Updated 1240
Over 90% of suspended cabs back on the road: Over 90% of cab operators whose licenses were suspended are now back in business, returning the industry to its previous oversaturated state. The Light Passenger Operators Association (LPOA) revealed that over 1,400 Y-plate suspensions have largely been reversed. Operators are frustrated by Transport Malta’s (TM) lack of transparency, learning about reinstatements through word of mouth rather than official communication. Many suspended operators appealed TM’s decision in court, allowing them to resume operations. TM had previously cracked down on cab companies failing to comply with regulations requiring vehicles to be parked in public service garages (PSGs). Despite a grace period and extensions, TM suspended 69 operators and later penalized major firms for fraudulent PSG declarations. (Times of Malta)
Gender-corrective mechanism ‘did not leave desired effect’: The Women for Women Foundation believes that the gender-corrective mechanism to increase female representation in Parliament has not led to the expected policy improvements for women. While more women have entered Parliament, general manager Elaine Compagno expressed disappointment that this has not translated into stronger advocacy or better protections for women. She and founder Francesca Fenech Conti emphasised the need for female MPs to be more vocal and proactive in addressing women’s issues. They support the mechanism as a starting point but stress the importance of sustained efforts for gender equity. They also reaffirmed the relevance of Women’s Day, highlighting the ongoing disadvantages women face and the need for education, resources, and systemic change.
Police launching roads policing unit to improve accident response: The Malta Police Force is establishing a dedicated Roads Policing Unit to handle serious road traffic collision investigations, replacing court-appointed experts. This aims to speed up inquiries and improve communication with victims’ families. The move follows claims by Dieter Vink’s parents, who said they had received no updates since his fatal motorcycle crash in December. The police refuted this, stating they had contacted the family three times, most recently in January. Vink’s parents acknowledged possible confusion but still felt uninformed. Meanwhile, authorities confirmed no fines were issued for the unpermitted skip involved in the crash, though the contractor has been barred from future roadwork permits. The magisterial inquiry remains ongoing. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Political surveys give Labour lead
Two political surveys published over the weekend put Labour ahead by different margins. A Times of Malta poll shows the Labour Party leading with 51.5% of the vote, 6.5 points ahead of the Nationalist Party at 45%, with third parties claiming 3.5%. If an election were held tomorrow, Labour would win by around 18,700 votes. A MaltaToday survey also shows Labour regaining ground, now leading by 11,613 votes, reversing a one-point deficit from November. Labour stands at 48.2% against the Nationalist Party’s 43.9%. However, this is still below its 2022 general election performance, where it had a 39,000-vote lead. Both surveys point at a high absention rate, ranging between 20 and 28%. (Times of Malta/Malta Today)
PM says curriculum should better address today’s challenges
During a discussion with athlete Neil Agius and entrepreneur Donna Cardona on mental health, education, and upbringing, Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasised the need to update the education curriculum to better address today’s values and challenges. He noted that while significant investment has been made in the sports sector, there is still room for growth. Speaking at a Labour Party event at the National Library in Valletta, themed “room4ideas”, Dr Abela suggested introducing confidence-building exercises in schools. He also highlighted that education should go beyond homework, underscoring the importance of sport and physical activity. On mental health, the Prime Minister mentioned the Government’s strategy to improve community access to services, including a new 130-bed mental hospital near Mater Dei. (TVM)
Government interested in protecting itself, PN leader says
Nationalist Party Leader Bernard Grech criticised the government’s actions in 2025, arguing that it has achieved little so far, apart from introducing a law that he claims restricts citizens’ rights. Referring to the magisterial inquiry reform, Grech accused the government of prioritising self-protection over public interest and of trying to control institutions to shield corrupt individuals. He also criticised the Prime Minister for allegedly attacking the Courts when they investigated cases against the government and for proposing a law that limits citizen access to the Courts. Grech stressed the importance of retaining the right to request magisterial inquiries, citing the Vitals case as an example of its significance. He also pledged that, under his leadership, the Nationalist Party would prioritise tackling the rising cost of living if elected to power, emphasising that this is only achievable with public support in the next election. (The Malta Independent)
