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30 New Hotel Projects Approved Across Malta in 2026, Tourism Minister Reveals: Tourism Minister Jo Etienne Abela has revealed that 30 new hotel projects received Malta Tourism Authority approval in 2026, across 12 localities. However, the authority does not know whether the developments have actually been built. The figures were disclosed in Parliament in response to a question by PN MP Graziella Galea, who also sought details on approved rooms, classifications and hotel expansions. Meanwhile, Budget 2027 will increase the nightly eco-contribution from €1.50 to €8 for hotel guests and €10 for short-term rental visitors. (Newsbook)
Civil Society Demands Action Against Racism After Lassana Cisse Murder Acquittal: Journalists, academics, activists and 24 organisations have urged Malta’s political leaders and public authorities to address growing fears of racist violence following the acquittal of the man accused of murdering Lassana Cisse in 2019. While acknowledging judicial independence, they highlighted disturbing trial revelations about the deliberate harassment of Black people and questioned whether existing hate-crime protections are effective. They also called for transparency over institutional investigations, stronger enforcement and concrete action to ensure Black communities receive equal protection, warning that promises made after Cisse’s killing must translate into meaningful change. (The Times of Malta)
Libya formally requests extradition of Lilu King from Malta: The Libyan government has formally requested the extradition of Mohammed El Mushraty, known as Lilu King, from Malta, with authorities assessing the request alongside human rights considerations and ongoing Maltese proceedings. El Mushraty faces several criminal charges, including alleged organised crime, money laundering, drug trafficking, assault and abduction. He remains in custody over an alleged violent attack involving abduction and sexual assault in San Ġwann, and faces separate proceedings over a 2023 Sliema assault. He denies the charges, claiming self-defence. His refugee status was revoked last September, removing his previous protection against deportation. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Opposition leader says Budget measures targeting foreign workers were knee-jerk reaction
Opposition leader Alex Borg has described Budget measures targeting workers from outside Europe as a “quick, thoughtless reaction” to public concerns over population growth, arguing the Government had failed to plan for the pressures created by its own economic model. Speaking during his Budget reply in Parliament, Borg said Finance Minister Clyde Caruana had acted without proper consultation. He cited changing projections for Malta’s foreign workforce and population, warning that infrastructure, roads and public services were struggling to keep pace. Borg called for businesses to be supported in raising productivity, noting skills shortages remain a major concern for investors and employers. He also warned that higher permit renewal fees could fuel wage and price pressures. He criticised weak productivity growth, called for prompt government payments to contractors and proposed targets for median wage growth and purchasing power. Borg also called for a climate resilience plan, an independent review of power cuts, changes to tourism taxes and reconsideration of higher Gozo ferry fares. (Maltatoday)
Police commissioner describes Cisse murder acquittal as ‘demoralising’
Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà has described the acquittal of former soldier Lorin Scicluna over the murder of Lassana Cisse as a demoralising blow for the police force, citing the years of work and sacrifices involved in building the case. A nine-person jury on Sunday found Scicluna not guilty of murdering Cisse and attempting to murder three other men, Ibrahim Bah, Mohammed Jallow and May Malimi. However, he was convicted of grievously injuring Malimi and driving without a number plate. Speaking on Monday, Gafà said verdicts that do not reflect the outcome investigators believe their work merits can leave officers demoralised. He nevertheless stressed that the police must continue their work despite unexpected judicial outcomes. Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield acknowledged the police’s concerns, saying such verdicts leave a bitter feeling, but expressed pride in the force’s work. He declined to comment further while proceedings remain ongoing, with Scicluna’s sentencing expected later this week. (Times of Malta)
Libya formally requests extradition of Lilu King from Malta
The Libyan government has formally requested the extradition of Mohammed El Mushraty, known as Lilu King, from Malta. Government said the written request was submitted last September and that all options were being considered before a decision is taken, including the implications of applicable human rights legislation. El Mushraty faces several criminal proceedings in Malta, including charges relating to alleged organised crime, money laundering, drug trafficking, assault and abduction. He is currently being held in custody in connection with an alleged violent assault at a San Ġwann butcher shop involving the abduction and sexual assault of a man. He also faces proceedings over an alleged assault at Medasia Playa in Sliema in 2023, which left a man grievously injured. He has denied the charges, claiming self-defence. El Mushraty lost his refugee status last September, removing his previous grounds for protection from deportation. However, any extradition decision will also have to take account of the pending Maltese cases and possible legal appeals. He reportedly faces separate allegations in Libya, including homicide and trafficking. (The Malta Independent)