Prime Minister Robert Abela Addresses Times of Malta Business Breakfast on 90th Anniversary

Prime Minister Robert Abela congratulated Times of Malta for their long-standing service to journalism in Malta while addressing a Business Breakfast organised to mark the 90th anniversary of the newspaper’s establishment.

During the event, the Prime Minister reflected on today’s evolving media landscape, noting the challenges posed by disinformation, economic pressures, and digital transformation. He emphasized that, despite these obstacles, history demonstrates that quality journalism remains vital for the health of democracy in the country.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment ensuring that journalism in Malta continues to thrive. He made reference to the launch of the public consultation on media reform, which focuses on the protection of journalists, the strengthening of freedom of expression, and safeguarding professional integrity.

Through this reform the government aims to reinforce a framework that protects both journalistic freedom and human dignity. Dr Abela stressed that there is no intention of reintroducing criminal libel, which was abolished under this administration. Instead, matters should remain within the civil legal sphere. He emphasised that Malta’s civil law must continue to provide protection for journalists acting in good faith, while also ensuring effective procedural and compensatory remedies for those who fall victim to abuses of freedom of expression.

Prime Minister Abela also highlighted three key legislative proposals aimed at strengthening press freedom in Malta: enshrining freedom of the press in the Constitution, enhancing privacy rights, and providing journalists with stronger protections against harassment and intimidation. He further noted that Malta was the first country in Europe to introduce the anti-SLAPP legislation, preventing vexatious lawsuits from being used to silence reporting in the public interest.

Dr Abela also outlined practical measures to improve journalists’ safety, including new protocols designed to ensure faster and more effective responses from the police and security services to potential threats. He noted that the Government has also acknowledged the financial pressures faced by newsrooms, providing support during crises, whether by easing the impact of the pandemic or assisting print newspapers affected by rising paper costs.

As Times of Malta celebrated its remarkable journey, Prime Minister Abela urged a collective and sustained commitment from the government, media, and citizens to ensure that journalism in Malta remains vibrant and resilient.

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