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Dr. Vincent Marmara Addresses Survey Timing Controversy And Questions Over Government Ties

Feb 9 2025 Share

In a recent podcast, statistician Dr. Vincent Marmara addressed criticisms regarding the timing of his latest survey, which was released on a Saturday. Some individuals speculated that this release was strategically planned to preempt another newspaper’s survey, purportedly showing the Nationalist Party (PN) leading by 13,000 votes. Dr. Marmara refuted these claims, emphasizing that his appearance aimed to present data without media bias.

Dr. Marmara, a prominent figure in Maltese political polling, has been associated with various government entities. Reports indicate that he has received multiple direct orders from government agencies for research and consultancy services. For instance, The Shift News reported that he was kept on a seven-year retainer by the Malta Gaming Authority, amounting to €370,000

These associations have led to public discourse about the impartiality of his surveys. Critics argue that his government ties might influence his findings, while supporters assert that his academic credentials and methodological rigor ensure objectivity.

Dr. Marmara maintains that his research is conducted with scientific integrity, aiming to provide accurate reflections of public sentiment. He emphasizes the importance of presenting data transparently, allowing the public to form informed opinions.

As Malta approaches its next electoral cycle, the role of pollsters like Dr. Marmara remains crucial.

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Here Are the Top 5 Finalists from the MESC 2025

Here Are the Top 5 Finalists from the MESC 2025
Feb 9 2025 Share

Miriana Conte emerged as the winner of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2025 with her song Kant, earning a total of 182 points—88 from the jury and 94 from the public vote. The competition, held at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre, featured 16 finalists vying for the chance to represent Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland.

Kristy Spiteri secured second place with Heaven Sent, collecting 174 points, including 102 from the jury and 72 from the public. Kantera’s LalaRataTakeke LalaRataKabum finished third with 137 points, receiving 52 from the jury and 85 from the public. Victoria placed fourth with Juno, earning 114 points, while JVF’s Festa (No Time for Siesta) completed the top five with 76 points.

The event was hosted by Valentina Rossi, Davide Tucci, and Pauline Agius. The final rankings were determined through a mix of jury votes and public televoting. Conte will now represent Malta in Eurovision 2025.

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Two Men Injured as Van Crashes into Valley in Żebbuġ, Gozo

Feb 9 2025 Share

Yesterday, at around nine in the evening (2100hrs), the police were informed of a traffic accident on Triq ir-Rabat, Żebbuġ, Gozo.

The police immediately went to the scene, and preliminary investigations revealed that a 25-year-old Macedonian man, residing in Żebbuġ, Gozo, lost control of the Isuzu WFR van he was driving and fell into a valley from a height of about one and a half stories. Another Macedonian man, aged 36 and also living in Żebbuġ, Gozo, was also in the vehicle.

Civil Protection members and a medical team were called to the scene to assist.

An ambulance transported the men to the Gozo General Hospital for the necessary medical treatment, where it was confirmed that they had sustained serious injuries.

Police investigations are still ongoing.

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Maltese BJJ Athletes Win Bronze at IBJJF European Open

Maltese BJJ Athletes Win Bronze at IBJJF European Open
Feb 9 2025 Share

Three Maltese athletes from BJJTM earned podium finishes at the 2025 IBJJF European Jiu-Jitsu Open Championships, held in Lisbon, Portugal, in late January. The tournament, one of the world’s most prestigious BJJ events, attracted over 6,000 competitors.

Keith Darmanin made history as the first Maltese BJJ Black Belt to medal at this competition. Competing in the M4 64kg category, he won his opening match on points against a U.S. opponent before defeating a French competitor in the quarterfinals with a triangle choke submission in under a minute. In the semi-finals, he narrowly lost to Japan’s reigning champion, securing a bronze medal for Malta.

Owen Falzon and Kevin Sammut also earned bronze in their divisions. Falzon, competing in the Master Blue Belt M3 category, won two matches to reach the semi-finals. Sammut, the eldest active Maltese BJJ competitor, fought in the Master Blue Belt M6 division, showing determination before falling short in the semi-finals.

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