Parliament has approved the 2025 Budget estimates, confirming funding for government ministries and outlining plans for fiscal, social, and economic development. Key measures include tax adjustments, increased support for families and pensioners, and investments in sustainability. Families will benefit from higher children’s allowances, marriage grants, and disability aid, while property schemes for first- and second-time buyers are extended. Malta’s GDP growth is forecast at 4.3%, with a deficit reduction to 3.5% of GDP and debt levels below the EU’s 60% threshold. The government also committed to maintaining energy and fuel subsidies despite EU pressure to phase them out. (The Malta Independent)
Police officer in danger after being hit while off-duty
Relatives and friends of 29-year-old police officer Chris Bonello, who was seriously injured in a tragic accident on Friday, are appealing for blood donations as he continues to fight for his life. Bonello was off-duty and fixing a punctured tyre on a Ford Fiesta on Dawret il-Gudja around 7:45 pm when he was struck by a Skoda Fabia. He was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital, where he remains in intensive care. Friends confirmed he is undergoing major surgeries, with his condition described as serious but stable. (Times of Malta)
Government pushes resolution to allow GWU to sub-let property to commercial entities
Parliament has approved a resolution amending the lease agreement for the General Workers’ Union (GWU) headquarters in Valletta. The resolution, passed with 41 votes in favour and 33 against, removes a restriction that barred the union from subletting parts of the Workers Memorial Building to unrelated commercial entities. Despite the GWU’s appeal earlier in the day, the Opposition voted against the measure. Lands Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi presented the resolution following a court ruling earlier this year. The court found the GWU in breach of its lease for subletting space to Arms Ltd and Sciacca Grill but stopped short of ordering the union’s eviction. (Maltatoday)
