Updated 1230
Free Childcare Lifted Incomes but Pushed Poverty Line Higher, Central Bank Finds: Free childcare has driven a surge in female employment and household incomes since 2014, while also inflating Malta’s at-risk-of-poverty rate, the Central Bank says. Employment among women aged 25–49 rose from 67% to 84.7%, lifting median incomes well above the EU average. However, the poverty threshold, set at 60% of median income, rose sharply, reclassifying more people as at risk of poverty despite real income gains. Pensioners and benefit recipients were most affected. The report says the paradox should ease as future retirees increasingly draw two pensions instead of one. (Times of Malta)
Attard Pushes Quality-First Approach in EU’s First Sustainable Tourism Strategy: Labour MEP Daniel Attard said Europe’s tourism strength lies in quality, authenticity and visitor confidence, speaking after a high-level European Parliament meeting with policymakers and industry leaders. Leading Parliament’s work on the EU’s first sustainable tourism strategy, Attard highlighted regional imbalances caused by uneven connectivity, leaving some areas under pressure and others excluded from tourism benefits. He also stressed tourism’s social dimension, calling for greater investment in skills, working conditions and worker mobility. The European Parliament is expected to vote on his report in the coming months. (Newsbook)
€75m Organic Waste Plant Cleared as Malta Steps Up Circular Economy Drive: The procurement process for a €75 million organic waste processing plant has been completed, WasteServ announced, marking a major boost to Malta’s waste management infrastructure. The project follows record renewable energy generation from organic waste and reflects rising waste separation, with organic waste reaching 30 million kilogrammes in 2025. Once operational within two years, the EU-cofinanced plant will process up to 74,000 tonnes of organic waste annually, converting it into electricity and high-quality compost. The facility will significantly expand existing capacity, support Malta’s circular economy goals, and strengthen environmental and regulatory standards. (The Malta Independent)
Family Court Reform Launched with Focus on Children’s Wellbeing: The Government has launched the first phase of an extensive Family Court reform following a public consultation held in late 2024. It said the changes address long-standing challenges such as prolonged proceedings, co-parenting disputes, unpaid alimony and the manipulation of children in separation cases. PM Robert Abela said the reform fulfils a 2022 electoral commitment and reflects the reality that family cases often take years to conclude, exposing children to prolonged conflict. The aim, he said, is to create a more humane and efficient system that places children’s wellbeing and security at the heart of family justice, while delivering clearer and timelier outcomes for families. (Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
PM Says Trump Peace Board ‘Not Ideal’ but Malta Should Engage
Prime Minister Robert Abela has said that the current format of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace is “not ideal”, but argued that change can only be achieved by being at the table. He was speaking a week after revealing in parliament that Malta had been informally invited to join the body, which has been presented as a potential alternative to the United Nations. Abela said Malta would consider joining if it is in the national interest, even without EU consensus. Members can join for free for the first three years, but permanent membership carries a $1 billion fee. Asked why Malta’s invitation was informal, Abela directed questions to the sender of the invite, confirming it was addressed to Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg. (Maltatoday)
Family Court Reform Launched with Focus on Children’s Wellbeing
The Government has launched the first phase of an extensive Family Court reform following a public consultation held in late 2024. It said the changes address long-standing challenges such as prolonged proceedings, co-parenting disputes, unpaid alimony and the manipulation of children in separation cases. PM Robert Abela said the reform fulfils a 2022 electoral commitment and reflects the reality that family cases often take years to conclude, exposing children to prolonged conflict. The aim, he said, is to create a more humane and efficient system that places children’s wellbeing and security at the heart of family justice, while delivering clearer and timelier outcomes for families. (Times of Malta)
PN Pledges Wider Tax Cuts
The Nationalist Party said more people would have benefited from its proposed tax cuts, rejecting Labour’s claims to the contrary. In a statement issued after a speech by PN Leader Alex Borg, the party accused Labour of making false claims, including that families with one child would not benefit from PN proposals. The PN said this assertion was incorrect and insisted Borg had clearly stated that a new Nationalist government would retain the tax cuts introduced in the latest budget and extend them further. The party added that it had already put forward proposals which, if implemented by the current government, would have benefited a wider segment of the population than the measures announced in Budget 2026. It also accused Labour of attempting to copy PN proposals on tax reductions for parents, while delivering more limited relief. (The Malta Independent)
