Claudette Buttigieg Will Not Contest The Next Election

Jun 17 2025

PN MP Claudette Buttigieg has just announced that she will not be contesting the next general election.

‘This is a crucial moment for the Nationalist Party, but above all for the country, which needs a stronger Opposition’, she wrote in a statement.

‘I too have been approached by several people encouraging me to contest the role of PN Leader, but I have made it clear to everyone that I will not be taking this step. In fact, after lengthy discussions with my family, we have decided that I will not contest the next General Election.’

‘I am announcing this before the names of those interested in the leadership role are made public, as I do not want anyone to interpret my decision as being tied to one leader or another.’

‘Until the next General Election, I will continue to fulfil my duties, as I always have, both in Parliament and wherever the party needs me. I am ready to help where necessary, but the time has come to make space for someone else.’

#MaltaDaily

Malta Signs WHO Declaration In Support Of Mental Health

Jun 17 2025

In Paris, Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela attended the High-Level Regional Conference on Mental Health, where he signed the Paris Declaration on Malta’s behalf.

The conference, organised by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the French Ministry of Health, brought together 14 European ministers and delegates from 30 countries. Discussions focused on the relevance of mental health across all areas of society and the need to reduce stigma and silence surrounding mental health conditions

In Paris, Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela attended the High-Level Regional Conference on Mental Health

Minister Abela outlined Malta’s National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, which is currently undergoing public consultation. He explained that the strategy includes contributions from various ministries and 31 organisations, and is being developed in collaboration with the WHO. The final version will be launched after public feedback has been reviewed.

He also stressed the importance of using social media to spread awareness and information about mental health, while warning against its misuse to promote hate or falsehoods. He voiced particular concern over children’s access to harmful content online.

Minister Abela reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to improving mental health services within the community. He also praised the government’s decision to integrate psychiatric care with physical health services at Mater Dei Hospital, describing it as a sound and timely move.

#MaltaDaily

‘A snail With Balls’: Yes, All Those Are Snail Eggs!

Jun 17 2025

Marine biologist Alan Deidun recently shared a fascinating little snail spotted in Maltese waters.

The snail and its eggs were found by Lewis Mark Sell, a citizen scientist and SCUBA diving instructor. He saw what looked like a bunch of tiny balls, but they were actually snail eggs.

Lewis also took the amazing photo of the egg mass while diving underwater. Thanks to him, we get a rare look at how these snails lay their eggs.

The eggs were laid by a sea snail called the ribbed helmet shell. Its scientific name is Semicassis granulata undulata, and in Maltese, it is called elmu.

Have you ever seen something like this?

#MaltaDaily

Call For Maltese MEPs To Back Strong Animal Welfare Rules

Jun 17 2025

Animal welfare groups in Malta are urging the country’s Members of the European Parliament to support the European Union’s proposed regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats, warning that recent amendments risk leaving millions of animals unprotected.

The regulation, first proposed by the European Commission in December 2023, aims to improve conditions for companion animals across the EU.

However, Maltese organisations including Vuċi għall-Annimali, MSPCA, Gozo SPCA, and others have voiced concern over proposed exemptions that could undermine its impact.

Key issues raised include the exclusion of cats from mandatory identification and registration, exemptions for small-scale or household breeders, and the removal of protections for military and hunting dogs.

These loopholes, the groups argue, could make it harder to track ownership, allow unethical breeding, and worsen already severe stray populations.

Other concerns include proposals to lower the breeding age for female dogs and allow widespread artificial insemination, which could lead to increased health issues and disregard for animal welfare.

The animal rights groups are calling on Maltese MEPs to reject the exemptions and fully support the regulation. They also stated that they will monitor how each MEP votes and will update the public on their stance.

#MaltaDaily