Updated 1000 am
Population tops 628,000 with tourist count – NSO
Malta’s effective population reached its highest point in 2023 at 628,058, recorded in August — typically the peak month for tourism — according to the National Statistics Office (NSO). The term “effective population” refers to the combined total of the resident population and short-term visitors, such as tourists. The NSO explained that this concept provides a clearer picture of the actual number of people present in the country at any given time by including both permanent residents and temporary visitors. The NSO noted that effective population figures vary throughout the year, primarily due to seasonal tourism trends. In December, the month with the lowest tourist numbers, the effective population dropped to 562,591, which included 9,857 tourists. By contrast, August saw 75,324 tourists included in the overall figure. This means the difference in effective population between the peak and lowest tourism months in 2023 amounted to 65,467 people. (The Malta Independent)
Public transport network boosted with 400 new trips
Malta’s public transport network received a major boost today with the introduction of 400 additional daily trips, part of the government’s Reshaping Our Mobility initiative aimed at enhancing accessibility and efficiency. Announced by Transport Minister Chris Bonett, the changes took effect on 20 April and include new routes along with significant modifications to existing ones. The upgraded Tal-Linja network now serves over 50 localities, including key industrial zones, and offers direct connections between important destinations such as Malta International Airport, Mater Dei Hospital, and several educational institutions. The improvements also feature more frequent service on high-demand routes, earlier departures to better accommodate workers and students, and better transfer coordination to align with daily routines, ultimately making public transport more reliable and user-friendly. (TVM)
Trump, Putin, Netanyahu disliked by most Maltese – survey
US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received low ratings from respondents. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen performed slightly better, though their scores remained below the midpoint. Participants were asked to rate five global leaders—each playing a direct or indirect role in the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East—on a scale from zero (very negative) to 10 (very positive). Putin received the lowest average rating at 1.9, followed by Netanyahu with 2.7 and Trump with 3.2. Von der Leyen earned a score of 4.6, while Zelenskyy trailed slightly at 4.4. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
BirdLife says spring hunting quota already reached
BirdLife has reported that the national quota of 1,500 turtle doves has already been illegally reached, despite the hunting season for the species not yet being open. In a statement, the organisation said this conclusion is based on video evidence and field observations by its members, who noted that around 80% of hunters were targeting turtle doves, even though only quail hunting is currently permitted. BirdLife members also discovered several injured or dead turtle doves and filed official reports with the Police and the Environment Protection Unit. The group further claimed that some of the illegal hunting occurred within 200 metres of residential areas, and that other protected bird species were also shot at during this period. (TVM)
16 proposals for large-scale battery energy storage systems
The government has received 16 proposals for the development of Malta’s first large-scale battery energy storage systems, Environment and Energy Minister Miriam Dalli told The Malta Independent. The tenders were submitted following a call by Interconnect Malta for the design and construction of two utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). These systems are intended to support the integration of more renewable energy into Malta’s power grid. According to Interconnect Malta, BESS will help manage the variability of renewable sources by storing excess electricity generated during peak solar hours and releasing it during times of higher demand and lower renewable output. Dalli added that these projects align with the government’s broader strategy to boost renewable energy generation, including plans for an offshore wind farm. (The Malta Independent)
Karl Azzopardi appointed CEO of Malta Government Investments
Karl Azzopardi, former head of the state industrial parks agency INDIS and the Building and Construction Authority, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Malta Government Investments (MGI). According to a spokesperson from the economy ministry, Azzopardi assumed the role in January following a selection process conducted by the MGI board. He brings with him over three decades of managerial experience across both the public and private sectors and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Wales University, the ministry added. Malta Government Investments is responsible for overseeing various financial assets on behalf of the government. As stated in its 2021 annual report, the company employed 50 staff members and managed assets worth €27 million. Financial statements for the following years have yet to be published. (Times of Malta)
