Updated 1210
Build smaller, more affordable houses – study: Planners should consider building smaller homes as Malta revises its local plans, a new KPMG report suggests. The report highlights Malta’s uniquely large homes, averaging 2.2 rooms per person—the largest in the EU, compared to the EU average of 1.6. Over two-thirds of Maltese residents live in homes too large for their needs, with only 2% in overcrowded housing. With limited land and ongoing affordability challenges, the report advocates prioritising smaller, affordable housing units to optimise space and support low-income buyers. However, Malta’s planning and sanitation laws currently hinder the development of studio or one-bedroom apartments. The report warns that such changes require careful consideration due to potential quality-of-life impacts, as local plans undergo their first major revision since 2006. (Times of Malta)
Over 850 people requested gambling self-exclusion in 2024: In the first half of 2024, 857 people in Malta sought self-exclusion from gambling via the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), a 4% rise from 2023. Most requests (62%) were for yearlong bans, with 35–54-year-olds accounting for the largest share (37%). Three-quarters of applicants were men, and 20% were elderly. The MGA also emphasised the legal obligation for Malta-registered online operators to offer self-exclusion options. Globally, self-exclusion on Malta-registered online platforms surged, with over 5.5 million requests in early 2023 compared to 1.4 million in 2022. Most (96.9%) chose temporary bans. Additionally, 1.2 million users sought other limits like deposit caps (75%) or gambling time restrictions (3%), reflecting stronger regulatory measures. (Maltatoday)
Majority think ‘feminism’ has gone too far: A Eurobarometer survey found that 61% of Maltese respondents believe feminism has “gone too far,” the second highest rate in Europe after Cyprus. Despite this, 79% agreed that men would benefit from equality. Gender stereotypes remain prevalent in Malta, with 63% believing women should focus on family responsibilities, and 46% saying a woman’s primary role is caring for her home—10 percentage points above the EU average. Additionally, 69% feel family life suffers when mothers work full-time, compared to the EU average of 51%. However, 88% support financial independence for both genders, and only 10% believe men should have the final say in family matters, significantly below the EU average of 20%. (Eurobarometer)
Morning Briefing
PN defends former Police Commissioner Rizzo after allegations concerning his son
The Nationalist Party has expressed its “full confidence” in John Rizzo as its nominee for the Permanent Commission Against Corruption, despite the recent suspension of his police officer son. In a statement, the PN affirmed its trust in Rizzo, including his handling of the current situation, describing him as a man of “unwavering integrity and the highest honesty.” The party criticised the Labour Party for what it called “highly personal and malicious attacks” against Rizzo following revelations about his son, Kurt, who was suspended over allegations of leaking police information and drug use. The PN accused Labour of targeting Rizzo unjustly, stating, “Only those who do not believe in justice and refuse to fight corruption would attack John Rizzo in this manner.” Rizzo has not commented publicly on the matter. (Times of Malta)
Expansion of MDH Emergency Department announced
The government has announced the publication of a tender for the expansion and development of the Emergency Department at Mater Dei Hospital. The project, valued at just over €80 million covers a total area of 7,100m² and involves excavation work amounting to 10,500m³. In a statement, the Health Ministry explained that the expansion was deemed necessary to address the growing demand on Mater Dei’s emergency services. Over the years, these services have been extended beyond their original physical space, creating additional operational challenges that the new development aims to resolve. (The Malta Independent)
Enemalta launches major investment in distribution
Works have started to lay 60km of underground electricity cables to strengthen the distribution system in 21 localities across Malta and Gozo, Enemalta aid. The works will take place in various localities around both islands. The new medium-voltage cables will enhance the network’s flexibility, Enemalta Executive Chairman Ryan Fava said. The network upgrades were expedited following numerous faults during a 10-day heatwave in the summer of 2023, which led to widespread power outages. Similar electricity disruptions occurred the following summer in areas where the distribution network had yet to be reinforced. (Maltatoday)
