Updated 1205
Central Bank Sees Malta Growth Holding Firm Despite Middle East Risks: The Central Bank forecasts Malta’s economy will grow by 3.7% in 2026, 3.6% in 2027 and 3.8% in 2028, driven mainly by strong private consumption and supported by recent income tax changes. While the economy is expected to remain resilient amid uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict, a modest impact on growth and prices is anticipated in 2027. Inflation is projected to rise to 2.5% in 2026 and 2027 before easing to 2.2% in 2028. The deficit and debt ratios are expected to decline, though risks to growth remain tilted downward and inflation risks upward. (The Malta Independent)
Heritage Authority Flags Sliema Lido Reclamation Plan Over UNESCO and Landscape Concerns: The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage has raised concerns about plans to reclaim land along the Sliema seafront for a new lido, warning the project would extend into a protected Area of High Landscape Value safeguarding the setting of Malta’s historic harbour fortifications. The site also falls within the proposed buffer zone of Valletta, prompting referral to the National World Heritage Technical Committee for further review. The proposed development includes a pool, sun deck, restaurants and ancillary facilities. More than 650 objections have been filed, with critics arguing the project would alter a designated public open space and impact one of Malta’s most iconic coastal vistas. (Maltatoday)
Blue Lagoon Visitor Cap Returns Despite Ongoing Overcrowding Concerns: Authorities have retained the 4,000-person visitor cap at the Blue Lagoon for summer 2026, requiring visitors to book one of three daily time slots through the official reservation system. The measure, introduced last year, faced criticism over weak enforcement and its limited impact on overcrowding, with campaigners arguing it failed to curb large tourist influxes. To support the scheme, the Malta Tourism Authority and Team Blue Lagoon have installed eight information booths across Malta and Gozo to assist visitors with bookings, access procedures, safety guidelines and environmental protection measures. (Newsbook)
Morning Brieifng
Carmelo Abela to take on Speaker role
Labour MP Carmelo Abela will resign his parliamentary seat upon his appointment as Speaker of the House of Representatives, with the swearing-in set to take place during Parliament’s State Opening on Saturday. While he could have retained his seat while serving as Speaker, doing so would have reduced Labour’s effective parliamentary majority because the Speaker forfeits a regular vote and only exercises a casting vote when necessary. His resignation will trigger a casual election in the Third District, although a co-option remains possible if no candidates come forward. Abela, first elected in 1996, has held several ministerial portfolios, served as Deputy Speaker and acted as Labour Party whip. In a statement, he said he was honoured by the appointment and chose to relinquish his seat to respect the electoral mandate. Prime Minister Robert Abela also thanked outgoing Speaker Anġlu Farrugia for his service over three legislatures. (Maltatoday)
Women’s Lobby Criticises Lack of Female Representation in Top Public Posts
The Malta Women’s Lobby has expressed concern over what it describes as a significant lack of female representation in senior public sector appointments. The organisation noted that only three of Malta’s 22 permanent secretaries are women, accounting for just 13.6% of the country’s highest administrative positions. It also highlighted that only one of the 20 chief information officer roles within government ministries is held by a woman. The lobby argued that these figures suggest women remain largely absent from key decision-making structures despite consistently representing around 60% of tertiary graduates in recent years and making up a substantial share of the public workforce. Describing the situation as a systemic issue, the organisation called on authorities to review recruitment and appointment processes to determine whether barriers are discouraging women from seeking senior leadership positions within the public sector. (The Malta Independent)
EU Report Shows Continued Drop in Malta’s Bathing Water Standards
Malta’s bathing water quality has continued to decline, according to the latest European Environment Agency report based on 2025 data. The report found that 88.5% of Malta’s bathing sites were rated as having “excellent” water quality, down from 92% in 2024 and 94.3% in 2022. A further 9.2% were classified as “good” and 2.3% as “sufficient”. The findings place Malta behind countries such as Cyprus, Greece, Austria, Bulgaria and Croatia, all of which recorded at least 95% of sites in the highest category. Water quality ratings are based on levels of faecal contamination, which can pose health risks if polluted water is ingested. The report assessed more than 22,000 bathing sites across Europe, with only 1.5% classified as poor. The findings come amid growing local attention on sea water quality, with regular monitoring of popular Maltese bathing areas. (Times of Malta)
