Malta registers EU’s biggest drop in early school leaving
Malta has recorded the largest reduction in early school leaving among all European Union member states over the past decade, according to new Eurostat figures. Statistics show that between 2015 and 2025, Malta reduced the rate of young people leaving education or training early by 7.7 percentage points, ahead of Portugal and Spain. The figures also confirm that Malta has now reached the European Union’s 2030 target, with the percentage of early school leavers aged between 18 and 24 standing at 8.6% last year. below both the EU target of 9% and the European average of 9.1% (TVM News).
Man arrested in Gozo over alleged online exploitation of minors
A 26-year-old man was arrested in Gozo in connection with alleged online exploitation and catfishing involving minors, police confirmed. The arrest followed investigations into reports that the suspect had allegedly used fake online identities to communicate with underage victims through social media and digital platforms. Authorities are investigating claims that the man manipulated and exploited minors online over a period of time. The case has once again highlighted growing concerns surrounding online safety and the risks faced by young people on digital platforms, particularly through anonymous profiles and deceptive online behaviour. Police investigations are ongoing, while the accused is expected to face court proceedings in the coming days. The case also reignited calls for stronger awareness around online safety, with experts regularly warning parents and young people about the importance of monitoring digital interactions and recognising signs of online manipulation and grooming. (The Malta Independent)
NGO calls for renewed talks on appointment of new Chief Justice in Malta
NGO Repubblika has called for renewed discussions on the appointment of a new Chief Justice, warning that Malta has become “caught in partisan manoeuvring” and urging a more mature, depoliticised debate on the issue. The organisation said the conclusion of the general election provides an opportunity to address the matter seriously, free from electoral pressures that had pushed it out of the public agenda for months. It stressed that the need to appoint a new Chief Justice has not diminished with the passing of the election. Repubblika argued that the key issue is not who is appointed, but how the appointment is made. It insisted that the role of Chief Justice is not political and should not become a contest between political parties. It also said the head of the judiciary should not be chosen through political competition, calling instead for the judiciary itself to play a decisive role in selecting its leader, in line with long-standing European recommendations. Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti was retained in office beyond retirement age after Parliament failed to approve the government’s nominee, Justice Consuelo Scerri Herrera, who received 39 votes, short of the required two-thirds majority of 53 votes. (Newsbook)
