on full pay. Borg said fathers should not be treated as secondary figures in a child’s upbringing, insisting that raising children was a shared responsibility between both parents. (Times of Malta)
