Government Extends Clean Transport Schemes with €33 Million Investment The Transport Ministry has announced an extension to seven financial schemes promoting cleaner and more sustainable transport systems. These initiatives include grants for electric and low-emission vehicles, e-motorcycles, e-bikes, and improved accessibility for persons with disabilities. Over the past four years, Transport Malta has approved 15,000 grants worth €90 million. Minister for Transport Chris Bonett described the 2026 package, worth €33 million, as an “investment in incentives, not punishment,” reaffirming Malta’s commitment to greener mobility. Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia added that eligible applicants include those purchasing vehicles from 1 January 2026 onwards, consolidating Malta’s position among Europe’s leading nations for electric vehicle adoption. (Times of Malta)
PN Proposes Law to Address Loneliness Nationwide The Nationalist Party will table a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament this week aimed at combating loneliness as part of its Social Justice Week 2026 campaign. Shadow Minister Ivan Bartolo said the legislation seeks to strengthen community ties and ensure social wellbeing for all. Highlighting that loneliness affects people across all age groups and backgrounds, Bartolo urged cross-party cooperation to tackle what he termed a “growing social challenge.” The proposed law would introduce new frameworks for support services and awareness programmes designed to ensure no one feels forgotten or isolated in modern society. (Times of Malta)
Residents Accuse Government of Stalling Planning Law Reform A coalition of resident groups, Il-Kollettiv, has accused the government of deliberately delaying planning law reforms to avoid political backlash before the next general election. The group claims that progress on Bills 143 and 144 has stalled, despite assurances of imminent updates. Secretary Wayne Flask criticised the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal, calling it institutionally compromised due to conflicts of interest with the Planning Authority. He argued that residents’ appeals often succeed because they expose deep flaws in planning procedures. Il-Kollettiv warned that the proposed reforms could weaken democratic safeguards, allowing developers greater leeway over local planning policies, particularly in contentious projects in Mellieħa and Rabat. (The Malta Independent)
