PM says economic success must not be taken for granted Prime Minister Robert Abela has warned that Malta’s economic success cannot be taken for granted, stressing that poor policy decisions could quickly reverse the country’s progress. Speaking in Parliament, he defended the government’s record and outlined its priorities for the new legislature, highlighting the Labour Party’s fourth consecutive electoral victory as evidence of a strong public mandate. Abela said the party’s manifesto, containing over 1,000 proposals, reflects a long-term vision for the country, including more than 100 measures focused on Gozo. He also referred to Vision 2050, describing it as a holistic strategy aimed at shaping Malta’s future development A key element of this approach, he said, is the introduction of a wellbeing index to measure the real impact of policies on citizens’ quality of life and ensure greater accountability. (The Malta Independent)
PN wants KM Malta Airlines accounts published
The Opposition has called on the government and KM Malta Airlines to immediately publish the airline’s audited financial statements, arguing that taxpayers deserve full transparency on the company’s performance. The Nationalist Party expressed concern that, despite being granted an extension, KM Malta Airlines has yet to release its accounts. The airline was established more than two years ago and has been operating for over a year, yet little official information has been provided about its financial results. The PN noted that Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has repeatedly stated that the airline is more efficient and financially sustainable than Air Malta. It argued that such claims should be backed by publicly available financial statements. The Opposition also linked the delay to broader concerns about government transparency, pointing to the recent postponement of key public finance data. According to the PN, citizens have a right to know whether public funds invested in the airline are delivering the outcomes that were promised. (Times of Malta)
€4.5 Million Cocaine Haul Discovered in Vehicle Arriving from Sicily
A 44-year-old Bosnian-Herzegovinian national has been remanded in custody after customs officials discovered approximately 35 kilograms of suspected cocaine hidden inside his vehicle. The man was stopped shortly after arriving in Malta from Sicily aboard a catamaran. Customs officers reportedly became suspicious during routine inspections and requested assistance from the police. The vehicle was taken to the police garage in Floriana, where a detailed search uncovered several packages concealed within specially constructed compartments. Authorities estimate the drugs have a street value of around €4.5 million. A magisterial inquiry was immediately launched, while forensic investigations continue. The accused appeared before the courts and pleaded not guilty to charges related to the attempted importation and trafficking of cocaine. He was remanded in custody pending further proceedings. The case represents one of the largest cocaine seizures reported by Maltese authorities in recent months. (Maltatoday)
