Updated 1330
Population reaches 542,051 at end of 2022: The estimated total population of Malta and Gozo at the end of 2022 reached 542,051, up by 4.2% when compared to the previous year, the National Statistics Office said. In a publication marking World Population Day, the NSO said the population increase in 2022 was driven by a total net migration of 21,798 persons, adding that third-country nationals made up 83.1% of the total net migrants last year. (Newsbook)
Parliament asked to approve ‘illegal’ Fortina land reclamation: Parliament was requested to approve the transfer of public land that had already been “illegally” reclaimed by the Fortina hotel for a lido located on the Sliema seafront. Following the Opposition’s objection, a final vote is scheduled for Wednesday, with a division called. Lands Minister Silvio Schembri introduced a motion for the transfer of the land, as well as an area off the shore. Opposition MP Albert Buttigieg raised concerns about whether the situation, where Parliament is being asked to endorse an already finalized agreement, was due to “incompetence or complicity.” He criticized the government for seemingly favouring those who violate the law and attempting to offset it by imposing a €70,000 fee. (Times of Malta)
One million seek government services in first six months: In the first half of this year, there were over one million and eighty thousand requests for government services, averaging almost 3,000 daily requests, according to official statistics from servizz.gov. Throughout January to June 2023, 130,000 individuals visited the 24 servizz.gov hubs located in various localities. Online e-government services experienced a surge in popularity, with approximately 451,460 users accessing services and related information on the servizz.gov.mt website. The government services agency also received 45,432 emails, with tax and employment-related inquiries being the most common subjects. The registration of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) emerged as the most popular online service. (TVM)
Morning Briefing
Optimism among population declines – Eurobarometer
According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, optimism regarding Malta’s “general situation” has significantly declined. At the beginning of the year, nearly three-quarters of the population believed the country’s situation was good, but now fewer than half share this view. The Eurobarometer survey, conducted across Europe, included the participation of over 500 individuals in Malta during May and June. Notably, public perception of the country’s economic situation has also experienced a significant drop, with a fifth of respondents rating it positively compared to earlier this year. In January, 75% described Malta’s economic situation as either “very” or “rather good,” but that figure has now decreased to just 56%. Conversely, the proportion of individuals perceiving the economic situation as “very” or “rather bad” has risen by 19 percentage points to reach 42%. (Times of Malta)
Tunisia a crucial partner on migration – PM
During a bilateral meeting with the President of Tunisia, Kais Saied, and Prime Minister Najla Bouden, Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasized the importance of Tunisia as a key partner in addressing the Mediterranean migrant crisis. Abela stressed the need for a comprehensive and collective approach to tackling the root causes of illegal migration, involving all parties affected by the issue. Recognizing that Tunisia is also impacted by the migration crisis, Abela reiterated the significance of the country’s collaboration in finding solutions to this pressing challenge. (Maltatoday)
Caritas study shows basket of goods for low-income families reaches €719.50
A study by Caritas has found that a food basket catering to a family consisting of two adults and two children amounts to €719.50 per month. Caritas Malta conducted a research study to identify and price a basket of goods and services necessary for low-income families to maintain a basic yet decent quality of life. The study’s findings highlight the rising costs of a basic food basket for three distinct categories of low-income families. In addition to the expenses associated with a seven-day menu, the study also examines the costs of medicines and healthcare for these three household types: two adults and two children, a single parent with two children, and an elderly couple aged 65 and over.
