Updated 1130
Dementia Cases in Malta Set to Nearly Triple by 2060, Study Warns: A new Malta Medical Journal study forecasts that dementia cases will rise from 7,988 in 2021 to 21,523 by 2060, almost triple current numbers. Using census data and WHO rates, the authors say earlier projections underestimated Malta’s rapid population growth. The study highlights rising costs, demographic shifts, district-level disparities, and a growing share of non-Maltese residents with dementia. It warns that health and social care services must expand and adapt, and stresses that tackling modifiable risk factors could reduce future prevalence by up to 40%. (Maltatoday)
Fast Ferry Use Hits Record 1.15 Million Passengers in 2025: More than 1.15 million passengers used the Valletta–Imġarr fast ferry service by the end of November, marking a record year and confirming strong demand, the Transport Ministry said. The government plans to expand the service in 2026 with new routes from Sliema and Buġibba, doubling Malta–Gozo fast ferry connections. Minister Chris Bonett said sea transport is key to a sustainable, reliable multimodal system, noting ongoing works on a Marsaskala ferry landing that will enable a new service to Valletta. (TVM News)
Morning Briefing
14-year-old charged with attempted murder
A fourteen year old boy has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing another student at St Clare College in Pembroke on Monday. He was also charged with grievous bodily harm, carrying a weapon and causing over €2,500 in damage, and pleaded not guilty. Police found him inside the school still holding a knife. The victim suffered multiple wounds and was initially in critical condition before being stabilised. Officers also found two suspected Molotov cocktails in the boy’s bag. A protection order was issued for the victim, the school’s leadership and their families. His defence argued that the boy had endured years of bullying, had repeatedly reported it, and showed signs of self-harm. The prosecution strongly objected, citing the seriousness of the charges, the incendiary devices and the risk of tampering with evidence or targeting others. They noted the boy had gone to school while suspended and lived nearby. Bail was denied. (Times of Malta)
Truck Plunge in Mġarr Claims Life of Rabat Man
A 50-year-old man from Rabat was killed on Tuesday afternoon after his truck overturned and fell the equivalent of two storeys into a construction site in the Dwejra area of Mġarr. Police believe the vehicle suffered a brake failure while travelling downhill, causing it to veer off the road. Emergency services arrived shortly after 2pm, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Magistrate Monica Borg Galea has opened an inquiry as investigations continue. (TVM News)
Alex Borg Urges Transparency After Minister’s Asset Row
Opposition leader Alex Borg has accused Prime Minister Robert Abela’s administration of intentionally withholding ministers’ asset declarations, saying the latest controversy surrounding Minister Roderick Galdes highlights the need for openness. In a social media statement, Borg called for a “fair, clean and transparent system” where young people can buy homes on merit rather than privileged access to “good deals”. He said Labour had normalised scandals and grown complacent, believing it is beyond accountability. (Maltatoday)
Eurostat: Malta Registers EU’s Lowest Unemployment Rate
New Eurostat figures show Malta recorded the lowest unemployment rate in the EU at 3.1 per cent, exactly half the bloc’s overall average of six per cent. Spain posted the highest rate at 10.5 per cent, followed by Finland at 9.8 per cent and Sweden at 9 per cent. Youth unemployment in Malta has now topped 10%, still lower than the EU average of 15%.
