New US Ambassador Vows Stronger Malta Ties US Ambassador to Malta Somers Farkas has pledged to strengthen bilateral relations during her tenure. Nominated in late 2024, the Virginia-born former model and philanthropist highlighted plans to deepen trade, investment, and energy collaboration. In a video posted on social media, Farkas described Malta and the US as united by “shared democratic values” and a “common commitment to independence, peace, and prosperity.” She promised to enhance security collaboration, promote cultural exchanges, and engage closely with both the Maltese government and private sector. Farkas also reiterated her support for US energy exports to Malta, particularly in LNG. Referring to US President Donald Trump’s policies, she said she would “not hesitate to pursue his agenda” while advancing Malta-US cooperation across multiple sectors. (Times of Malta)
Maksar Gang Appeal Dismissed The Maksar crime gang has lost its appeal against lifetime prison sentences handed down last year. Adrian Agius, Robert Agius, Jamie Vella, and George Degiorgio were convicted of involvement in two separate murders, including that of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017 and lawyer Carmel Chircop in 2015. Degiorgio and Vella were found guilty of killing Chircop, while Adrian Agius was convicted of commissioning the attack. Robert Agius was acquitted on the Chircop charge. All four were found guilty in relation to Caruana Galizia’s murder. Their appeal challenged aspects ranging from pre-trial publicity to witness credibility, and argued that life sentences were excessive. On Wednesday, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, upholding the original sentences as proportionate to the gravity of the crimes. (Maltatoday)
Cruise Passenger Numbers Rise Malta’s cruise sector recorded 179,299 passengers in the fourth quarter of 2025, up 1.4 per cent on the same period the previous year, the National Statistics Office reported. There were 93 vessel calls, with transit passengers making up 94.3 per cent of total traffic. EU nationals accounted for 42.0 per cent of passengers, led by Germany and Italy, while the US contributed 20.5 per cent and the UK 13.0 per cent of non-EU visitors. Women made up 52.5 per cent of passengers, and the majority were aged 60–79. For the full year, total cruise passengers reached 870,560, with an average of 2,250 per vessel. Passenger numbers continue to show steady growth, underlining Malta’s appeal as a Mediterranean cruise destination. (The Malta Independent)
