The Labour Party gathered at the Republic Day memorial on December 13 Street to mark a special moment in Malta’s history: 50 years since becoming a Republic. The ceremony, held on Republic Day, carried extra weight this year as the nation celebrated this significant milestone.

Prime Minister Robert Abela, joined by members of the Labour Party administration, spoke about the importance of this anniversary. He highlighted how unity—both within the Party and across the country—has played a key role in shaping Malta’s identity.

Abela reflected on the historic events of 13th December 1974, when a Labour Government, under Dom Mintoff’s leadership, achieved this transformation. It was a turning point for Malta, introducing a new constitution and shifting executive power to the President of Malta as head of state.

“This anniversary is a chance to honour the vision and determination of those who made this change possible,” Abela said, noting the progress Malta has made over the past five decades.

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The 24 semi-finalists for the Malta Eurovision Song Contest (MESC) 2025 have been announced, building excitement for what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable event at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali.

The semi-finals are scheduled for 4 and 6 February, with the grand final set for 8 February. This year’s competition will feature a mix of well-known performers and fresh faces, each eager to claim the coveted spot to represent Malta at Eurovision.

Artists like Alexandra Alden with “Magnolia”, Kurt Calleja with “AZIZ/A”, and Justine Shorfid with “Still I Rise” are set to perform alongside newcomers such as Krista Šujak (“Unheard”) and Victoria Sciberras (“Juno”). Unique entries like Kantera’s “LalaRataTakeke LalaRataKabum” and JVF’s “Festa (No Time for Siesta)” are already generating buzz.

With 24 acts in the running, each performer is gearing up to deliver their best and impress both the judges and the audience.

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A 43-year-old Colombian man has been arrested in Msida in connection with the discovery of a dismembered body in a suitcase floating in the sea near Gżira. A 39-year-old Portuguese man, found at the Colombian’s residence, was also detained.

An autopsy revealed that the unidentified victim, believed to be a foreigner, had over 100 cocaine capsules in his stomach and likely suffocated to death before being dismembered and discarded. The police suspect the victim was used as a drug mule.

CCTV footage facilitated a nationwide search, leading to the arrests. The crime is believed to have occurred mere hours before the suitcase was reported. Army explosives experts were initially called to investigate the suspicious luggage, which was later found to contain human remains.

Investigators believe an axe was used to dismember the middle-aged victim. The body, which showed no signs of decomposition, suggests the crime took place approximately 12 hours before the grim discovery.

Magistrate Ian Farrugia is overseeing the inquiry as police continue their investigation into the case. The victim’s identity remains unknown, with authorities working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the harrowing incident.

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