Budget 2026: Focus on a Strong Economy and the Future of Children The Government has announced that Budget 2026 will follow the theme “A Strong Economy – A Future for our Children”. This will be presented in Parliament on Monday. Prime Minister Robert Abela said the Budget will build on Malta’s strong economic foundations, ensuring benefits for families and workers alike. The Budget is also expected to include measures addressing Malta’s low birth rate. Abela described it as “the best Budget ever,” stating that what has been achieved together will serve as the foundation for future progress. (Times of Malta)
SME Barometer: Worker Shortages and Overpopulation Top Concerns The Malta Chamber of SMEs’ Q3 2025 Barometer reveals that staff shortages and overpopulation are the main concerns for local businesses. Conducted with Misco Malta among 456 firms, the survey found that 46% of respondents cited employee shortages as their top issue, followed by unfair competition at 26%. Overpopulation ranked highest among national concerns at 36%, ahead of governance and corruption. Despite these challenges, business sentiment improved slightly compared to earlier quarters, though two-thirds still feel Malta is moving in the wrong direction. Encouragingly, 77% of SMEs recognise digitalisation as crucial for future growth, prompting the Chamber to urge more financial incentives to support small business investment in technology. (Times of Malta)
Malta Biennale 2026: 47 Projects Selected from 122 Countries A total of 47 artistic projects have been selected for the Malta Biennale 2026, set to take place between March and May. The chosen works were selected from over 3,200 submissions from 122 countries, marking a significant rise from the first edition. Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said the event was expected to “be an even greater success,” following international recognition from UNESCO earlier this year. Heritage Malta chairman Mario Cutajar highlighted that the Biennale aims to connect the past with the present, fostering social dialogue through art. Artistic director Rosa Martínez added that the projects will reflect the unique narratives of each Heritage Malta venue, turning Malta into a vibrant Mediterranean hub for contemporary creativity. (Maltatoday).
