PRESIDENT WARNS OF HOUSING AND POPULATION PRESSURES IN REPUBLIC DAY ADDRESS

President Myriam Spiteri Debono has warned that Malta must continue to act decisively to ease housing market pressures, particularly for individuals and families at risk of falling behind.

Speaking during her Republic Day address marking 51 years since Malta became a republic, the President said successive administrations had recognised the right to decent housing, especially for young people and those experiencing changes in their civil status. While welcoming initiatives such as the Affordable Housing Foundation, she stressed that further efforts are required to reduce market pressures and prevent homelessness.

Spiteri Debono highlighted the importance of the European Social Charter, which safeguards fundamental social and economic rights, and called for comprehensive analysis to better understand the root causes of homelessness before the situation escalates. She noted that the issue affects different age groups, including minors, and impacts both Maltese and foreign residents.

The President also addressed wider social changes linked to rapid population growth, warning that infrastructure and essential services are increasingly under strain. She said these pressures must be met with long-term planning and responsible decision-making.

Emphasising the importance of social cohesion, she cautioned that feelings of insecurity among citizens can erode trust in democratic institutions and fuel extreme rhetoric. She also called for sustainable development that protects Gozo’s identity while ensuring progress does not come at the expense of quality of life.

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