Updated 1030
Students Ordered to Leave After University Licence Revoked
Over 80 students at the International European University in Gżira have been told to leave Malta after Identità cancelled their residence permits without warning. The order followed the education authorities’ decision to revoke the university’s licence earlier this month, after an audit revealed complaints from overseas students who said they had lost their savings when the institution failed to issue refunds. Students in Malta said they were given no notice and only three working days to appeal. They also criticised the university for failing to provide certified records of their studies, leaving them unable to transfer to another institution. Many expressed their “heartbreak” at the abrupt decision, which has left their academic and personal futures in limbo. (Times of Malta)
Insurance Association Urges Technology to Improve Road Safety
The Malta Insurance Association has called for the use of technology such as average-speed cameras to make roads safer following a spate of serious accidents. Director General Adrian J. Galea said that addressing dangerous behaviours—such as drink and drug driving, distracted driving, over-speeding, and ignoring red lights—requires stronger enforcement. He stressed that enforcement should not rely solely on police or LESA officers, but could be reinforced through smart technology. Galea noted that while roadside checks remain important, especially during festive periods, technology could serve as a powerful tool to reduce reckless driving. He urged authorities to adopt a mindset that prioritises safety and ensures the right resources are in place to tackle daily road safety challenges effectively. (Maltatoday)
PN Leadership Hopefuls Limited to Party TV Debates
The Nationalist Party’s electoral commission has barred leadership contenders Adrian Delia and Alex Borg from giving media interviews, restricting them to two televised debates on NET TV. The new rules take effect this week as the leadership campaign formally begins, with both candidates required to submit their paperwork by tomorrow. The debate format has not yet been disclosed, but representatives of the candidates will also be prevented from speaking to other outlets. Previously, the pair were permitted to give interviews but not debate one another, a position criticised by the Institute of Maltese Journalists. The revised rules now flip that approach, limiting their media exposure solely to the party-owned station, raising questions about transparency and media freedom. (Newsbook)
Morning Briefing
Esports Giant BLAST Brings Tournaments to Malta
Danish esports company BLAST has signed a three-year agreement to bring nine major tournaments to Malta while establishing an operations centre in Ta’ Qali. The first event, BLAST Premier Bounty S2, was held last weekend at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre, attracting an average of 200,000 viewers and peaking at 800,000. Economy Minister Silvio Schembri welcomed BLAST’s investment, saying it would strengthen Malta’s esports presence and create new opportunities for young people, in line with Malta Vision 2050. Gaming Malta CEO Ivan Filetti added that BLAST’s presence places Malta “firmly on the global esports map.” The company’s commitment is seen as a significant boost to Malta’s reputation as a hub for competitive gaming and digital innovation. (Times of Malta)
Rise in Suicide Calls to Kellimni.com Helpline
Online support service Kellimni.com received 4,184 calls for help in the first seven months of this year, with 565 relating to suicidal thoughts. SOS Malta’s Head of Operations, Graziella Schiavone, said an increasing number of men are reaching out, highlighting growing mental health pressures. She explained that many callers express anxiety, sadness, or a lack of purpose, with some openly stating they want to end their lives. In response, UK specialists will be brought to Malta to train professionals and staff on suicide prevention. Between January and July, Kellimni.com also received hundreds of requests related to abuse, domestic violence, and family problems. The 24/7 helpline, staffed by 18 professionals, remains a vital service for those experiencing emotional distress. (TVM)
Malta Increases Reliance on Imported Electricity
Nearly a third of Malta’s electricity in 2024 came through the Malta-Sicily interconnector, according to Enemalta figures. Imported power made up 32.4% of supply, up from 22.9% in 2023 and 23.2% in 2022. Most imported electricity originated from natural gas (66.5%), while only 8% came from renewables, a marginal rise on last year’s 7.3%. Coal accounted for 11.9%, nuclear 5%, petroleum products 1.1%, with the rest from other or unspecified sources. The rise in imported energy was driven by rising temperatures, increased economic activity, and planned maintenance at local power plants. The figures underscore Malta’s growing dependence on external energy sources, while raising questions about the island’s renewable energy targets and long-term energy security. (Maltatoday)
