Updated 1000
Malta Lags EU on Cancer Drug Access as Unions Warn Over Health Risks: Malta reimburses just 16% of cancer medicines through the national health service, compared with full coverage in some EU states, according to European Cancer Organisation data cited in a European Parliament debate on World Cancer Day. PN MEP Peter Agius urged urgent inclusion of cancer drugs in the government formulary and stronger EU cooperation on rare cancers, noting patients often rely on charity funding. Separately, the GWU warned that proposed EU deregulation of hazardous chemicals could increase cancer risks for Maltese workers, urging MEPs to defend existing health and safety protections. (Times of Malta)
GWU Signals Industrial Action in Transport Malta Dispute Over Representation: The General Workers’ Union has announced industrial action in an escalating dispute with Transport Malta, citing concerns over worker representation. The GWU’s Maritime and Aviation Section said that despite talks and intervention by the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations, workers’ demands have been ignored. Section secretary Jurgen Azzopardi said the union seeks a fair resolution but will not allow members’ rights to be sidelined. The GWU stressed the dispute is not about pay or conditions, apologising for any service disruption while calling the action necessary to safeguard legal rights. (Newsbook)
Government Outlines Major Energy and Water Upgrades for Gozo: Ministers Miriam Dalli and Clint Camilleri met the Gozo Regional Committee to outline a long-term plan to modernise Gozo’s energy, water and drainage infrastructure. The strategy includes new electricity distribution centres, a 132kV Malta–Gozo cable, over €3 million in recent water projects, and major network upgrades across the island. An €8 million eco-friendly water programme and a €25 million sewage plant upgrade at Ras il-Ħobż are also planned. The GRC welcomed the plans while stressing Gozo’s distinct needs due to double insularity. (The Malta Independent)
Malta News Briefing
Parliament fails to agree on Chief Justice
A government motion to appoint Judge Consuelo Scerri Herrera as chief justice failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in parliament on Wednesday, with 39 votes in favour and 34 against. The last-minute debate and vote followed a public appeal by President Myriam Spiteri Debono and had a crucial procedural impact. Although the motion was defeated, the vote allows incumbent Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti to remain in office until a successor is agreed. Chetcuti, who turned 68 on Wednesday, was otherwise due to retire on Thursday. Earlier, the Speaker had ruled that a vote on a replacement had to be taken before the chief justice’s retirement age for him to stay on provisionally and avoid the post being vacated. The government announced Scerri Herrera’s nomination last week, while Opposition leader Alex Borg proposed four alternative candidates. Prime Minister Robert Abela told parliament Borg had initially also suggested Scerri Herrera for the role. (Times of Malta)
Woman remanded in custody over €1 million online bank scam
A 25-year-old woman from St Paul’s Bay has been remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to defrauding around 200 people by allegedly posing as a bank in an online scam that investigators say spans several countries. Tammy Caruana, who told the court she is unemployed, was charged following an extensive probe led by the Malta Police Force’s Financial Crimes Investigations Department, working with Europol and authorities in Ireland and the UK. Police believe Caruana operated as part of an international criminal network and identified her as the main local suspect. Investigators estimate victims collectively lost around €1 million. About €8,000 in cash was seized during searches in Paola, while electronic devices were confiscated from a separate property in Qrendi. The court ordered the seizure and freezing of Caruana’s assets as investigations continue. (Maltatoday)
Survey shows children face widespread online risks but remain silent
More than half of Maltese schoolchildren have received unwanted or inappropriate messages online, yet the majority do not report abuse, according to a national survey highlighting growing risks in digital spaces. The study found that 51 per cent of students aged seven to 16 encountered harmful online behaviour, including bullying, sexting and requests for intimate images. Despite high awareness levels, with 87.3 per cent of respondents saying they are familiar with the concept of online abuse, only 41.4 per cent of those affected sought help. The findings suggest awareness alone is not translating into effective protection or reporting. Conducted in 2025 among 395 students across state, church and independent schools, the survey was commissioned by the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society. Its release coincides with a government consultation on a Green Paper aimed at strengthening safeguards for children and vulnerable users online. (The Malta Independent)
