Updated 1200
Malta’s Inflation Falls to Lowest Level of 2026, Below Eurozone Average: Malta’s annual inflation rate, measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, eased from 2.5% in April to 2.1% in May, marking the country’s lowest rate so far this year. While eurozone inflation rose to 3.2% in May, driven by higher energy and services costs, Malta recorded a 0.4 percentage-point decline. Bulgaria registered the highest inflation rate at 6.3%, while Malta was among the lowest at 2.1%. NSO data showed food and non-alcoholic beverages were the main drivers of April inflation, while clothing and footwear recorded the largest decrease. (TVM News)
PA Refusal Rate Drops Sharply During Election Campaign, Analysis Finds: The Planning Authority approved almost all applications during the final two weeks of Malta’s 2026 general election campaign, refusing just four out of 252 cases for a refusal rate of 1.6%, according to a Times of Malta analysis. This compares with a 7% average refusal rate recorded both earlier this year and over the past five years. Sources said refusals often decline before elections to avoid upsetting applicants and property owners. Similar trends were observed before the 2022 general election, although no such pattern emerged ahead of the 2024 MEP and local council elections. (The Times of Malta)
No Applications Yet Under Malta’s New Sanctions Settlement Framework: The Sanctions Monitoring Board has received no requests from individuals or companies seeking out-of-court settlements for breaches of international or EU sanctions since the mechanism was introduced last November. Board chair Neville Aquilina said no settlements have been concluded, no fines have been paid, and no criminal proceedings have been suspended under the framework. He stressed that sanctions breaches remain serious criminal offences and that settlements are only available in exceptional cases, subject to strict conditions, including an admission of guilt, payment of penalties and remedial compliance measures overseen by the board. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Political attention turns to Cabinet formation
Following Labour’s victory in Sunday’s general election, attention has now shifted to the formation of a new Cabinet under Prime Minister Robert Abela. The Prime Minister is expected to begin appointing ministers and parliamentary secretaries in the coming days, with discussions focusing on the allocation of key portfolios and potential changes within government. While Labour secured a comfortable majority, the final structure of the Cabinet remains uncertain, with the possibility of new appointees joining the administration alongside reshuffled responsibilities for existing ministers. The process is taking place ahead of the conclusion of pending by-elections and the allocation of additional seats through Malta’s gender corrective mechanism. (The Malta Independent)
Food safety authority launches precautionary checks after Magħtab explosion
The Food Safety and Security Authority (FSSA) has initiated precautionary measures following the explosion at a fireworks factory in Magħtab early on Monday morning, which caused widespread disruption in surrounding localities. The blast at the Ta’ Lourdes fireworks factory led to the death of livestock and animals in nearby agricultural areas, while two men working in adjacent fields sustained minor injuries from debris and were treated in hospital for shock. In a statement, the FSSA said it had immediately activated its response mechanisms in line with its legal mandate under Chapter 649 to ensure transparency and protect public health and food security. The authority said it is carrying out assessments to evaluate any possible impact from debris, combustion residues or other contaminants on food, animal feed and agricultural produce in the affected areas. (Times of Malta)
Malta Registers Strong Growth in Tourist Arrivals During April 2026
Malta welcomed an estimated 409,403 inbound tourists in April 2026, marking a 16.6 per cent increase compared to the same month last year, according to figures published by the National Statistics Office (NSO). Most visitors travelled to Malta for holiday purposes, with 383,664 tourists choosing the islands as a leisure destination, while 20,724 arrived for business-related travel. Tourists aged between 25 and 44 accounted for the largest share of visitors, followed closely by those aged 45 to 64. The United Kingdom, Italy and Poland remained Malta’s leading source markets. Tourist nights exceeded 2.1 million, reflecting a 6.1 per cent increase over April 2025, with the majority spent in rented accommodation establishments. Tourist expenditure reached €335 million, up by 13.1 per cent, while average spending per night stood at €157.2. (Maltatoday)
