Population growth to continue at slower pace, says Abela
Prime Minister Robert Abela has said Malta’s population will continue to grow over the coming years, but at a more moderate pace as the government seeks to balance economic expansion with demographic pressures. Speaking about the latest population figures, Abela said measures introduced last year to regulate labour migration had helped reduce the rate of growth, with 2025 recording one of the smallest annual increases since 2017. Malta’s population reached around 588,000 after a net increase of approximately 14,000 people. Abela argued that maintaining growth at a similar level would remain sustainable while ensuring employers can access the workforce needed to support key sectors. He also dismissed suggestions that the property market relies solely on continued population growth, describing construction and real estate as important contributors to the economy and defending existing planning rules that protect approved development rights. (The Times of Malta)
GWU urges overhaul of COLA with twice-yearly payments
The General Workers’ Union is calling for Malta’s cost-of-living adjustment system to be reformed, proposing that workers receive COLA payments twice a year instead of through a single annual increase. GWU Secretary General Kevin Camilleri said the current mechanism, introduced in the 1990s, no longer reflects modern household spending patterns or the speed at which prices rise. He argued that workers often wait too long to receive compensation because the adjustment is based on the previous year’s inflation, leaving families to absorb higher costs for months. The union is also urging a review of the basket of goods used to calculate COLA, saying it should better reflect today’s living expenses, including housing and technology costs. Camilleri acknowledged reform would require agreement between unions, employers and government, but insisted discussions should begin to ensure wages better keep pace with inflation. (The Malta Independent)
Restaurant owner denied bail over alleged €2 million tax fraud
A restaurant owner extradited from Italy to face charges linked to alleged tax fraud and money laundering has been denied bail by a Maltese court. Giuseppe Napolitano, owner of the Storie e Sapori restaurants in St Julian’s and Gżira, pleaded not guilty to allegations involving more than €2 million in unpaid VAT, income tax and other taxes. Prosecutors presented findings from a Financial Crimes Investigation Department probe, which identified hundreds of thousands of euro in allegedly voided and cancelled transactions at the restaurants. The court also upheld a freezing order on Napolitano’s assets. The defence argued that the businessman had already begun discussions with the Commissioner for Tax and Customs to settle his tax liabilities under legislation introduced in 2025, which allows taxpayers to avoid criminal liability by repaying taxes and paying a financial penalty. However, the court ruled that the ongoing negotiations did not justify granting bail. (Maltatoday)
