Increase In Allowances For Mayors And Councillors

Apr 29 2025

Mayors, deputy mayors, and councillors across Malta and Gozo are set to receive a €1,000 increase in their annual allowances.

The announcement was made during a visit by Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, to the Northern Region’s council offices.

The visit marked the completion of recent renovation works that have made the premises more accessible and welcoming to residents. Joining them were Director General for Local Government, Emil Vassallo, and Northern Region President, Clifford Galea.

This increase aims to support local officials in covering costs related to their public duties. Beyond this new allowance, mayors and regional council presidents also receive honoraria, which vary based on the size of their respective councils.

Minister Bonnici emphasised that the increment is a clear acknowledgment of the valuable work done by mayors, deputy mayors, and councillors, who often commit substantial time and effort to serve their communities.

He described local governance as a direct investment in citizens’ quality of life.

Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli reiterated that this financial adjustment reflects the elected officials’ dedication, which frequently extends well beyond council meetings.

She underlined the importance of recognising their continued service.

Commenting on the upgraded Northern Regional Council offices, Zerafa Civelli said they exemplify the increasing role of regional councils in community life and their support for local councils.

Emil Vassallo added that extra funds will be allocated to cover 2024 arrears linked to a new collective agreement for clerical workers signed earlier this year.

#MaltaDaily

St George’s Square To Turn Into The Ultimate Eurovision Fan Zone

Apr 29 2025

Get ready, Malta! St George’s Square in the heart of Valletta is set to transform into the ultimate Eurovision Fanzone this May as we celebrate Miriana Conte flying the flag for Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

Fans are invited to join the festivities on Tuesday 13th, Thursday 15th, and the Grand Final on Saturday 17th May, with the fun kicking off each night at 8pm. Expect good vibes, local performances, and of course, a giant screen to catch all the Eurovision magic live from Basel, Switzerland!

Miriana will be performing during the second semi-final — and with any luck, we’ll be cheering her all the way to the grand final on the 17th!

After the massive success of last year’s Fanzone at Triton Square, Valletta is ready to serve once again, with Malta Daily, Magic, and Heritage Malta teaming up with TVM to bring the Eurovision spirit back, bigger and better.

Entry is completely free, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Plus, from 8pm onwards each night, expect brilliant live performances from local stars like Klinsmann, Federica, and Rita Pace before the main show begins.

Don’t miss out – grab your flags, your mates, and your best Eurovision spirit and head to St George’s Square this May!

#MaltaDaily

Over 92,000 Maltese Struggling Below Poverty Line, New Survey Reveals

Apr 29 2025

Malta’s National Statistics Office (NSO) reported that 92,690 individuals were living below the at-risk-of-poverty threshold of €12,258, marking an increase of 0.2 percentage points from the previous year.

The average gross household income in 2023 was €47,893, with disposable income averaging €38,236. Employment income constituted 82.8% of gross income, while social benefits, including pensions, accounted for 13.9%.

Material and Social Deprivation (MSD) and Severe Material and Social Deprivation (SMSD) rates stood at 9.0% and 4.0%, respectively, both showing slight decreases from 2023.

The AROPE rate, which includes those at risk of poverty, severely deprived, or living in very low work intensity households, was 19.7%, slightly down from the previous year.

The Gini coefficient fell by 2.2 percentage points to 30.8%, indicating improved income distribution.

The ARP rate for males was 15.6%, while for females it was 18.3%.

Children under 18 had the highest poverty rate at 24.1%, and adults aged 65 and over had a rate of 29.7%. Adults aged 18–64 saw a slight decline to 11.9%.

Single-parent households were most affected, with 43.8% falling below the poverty line. Households without dependent children had a lower ARP rate of 15.9% compared to 18.1% for those with children. Older individuals living alone or in two-adult households without children were also more vulnerable.

In households with very low work intensity, 69.4% were at risk of poverty, compared to just 6.5% in those with very high work intensity.

#MaltaDaily

1 AFM Soldier Dismissed After Drug Theft

Apr 29 2025

Minister Byron Camilleri revealed that 55 charges were issued against six members of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), all of whom were found guilty following internal disciplinary procedures.

The information was provided in response to a parliamentary question posed by PN MP Darren Carabott, who asked for details about actions taken both before and after the conclusion of an official inquiry.

According to the Minister, the disciplinary process was conducted in line with the Armed Forces of Malta Act. As a result of these proceedings, one soldier was dismissed from service, while another was demoted.

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Camilleri did not specify the ranks or units of the soldiers involved but confirmed that penalties were imposed across various levels.

In total, the six soldiers faced a combined 134 working days of lost pay and were issued formal reprimands and warnings.

Additionally, their official postings were withdrawn, leading to the loss of certain allowances and possibly affecting their chances of promotion within the force.

#MaltaDaily