Malta’s population grows to more than 588,000 as TCN migration increases
Malta’s population reached an estimated 588,254 by the end of 2025, marking a 2.4% increase compared with the previous year, according to new figures published by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The rise was driven overwhelmingly by net migration, which totalled 13,906 people during the year. Non-EU nationals accounted for 78.1% of net migrants, while men represented almost two-thirds of the total. Despite net migration increasing by 31% over 2024, both immigration and emigration declined. The figures also highlight Malta’s ageing population, with people aged 65 and over accounting for 18.4% of residents, compared with 14.3% aged under 18. Natural population growth continued to weaken as births fell by 0.8% and deaths increased by 1.4%. Women continued to outnumber men significantly among the oldest age groups, particularly those aged 85 and above. (Times of MaltA)
Witness recalls ‘deafening scream’ moments before Daphne Caruana Galizia car bomb
Emotional testimony dominated proceedings in the trial over the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, as neighbour Francis Sant described hearing a “deafening scream” moments before the fatal explosion. Sant told jurors he was driving towards Bidnija on 16 October 2017 when he noticed sparks beneath the victim’s car after another motorist stopped in apparent panic. Seconds later, he heard a scream before what he described as a devastating blast tore the vehicle apart. Sant said the force of the explosion propelled the car towards his own vehicle, missing it by only a few metres before crashing into a nearby field. He rushed to help but immediately realised there was no chance of saving the victim. Fighting back tears, Sant also recalled the moment Matthew Caruana Galizia arrived at the scene and realised his mother had been killed. (Maltatoday)
Residential property sales rise as promise of sale agreements decline
Residential property sales continued to strengthen in June, while the number of promise of sale agreements declined compared with the same month last year, according to figures released by the National Statistics Office. A total of 1,117 final deeds of sale were registered during June, representing an increase of 117 contracts, or 11.7%, over June 2025. Meanwhile, the number of promise of sale agreements, known as konvenji, fell to 1,026, down by 80 agreements or 7.2% year-on-year. Final deeds indicate completed property transactions, while promise of sale agreements reflect properties that are still progressing through the purchasing process. The latest figures suggest that although fewer preliminary agreements were signed during the month, more transactions reached completion, pointing to continued activity in Malta’s residential property market despite a slowdown in new agreements. (TVM News)
