Updated 1100
Polls point to Labour victory as surveys differ on margin
Two major election surveys published in the final days of the campaign both place the Labour Party ahead of the Nationalist Party, though they differ sharply on the size of the expected victory and voter turnout. A MaltaToday survey projects Labour leading by around 18,000 votes with turnout falling below 80%, while a separate Times of Malta poll suggests a much larger 33,600-vote margin and turnout nearing 89%. Despite the differing figures, both surveys indicate Labour remains on course to win Saturday’s general election, although by a narrower margin than in 2022. MaltaToday attributed Labour’s lower support partly to abstention among former Labour voters, while the Times poll pointed to stronger voter mobilisation overall. The contrasting projections have added uncertainty over the scale of Labour’s expected victory as campaigning enters its final stretch.
Residents and Graffitti challenge ‘zombie permits’ in court
Residents from Kalkara, St Julian’s and Għargħur, together with Moviment Graffitti, have filed a court case against the government over a legal notice allowing expired development permits to be revived. The NGO argued the move effectively created “zombie permits”, enabling developers to proceed with projects even where permits had lapsed, applications were pending or plans had been withdrawn. Moviment Graffitti said residents across Malta and Gozo could now face unexpected development projects without being aware. The group insists the minister had no legal authority under the Development and Planning Act to reinstate expired permits through a legal notice. The case specifically challenges developments in Kalkara, St Julian’s and Għargħur, with plaintiffs arguing works linked to those projects should not continue. Lawyer Claire Bonello is representing the residents and NGO in the proceedings.
Buġibba square officially inaugurated following major regeneration project
The new Buġibba square has been officially inaugurated around a year and a half after works on the €10 million regeneration project began. The inauguration was led by Infrastructure Minister Chris Bonett and Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg. Speaking on social media, Bonett described the renewed square as one of the most attractive public spaces in the locality and insisted the project was completed according to schedule. He noted that government had announced months ago that works would be finalised in May, well before the election date was known. The project introduced wider pedestrian areas, additional seating, new paving, upgraded lighting and landscaping aimed at improving the overall environment and experience for residents and visitors in one of Malta’s busiest tourist zones.
Morning Briefing
School transport suspended over post-election safety fears
One of Malta’s main school transport providers has announced it will suspend school van services on Monday, citing safety concerns linked to post-election celebrations and expected traffic disruption. The company said children could be at risk during pick-ups and drop-offs due to carcade processions, road closures and public gatherings in areas including Sliema, St Julian’s, Ħamrun and Valletta. It added that the timing is particularly difficult given half-day school schedules and official ceremonies, including the swearing-in of the next Prime Minister. The Education Ministry said schools will open as normal and transport providers are expected to meet their contractual obligations. The company insisted the decision is based on safety and responsibility, and said parents and schools should make alternative arrangements. Normal services are expected to resume on Tuesday. (Times of Malta)
€60 million De La Rue expansion hailed as vote of confidence in Malta
Prime Minister Robert Abela has inaugurated the completion of De La Rue’s Malta facility expansion, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in Malta’s manufacturing sector. The project, which began in 2022, involved nearly €60 million in private investment and is expected to generate skilled jobs, introduce advanced technology and strengthen training opportunities for Maltese and Gozitan workers. Accompanied by Economy Minister Silvio Schembri, Abela said the investment reinforces Malta’s position in advanced manufacturing and security printing. The upgrade includes more efficient production systems and visual technology aimed at boosting productivity and competitiveness. He described De La Rue as a key strategic partner and highlighted continued investment as evidence of trust in Malta’s economic stability and workforce. (The Malta Independent)
Government metro study confirmed doability of five-year metro project
A 2023 feasibility study commissioned by Infrastructure Malta suggests the Nationalist Party’s proposed metro system could be built within just over five years. The PwC report assessed the original three-line underground plan designed by Arup, covering 29km across Red, Blue and Green routes based on population and employment density. The confidential study estimated a completion time of around 5.3 years. The findings contrast with past government criticism that the project timeline was unrealistic. The PN’s election proposal closely follows one of the proposed metro lines in the original government plan studied by PwC, the Blue Line between Pembroke and the airport that passes beneath the Sliema-Gżira conurbation. (Maltatoday)
