Updated 1215
Early voting – Slightly higher voting for local councils than the EP
Data from the Electoral Commission on Sunday shows that slightly more early voters participated in the local council elections than in the European Parliament elections on Saturday. A total of 14,163 people voted in the council elections out of 16,135 registered early voters, compared to 14,041 votes in the EP elections out of 15,979 registered early voters. Early voting was available for those who declared they would be abroad on the official voting day next Saturday and for residents of 35 old people’s homes. Additional early voting will occur on Tuesday for those on duty in the electoral process and on Thursday for hospital patients. (Times of Malta)
Light passenger operators protest averted as key agreements reached
A planned protest by the Light Passenger Operators Association (LPOA) was averted after successful discussions with the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works. Both parties issued a joint statement announcing mutual agreements on key industry reforms. These include new regulations for special license requirements (“tags”), measures to regulate demographic supply, and the implementation of Geo-Fencing technology to manage vehicle movements in specific areas. The reforms aim to improve safety, ensure driver experience, address market saturation, and enhance traffic management and environmental sustainability. The LPOA will continue to be involved in discussions to ensure comprehensive and inclusive implementation of these measures. (The Malta Independent)
Half of young Maltese workers live with their parents
A study by Eurofound reveals that 49% of young Maltese workers aged 25-34 still live with their parents. This statistic places Malta fourth highest in Europe, behind Croatia (65%), Slovakia (60%), and Greece (57%). The report, titled “Becoming adults: Young people in a post-pandemic world,” uses EU-SILC microdata and highlights the trend of young employed Europeans residing in the parental home. Malta’s percentage exceeds Italy (48%), Spain (42%), and Poland (42%). Additionally, 95% of Maltese aged 15-29 live with their parents, the highest in Europe. The report attributes this to high living and housing costs and a shortage of available housing, impeding young people’s independence. (Maltatoday)
Corruption tops voter concerns, as Labour maintains lead
Corruption has recently become a top priority for voters following the Vitals inquiry courtroom drama, according to a new Times of Malta poll. Nearly a quarter of voters, 24%, now cite corruption as their main voting issue, a significant increase from 8% in April. However, opinions vary widely among party lines. A majority of PN supporters (52%) consider corruption their top issue, along with 38% of ADPD voters. Only 3% of Labour voters prioritise corruption, with the cost of living (15%) and the economy (13%) being their main concerns. Overall, the survey shows a 10.4% gap in favour of Labour. (Times of Malta)
Labour committed to earn people’s trust – PM
Prime Minister Robert Abela reiterated the Labour Party’s commitment to earning the public’s trust and working towards their vision of Malta. Addressing supporters in Żejtun, he thanked activists for their confidence and continuous support during the five-week electoral campaign, highlighting that the unity of the people is key to the country’s success. He assured that the party would continue to strive for improvements in quality of life and further achievements for the wellbeing of the people. He added that, in Malta’s interests, a Labour Government will continue to dialogue with the public in search for better solutions. (TVM)
PM is allergic to truth – Bernard Grech
Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech accused Prime Minister Robert Abela of having “an allergy to the truth” during a mass rally in Birkirkara on Sunday. Grech criticized the Labour Party’s election campaign, claiming that Abela is implicated in the corruption issues now being addressed in court and lacks the ability to manage the consequences. He added that now Abela is trying to buy the people’s vote after leaving them to their own devices and after “eroding” the health of the Maltese through the corruption of the Labour government. The PN leader also noted how most Labour MEP candidates got “chummy” with Joseph Muscat. (The Malta Independent)
