PM Robert Abela announced that the government plans to open a new domestic violence centre next year. According to the Abela, this facility will be situated in a central location and will be Malta’s second centre dedicated to offering immediate protection and support for victims of domestic abuse and their children. The country’s first such centre has been operating 24/7 in Santa Luċia since February. In addition, the prime minister revealed that electronic tags and panic alarms will soon be introduced for victims of domestic violence. Abela’s remarks came at the close of a week marked by the tragic murder of Nicolette Ghirxi.
EC Delegation Head passes away
Lorenzo Vella, a distinguished civil servant and member of the European Union’s civil service who led the European Commission’s delegation to Malta, has passed away at the age of 43. Vella had been serving as the head of the EC delegation to Malta since early 2023 but fell ill towards the end of that year. He is survived by his wife and two children. Before his role with the European Commission, Vella served as Malta’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe in 2021. (Maltatoday)
Outgoing SME boss laments impact of large retail outlets
Abigail Agius Mamo, the outgoing CEO of the Malta Chamber of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), noted that Maltese small businesses have been raising concerns with the local lobby group ever since the first major discount store opened in the country. As Malta’s economy continues to develop, with the proliferation of large supermarkets, multinational chains, and flashy malls, small and medium-sized businesses have increasingly struggled to survive. Each time a new mega-store opens, it seems to draw more attention away from local shops, such as neighbourhood grocers, bakeries, and small retailers. (The Malta Independent)
