PM Abela: Malta Must Offer Stability Amid Global Uncertainty
Prime Minister Robert Abela has said Malta must remain a country that provides certainty and stability to its people at a time of unprecedented international turmoil. Speaking during a political activity in Paola, the Prime Minister stressed that the government’s priority is to protect families and businesses while ensuring the country is prepared for any situation. He announced that further improvements to the collective agreement for members of the disciplined forces will be revealed during a cabinet meeting with workers from the Civil Protection Department. Abela also confirmed that more details will be provided this week on plans to create five national parks around Malta, promising additional open spaces for families. He said recent developments in the central Mediterranean, including damage sustained by a Russian tanker in the region, highlighted the importance of national preparedness and coordinated emergency response. (Times of Malta)
Borg Pledges Tax Exemption on Pensions if PN Wins Power
Opposition leader Alex Borg has pledged that a future government led by the Nationalist Party would introduce a full tax exemption on pension income in its first budget. Addressing a political activity in Senglea, Borg argued that many pensioners are struggling with rising living costs and often rely on part-time work or investments to supplement their income. He criticised the government for raising the tax exemption threshold only to €37,000 rather than eliminating the tax entirely. The PN leader also highlighted the situation facing around 50 employees at the Aviation Cosmetics Centre who risk losing their jobs after going unpaid since January due to a dispute involving the company and authorities. He said the country requires serious leadership focused on practical solutions rather than what he described as political gimmicks. (Newsbook)
Cost of Living Emerges as Top Issue for Maltese Voters
The cost of living and purchasing power are the two issues most likely to influence how people vote in Malta’s next general election, according to a survey published by MaltaToday. The poll indicates that inflation and spending power together account for nearly one in five responses when voters were asked which issues would shape their electoral choices. Traffic, the overall state of the economy and population growth also feature prominently among voter concerns. Migration pressures appear to be another major factor. When population growth and the presence of foreign workers are considered together, they become the single most frequently cited issue in the survey. Environmental concerns and construction activity also rank highly when grouped together. Meanwhile, corruption appears to be a more decisive issue among supporters of the Nationalist Party than among voters backing other political parties. (Maltatoday)
