Updated 1210
PM dismisses claims of Russian Agents in Maltese administration: Prime Minister Robert Abela has strongly rejected allegations that Russian government agents are operating within Malta’s administration to advance President Vladimir Putin’s interests. Speaking in Parliament after a meeting in Copenhagen, Abela said such claims damage Malta’s credibility and ongoing efforts to strengthen its reputation in European institutions. The accusations were raised by Nationalist MP Beppe Fenech Adami, who questioned whether a person allegedly linked to Russia is employed by the government. Abela dismissed the suggestion, criticising “ reports appearing on portals with well-known agendas” and warning that such unfounded narratives risk harming Malta’s standing among its European partners. (Newsbook)
Maltese workers work longer hours compared to EU counterparts: Malta recorded one of the highest rates of long working hours in the European Union during the second quarter of 2025, with 14.6% of employed people working more than 45 hours per week, according to Eurostat. The country ranked third in the EU, behind Greece (20.9%) and Cyprus (16.6%). Across the EU, an average of 10.8% of workers aged 20–64 exceeded 45 weekly hours when combining their main and secondary jobs. The lowest shares were registered in Bulgaria (2.5%), Latvia (4.1%) and Romania (5.9%). Other countries with lower figures than Malta included Germany (8.7%), Italy (11.4%), France (13.5%) and Portugal (14.2%), highlighting Malta’s comparatively longer working week. (Maltatoday)
Man jailed for brutal rape on pregnant partner: A man who brutally raped his pregnant partner after locking her inside a public toilet for more than four hours has been sentenced to 22 years in prison. The incident occurred in February 2023 in Żejtun, when the couple, who cannot be identified by court order, argued before the man forced the woman into a toilet for the disabled, where they often took cocaine. He locked the door, beat her, accused her of infidelity, and raped her twice while she was six months pregnant. A week later, he attacked her again outside a Mosta supermarket, throwing a rock at her. The woman reported both assaults to police, leading to his arrest and eventual conviction. (Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Foreign Investment in Malta Surges Past €479 Billion, Driven by Financial Sector
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Malta reached €479.7 billion by the end of 2024, with the financial and insurance sectors accounting for over 98 per cent of total inflows, according to the National Statistics Office. FDI flows increased by €32.6 billion during the year, largely fuelled by EU-based investors. Direct investment abroad also rose significantly, reaching €452.8 billion, mainly due to equity and investment fund activities. The data underscores Malta’s continued reliance on financial services as a key pillar of its economy, maintaining strong integration within the EU’s investment network. (Newsbook)
PN Condemns HSBC’s Refusal to Compensate Staff Amid Takeover Dispute
The Nationalist Party has described HSBC’s refusal to compensate employees affected by its takeover by CrediaBank as “unacceptable.” In a statement signed by MPs Adrian Delia, Jerome Caruana Cilia and Ivan Castillo, the PN said the situation has created “serious concern,” especially after workers were assured their jobs were secure. The Malta Union of Bank Employees is demanding up to €60 million in terminal benefits for over 900 staff, citing a clause in their collective agreement. HSBC’s lawyers argue the compensation claim lacks legal basis, as the acquisition does not constitute job termination. (Times of Malta)
Study Highlights Rising Behavioural Challenges and Abuse Among Maltese Children
Younger children in Malta are the most likely to report abuse occurring outside school, while older students face growing behavioural and emotional challenges, a new study by The Malta Trust Foundation has revealed. Conducted across twelve schools between 2022 and 2024, the research identified behavioural difficulties and external abuse as the most pressing issues for kindergarten and early primary students, particularly girls. Among secondary students, strained family relationships and social difficulties were most common. The findings highlight the urgent need for stronger psychosocial support systems in schools. (TVM)
