Prime Minister Robert Abela has expressed his desire for the magisterial inquiry into offshore company 17 Black to be made public, emphasising the need for greater transparency in such cases. Speaking on ONE on Sunday, Abela criticised the current system, likening it to “the Inquisition.” He suggested that upcoming reforms to magisterial inquiries would enable the publication of both the process and conclusions of such investigations. His remarks come after the Nationalist Party accused him of attempting to “manipulate” the 17 Black inquiry. In a statement, the party claimed that Abela’s proposed changes to the law governing magisterial inquiries were part of what they described as a “diabolical deal” with his predecessor, Joseph Muscat. (The Malta Indep[endent)
A Eurobarometer survey reveals that patriarchal values remain deeply rooted in Malta, with 63% of respondents believing women should prioritise family over career—nearly double the EU average of 34%. This places Malta among the highest in the EU, alongside Hungary (64%) and Slovakia (63%), in stark contrast to countries like the Netherlands (10%), Sweden (12%), and Finland (13%). Furthermore, 69% of Maltese respondents feel that family life suffers when mothers work full-time, compared to 51% across the EU. Although this represents an 8-point decline in Malta since 2014, the figure remains significantly higher than the EU average, with only 16% in Finland agreeing with this sentiment. (Maltatoday)
Former PN Minister Michael Falzon passes away
Michael Falzon, a renowned architect, former minister under a Nationalist administration, and a founding member of the Malta Developers Association, has passed away at the age of 79. Born in 1945 and hailing from Naxxar, Falzon was a prominent figure in Eddie Fenech Adami’s early governments and a respected media commentator before and after his political career. Prime Minister Robert Abela announced Falzon’s passing, revealing they had spoken just days earlier. “He served the country. While we held differing opinions, respect was always mutual. He consistently shared his views constructively. I’m deeply saddened by his loss,” Abela said Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech also expressed condolences to Falzon’s family, honouring his contributions to the nation. (Times of Malta)
