Updated 1200
Annual inflation eases to 2.5% as restaurant and food prices rise: Annual inflation in Malta dropped slightly to 2.5% in June 2025, down from 2.7% the previous month, according to data released by the National Statistics Office. The strongest upward pressure came from the Restaurants and hotels Index, which contributed 0.77 percentage points to the overall rate, largely due to higher restaurant prices. Food and non-alcoholic beverages followed with a 0.70-point contribution, mainly driven by rising meat prices, while transport costs—particularly air travel—added 0.43 points. The highest year-on-year inflation rates were recorded in education (5.2%) and food (4.2%). Meanwhile, communication registered a negative inflation rate of -3.6%, helping to offset overall inflation with a downward contribution of 0.13 percentage points.(NSO)
KM Malta Airlines pilots back strike action – reports: Pilots at KM Malta Airlines have unanimously backed industrial action over unresolved issues with the airline, sources told Newsbook Malta. The Airline Pilots’ Association (ALPA) claims the company is ignoring basic requests, including access to its accounts and the publication of a seniority list. Following a secret ballot earlier this week, ALPA received a full mandate to call a strike and is now preparing to notify the airline. Under Maltese law, 48 hours’ notice must be given before any action is taken. Tensions between the pilots and airline management stretch back decades, originating during the Air Malta era. KM Malta Airlines has not yet responded to questions on the matter. (Newsbook)
Cutajar calls for ban on fake social media accounts: Labour MP Rosianne Cutajar has called for a complete ban on fake social media profiles, linking them to online abuse and cyberbullying. Speaking during a parliamentary debate on a proposed cyberstalking and cyberbullying law, she questioned the purpose of anonymous accounts, arguing they are often used to spread hate. The bill would introduce penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of €30,000, with harsher sentences in cases involving minors or vulnerable individuals. While backing the law, Cutajar urged the government to consider banning fake profiles and cited Spain’s proposal for identity-linked social media accounts as a possible model. (Newsbook)
Morning Briefing
Malta taken to EU court over port worker rules
The European Commission has referred Malta to the European Court of Justice over long-standing restrictions in the recruitment of port workers. The Commission argues that Maltese rules, which require employers to engage workers from a single designated pool, breach the freedom of establishment and the freedom to provide services under EU law. Despite earlier warnings, Maltese authorities have not amended the legislation, prompting legal action that could lead to financial penalties or further reforms. (The Malta Independent)
UNESCO warns Valletta risks losing World Heritage status
UNESCO has called on Maltese authorities to take immediate action to preserve Valletta’s World Heritage status, warning that failure to implement protective measures could place the city on the List of World Heritage in Danger. The warning follows years of concern over large-scale development projects, including high-rise buildings and insensitive restorations, which UNESCO says threaten Valletta’s historic fabric. Authorities have been urged to submit updated conservation reports and to reconsider projects that may compromise the city’s universal value. (Newsbook)
NGO calls forr sweeping democratic reform proposals
Repubblika has launched Democratic Vision 2050, a comprehensive blueprint proposing deep-rooted constitutional and institutional reforms to renew Malta’s democracy. The 80-page document includes calls for a clear separation of powers, an overhaul of the system for appointing judges, independent broadcasting regulation, and greater citizen involvement in public life. It also proposes a directly elected President of the Republic with non-executive functions, reforms to the Cabinet’s size and structure, and stronger protections for whistleblowers. The NGO is urging political parties and civil society to engage with the proposals ahead of the next general election.(Times of Malta)
