An independent inquiry will look into the circumstances surrounding the death of a 55-year-old man in the emergency waiting room at Mater Dei Hospital. The man was reportedly left waiting despite complaining of chest pain. Stephen Mangion, a police officer, passed away around 11 pm on Tuesday. In a Facebook post, his niece, Claire Mangion, wrote: “Reality hits home… my dearest uncle Stephen Mangion was asked to wait and wait even though he had chest pain until he collapsed and died at the emergency of Mater Dei. A failed system that needs to change.” Lawyer and former MP Jason Azzopardi stated that the man had been directed to go to Mater Dei’s emergency unit in his private car after seeking help at the Floriana health centre. Witnesses on social media claimed that the man expressed severe chest pain but was told to wait. He collapsed and died before receiving any medical attention. (Times of Malta)
Government to offer further incentives to innovative start-ups – PM The government will continue to offer incentives to encourage the creation of innovative start-ups that provide quality careers, especially for young people and families with strong incomes. On Thursday, Prime Minister Robert Abela visited the offices of Maltese companies Scope Solutions Malta and Dedaub, which began as start-ups and now operate out of the Malta Life Sciences Park in San Ġwann. Scope Solutions specializes in financial services, while Dedaub focuses on Blockchain. During his visit, Abela met with several employees and spoke with the management of both companies to learn more about their work. He was also informed that the two companies are planning to expand and grow their operations abroad. (The Malta Independent)
NGO coalition calls for release of Ethopians
A coalition of 41 civil society organisations has condemned the recent arrest and detention of several Ethiopian nationals in Malta, calling on the government to release the detainees immediately and establish a pathway to regularisation for long-term residents. In a joint statement, the organizations expressed shock and sadness over the arrests, which targeted individuals whose asylum applications had been rejected. They noted that many of those detained had been living and working legally in Malta for several years—some for up to 20 years—paying taxes and contributing to the community. These arrests, part of recent immigration raids, have deeply affected Malta’s refugee communities. The statement highlighted that the detained men were uprooted from their lives without any warning, leaving behind their jobs, homes, and social networks. They now face deportation to Ethiopia, where they may be at risk of harm and lack support systems. (Maltatoday)
