Rents soar far above salary growth, study shows A recent study by tenants’ union Solidarjetà highlights a sharp rise in Maltese rents, revealing that between 2022 and 2024, average rents for a two-bedroom apartment increased by 28.3%, more than double the 12.4% rise in mean national salaries. Two-bedroom rents rose from €770 to €990 per month, while three-bedroom apartments climbed from €925 to €1,120. Regions previously considered affordable saw the steepest hikes, with Gozo up 42% and Southern Harbour 40%. Popular areas such as Gzira recorded a 45.8% increase. Solidarjetà warns that the market is “structurally unbalanced,” exceeding regulated price caps by up to €145 per month. A petition calling for tighter controls has already gathered over 800 signatures. (Maltatoday)
MPs approve cannabis limit for drivers in revised bill Malta may introduce a legal cannabis limit for drivers under a revised drink-driving bill, after MPs approved changes allowing roadside drug testing. The limit, set at two micrograms per litre of blood, mirrors the UK approach. The threshold was agreed during a parliamentary committee meeting on Monday but requires a full parliamentary vote to take effect. The original draft, tabled after several drug-related accidents, adopted a zero-tolerance policy, sparking criticism from cannabis regulators, medical associations, and social welfare groups. Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said expert feedback informed the new approach. The bill also allows medical cannabis users to present prescriptions and maintains zero tolerance for buses, taxis, and commercial vehicles. Random testing and mandatory prison sentences for drug or drink-related manslaughter will also be introduced. (Times of Malta)
Malta ranks among top EU countries in use of generative AI Malta ranks among the top European Union countries in generative artificial intelligence adoption, Eurostat data shows. In 2025, 46.5% of people aged 16-74 in Malta reported using AI tools, primarily for personal purposes, while 15.1% used them at work and 9.4% for education. Only Denmark (48.4%) and Estonia (46.6%) recorded higher usage. Generative AI creates new content such as text, images, code, or videos, based on user prompts and existing data patterns. In contrast, lower usage was observed in Romania (17.8%), Italy (19.9%) and Bulgaria (22.5%). Experts say the growing use of AI across Malta reflects both the country’s tech-savvy population and the increasing role of AI in daily life. (The Malta Independent)
Parliament formally approves Budget 2026 in final sitting The Maltese Parliament has formally approved the 2026 Budget. During the Third Reading, 38 government MPs voted in favour, while 33 opposition members voted against. Proposed resolutions from government ministers passed with the same margin, while opposition amendments were rejected. Parliament has also approved a bill establishing a Maltese National Anthem Day on 27 December, marking the first public performance of L-Innu Malti in 1922 at the Manoel Theatre. Lawmakers also unanimously approved constitutional amendments formally recognising Valletta as Malta’s national capital. These votes were taken during the last session for the year. Parliament will meet again on January 14. (TVM News/Times of Malta)
