Updated 1230
Malta to Launch AI-Powered Traffic Control Centre Within Months: Transport Malta’s upgraded national traffic control centre is set to begin using artificial intelligence and live road data within months to improve traffic management and infrastructure planning across Malta and Gozo. The system will integrate radars, cameras, sensors and adaptive traffic lights into one real-time platform capable of monitoring road conditions and responding automatically to changing traffic flows. Officials said the project forms part of the Malta in Motion plan and will also support road safety initiatives for cyclists and pedestrians through new technologies aimed at creating a more efficient and sustainable transport network. (The Times of Malta)
Families Evacuated After Structural Failure at Naxxar Construction Site: Several families living near a construction site in Naxxar were evacuated on Thursday night after part of the foundations of a building under construction failed. The Building and Construction Authority issued an immediate stop order and described the evacuations as precautionary while investigations continue alongside the Civil Protection Department. Residents reported the partial collapse of a supporting wall at the former quarry site, raising concerns over the structure’s stability. The affected development is being carried out by Onyx Investments Ltd. Evacuated residents spent the night in a hotel as authorities conduct further risk assessments. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Former Chamber President Warns Voters Over ‘Flashy’ Election Promises
Former Malta Chamber President Marisa Xuereb has warned voters to be cautious of costly electoral promises, arguing that Malta faces difficult years ahead regardless of who wins the election. Speaking on Jon Mallia’s podcast, Xuereb said there was a growing contradiction between global economic uncertainty and the pledges being made during the campaign. She criticised proposals offering more benefits and additional leave while insisting there appeared to be little discussion about how such measures would be financed. “They are saying they will increase leave and benefits, saying ‘don’t worry, we will take care of you’,” she said. Xuereb argued that voters were being flooded with proposals in a short campaign period while still managing their daily lives and work responsibilities. She said many people were not considering the wider trade-offs linked to ambitious spending commitments. The economist also warned that Malta’s political culture needed to change, insisting that voters should look beyond promises that “glitter” and focus more on long-term sustainability, productivity and skills development. (Times of Malta)
PN Unveils Plan to Reform Malta’s Work Permit System
PN leader Alex Borg has proposed a major reform of Malta’s residency and work permit system, promising to cut bureaucracy through a new “one-stop shop” model for employers and foreign workers. Addressing a press conference alongside Home Affairs spokesperson Darren Carabott, Borg said the current process was fragmented and creating unnecessary delays for businesses seeking to recruit overseas workers. Under the proposal, separate administrative hubs would be established. One would cater for Maltese and EU citizens dealing with passports, ID cards and civil registration matters, while another would focus specifically on visas, residency permits and work applications for third-country nationals. Borg said the changes would simplify procedures for employers while improving coordination across government services. He also linked the proposal to wider demographic concerns, warning that Malta needed stronger planning mechanisms to ensure infrastructure and public services kept pace with population growth. Borg said residency and labour policies should form part of a broader national strategy tied to workforce needs and long-term planning. (Maltatoday)
Labour Pledges Multisensory Park and Expanded Disability Support
PM Robert Abela has announced a package of proposals aimed at strengthening support for persons with disabilities and voluntary organisations, including plans for Malta’s first multisensory park. Speaking during a visit to the Inspire Centre in Marsascala, Abela said the project would involve an investment of around €4.2 million and would be managed by Project Green. The Prime Minister also confirmed that children under the age of 18 with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions would receive free therapy under Labour’s proposals. Young people aged between 18 and 23 would be eligible for annual financial support to continue accessing therapy services. Labour additionally pledged an Individual Support Plan aimed at helping adults with disabilities live more independently. The carers grant would also double to match the minimum wage, while eligibility would be extended until the child reaches the age of 23. Abela also announced measures aimed at reducing bureaucracy for NGOs, festa organisations and band clubs, together with further financial support for voluntary organisations. (TVM News)
