Bumper crowd expected for NYE celebrations in Valletta
Over 50,000 people are expected to gather in Valletta tonight to welcome 2025 at the New Year’s Eve celebrations. The free event, held in St George’s Square, will feature performances by local artists Shaun Farrugia, Ira Losco, and Red Electric, with German dance music star Cascada—famous for hits like Evacuate the Dancefloor and Everytime We Touch—headlining the night. The festivities kick off at 9 pm and will continue until around 2 am. At a press conference on Monday, Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef expressed optimism about favourable weather conditions for the event. (Times of Malta)
Traffic diversions from Thursday as Msida Creek project advances
Work on the Msida Creek project is progressing, and new temporary traffic arrangements will take effect from Thursday, 2 January, Infrastructure Malta has announced. Traffic from Ta’ Xbiex will no longer be able to turn towards Msida Valley as the slip road near Johnsons will be closed. Motorists heading to Msida Valley are advised to use Regional Road and Kappara Junction instead. A new access road in front of the Workers’ Memorial Building will allow traffic from Valletta to reach Ta’ Xbiex, Gzira, and Sliema by turning right towards the monument before the zebra crossing lights, connecting directly to Rue d’Argens. Routes from Msida Valley to Tal-Qroqq, Sliema, and Valletta remain unchanged. (Maltatoday)
Inquiry requested on Lands Authority CEO
Former PN MP Jason Azzopardi has filed another request for a magisterial inquiry, this time targeting Lands Authority CEO Robert Vella over alleged irregularities in the transfer of public land to private entities. In his submission, Azzopardi alleges potential offences, including bribery, embezzlement, trading in influence, and misappropriation. He cited several controversial land deals reported in the media, including the transfer of open space in Mellieħa Heights to developer Paul Attard despite significant opposition, and the Villa Rosa project, where a public alley in St George’s Bay was sold to developer Anton Camilleri for €134,000. Azzopardi also referenced the transfer of 250 square metres of public land in Gozo. (The Malta Independent)
