Labour’s gap on the Nationalist Party stands at 13.1%, a Times of Malta survey has found. With less than 90 days left to the EP election, 39% of voters expressed their intention to vote for the Nationalist Party in June, contrasting with the 52% who declare their support for Labour. This discrepancy would result in an estimated margin of approximately 33,800 votes. PN’s star candidate Roberta Metsola ranked as the most favored MEP candidate across all parties, but a significant 46% of respondents have yet to select a preferred candidate. (Times of Malta)
Fitch rates Malta A+ in latest ranking
Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed Malta’s A+ rating with a stable outlook, indicating a positive assessment of the country’s economic health and stability. In its latest assessment, the agency said that Malta benefits from high potential growth rates, demonstrating its capacity for continued economic expansion. According to the credit agency, the country has experienced a notable post-pandemic recovery, with GDP surpassing 2019 levels by approximately 17% as of the fourth quarter of 2023. It also highlighted the resilience of the tourism industry. The report however expresses concern on the nation’s substantial fiscal deficits and the erosion of public finances, prompting inquiries into the long-term sustainability of Malta’s fiscal strategies. (Maltatoday)
Study reveals dissatisfaction with local town’s environment A recent study on well-being reveals that despite often feeling dissatisfied with their town’s environment and infrastructure, most individuals reside in the locality where they were born or where their families live. According to the report’s authors, this indicates “a strong sense of livability and well-being in their locality of residence,” while also underscoring the community’s desire for enhanced “natural environment and open spaces” in their neighborhoods. The report offers insights into the impact of rapid social and demographic changes on local communities in recent years. Commissioned by the Environment and Resources Authority and conducted by the Faculty for Social Wellbeing at the University of Malta, the study, led by Mary Grace Vella, was carried out in the first half of 2023 and published by ERA earlier this week.
