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Foreign Demand Fuels Strong Growth in Gozo Tourism Sector Despite Rising Costs: Gozo’s tourism sector enjoyed a strong 2025, with 56% of operators reporting improved business performance and three-quarters recording good or excellent revenue generation, according to a GRDA-GTA survey of 80 businesses. Growth was largely driven by robust international demand, with 77% of respondents citing a positive impact from foreign visitors. Tourist attractions and travel services were the strongest-performing segments. However, operators warned that rising operating costs, labour shortages, work permit challenges and infrastructure deficiencies remain significant obstacles that could constrain future growth if not addressed. (The Malta Independent)
Borg Begins Second Shadow Cabinet Formation as PN MPs Called to Party HQ: Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg has begun appointing his shadow cabinet, summoning PN MPs to party headquarters and holding individual discussions, with some also contacted by phone. Shadow ministers will be tasked with scrutinising government sectors and acting as party spokespeople. The process follows the recent completion of the PN parliamentary group, strengthened by casual elections and gender corrective mechanism appointments. This marks Borg’s second shadow cabinet since taking leadership last September. The consultations are expected to continue into Thursday, as parliamentary duties limit Wednesday’s meetings, with Borg also scheduled to reply to the President’s address in Parliament. (The Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Retirement age will not increase, Minister insists
Retirement age and social security contributions in Malta will not be increased, Social Welfare Minister Michael Falzon confirmed this week following the conclusion of a public consultation on the Pensions Strategic Report 2025. The government said feedback from 14 submissions, including organisations, companies and individuals, had been reviewed by the Pensions Strategic Group led by Permanent Secretary Mark Musu. The group is finalising recommendations which will exclude any rise in retirement age or contributions. Instead, the government plans a series of pension enhancements during the current legislature. These include a phased €50 weekly pension increase, adjustments to widows’ pensions aligned with spouses’ entitlements, a unified Cost of Living bonus, and a higher Maximum Pensionable Income by 2028. The minister said the reforms aim to strengthen pension adequacy while maintaining stability in the system for cohorts and ensuring fairness across cohorts. (The Times of Malta)
Solar PV Output Rises 7.5% as Domestic Installations Dominate
Electricity generated from grid-connected photovoltaic systems in Malta increased by 7.5 per cent in 2025, reaching 351.5 GWh, according to National Statistics Office Malta. Data shows continued growth in renewable energy capacity, with total stock of PV installations rising to 36,243 units, a 3.2 per cent annual increase. Vast majority, 93.2 per cent, were installed in households, highlighting strong domestic uptake of solar technology. Geographically, most installations are concentrated in Malta, particularly in Northern Harbour and Western districts, although Gozo shows highest density per capita. Report also notes steady growth across all districts, with South Eastern region recording fastest percentage increase. Findings underline increasing role of rooftop solar in Malta’s energy mix and its contribution to national renewable targets, as households continue to drive investment in small-scale clean energy systems across islands. (The Malta Independent)
Maltese Parents Least Concerned in Europe Over Screen Time Impacts
Maltese parents are among the least concerned in Europe about the potential negative impact of electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets on their children, according to a Flash Eurobarometer survey. Findings show just over half of parents across the EU believe digital device use can harm mental health, compared with lower level of concern in Malta. In contrast adolescents are positive, with many reporting perceived benefits from social media for wellbeing. Maltese teenagers also spend fewer hours online at weekends, averaging five hours compared with over six hours across Europe. The survey highlights a divergence in attitudes, with Maltese parents more likely to respond to concerns through stricter rules and monitoring rather than open discussion, unlike their European counterparts. Maltese adolescents are also willing to seek professional support, such as counselling or psychological services, when facing online-related issues. (Newsbook)
