Malta daily Facebook 970x90

Labour Party Regains Lead Over Nationalist Party in Latest Survey

Feb 16 2025 Share

In a significant political shift, the Labour Party (PL) has regained its lead over the Nationalist Party (PN), according to the latest MaltaToday survey conducted in February 2025. The survey indicates that the PL now holds a four-point advantage, translating to a lead of approximately 11,613 votes. This marks a reversal from November’s survey, where the PL trailed the PN by one point.

The current survey, based on a projected voter turnout of 75.5%, shows the PL securing 48.2% of the vote, while the PN stands at 43.9%. Despite this recovery, the PL’s support remains notably lower than its performance in the 2022 general election, where it achieved an absolute majority with a 39,000-vote lead.

The survey period coincided with heightened political tensions surrounding proposed reforms to magisterial inquiries and the distribution of the first paychecks reflecting recent budget tax cuts and increased social benefits, including pensions.

Notably, the newly established centrist party, Momentum, founded by Arnold Cassola and a team of activists in January 2025, has made an immediate impact. The party garnered 4% support in the survey, slightly surpassing ADPD, which retains most of its base. Collectively, these third parties now command over 7% of voter support.

In terms of leadership perception, Prime Minister Robert Abela has extended his lead over PN leader Bernard Grech. The trust gap has widened to 22 points, up from 18 points in November. Additionally, reflecting a post-budget boost, respondents rated the government’s performance at 2.9 out of 5, an improvement from the 2.7 rating in November.

These developments suggest a dynamic and evolving political landscape in Malta, with traditional party lines being tested by emerging political forces and shifting public sentiments.

#MaltaDaily

Late-Night Drug Bust in Paceville: 26-Year-Old Man Arrested After Resisting Police

Feb 16 2025 Share

Continuous police surveillance in the heart of communities, including entertainment zones like Paceville, led to the arrest of a 26-year-old man from Gambia after he was allegedly caught selling drugs.

Late on Friday night, while two constables were patrolling St. George’s Road, they noticed a man loitering outside an establishment. As they approached him, he was seen discarding a packet under a vehicle and resisted arrest, resulting in one of the officers sustaining minor injuries.

The packet contained sachets of a substance suspected to be cocaine and cannabis, allegedly prepared for trafficking.

The man is currently being held at the police lock-up in Floriana and is expected to be arraigned in court today at around 10:00 AM before Magistrate Dr. Abigail Critien LL.D.

#MaltaDaily

Activists Protest Development Plans for Fort Chambray

Activists Protest Development Plans for Fort Chambray
Feb 15 2025 Share

The Coalition for Gozo, Moviment Graffitti, and Din l-Art Ħelwa staged a direct action today to highlight the urgent threat facing Fort Chambray, a historic British barracks, due to irregular planning permits. The organisations filed two appeals against the Planning Authority’s decision, requesting a suspension of construction works while the appeal proceeds. However, the flawed planning appeals law may result in the Planning Tribunal refusing the suspension, allowing construction to continue and potentially demolishing the fort.

Despite public calls and over 800 signatories supporting the protection of the site, the Planning Authority has ignored requests for scheduling protection, and the Government has approved land consolidation and restoration funds for private developers. This funding, covered by taxpayers, would benefit the development of Fort Chambray into a private residential and commercial complex without guaranteeing public access.

The NGOs criticised the government’s failure to act on promises of reform and warned that if the appeals law is not reformed, their efforts to safeguard the site may be in vain. Police intervened during the protest, taking details from some activists. The organisations pledged further action if the demolition proceeds.

#MaltaDaily

Għajn Tuffieħa Barracks Restoration to Enhance Majjistral Park

Għajn Tuffieħa Barracks Restoration to Enhance Majjistral Park
Feb 15 2025 Share

The Għajn Tuffieħa Barracks, situated in Majjistral Park, are undergoing restoration work to be transformed into a new administrative and educational centre for visitors. Minister for Lands and Electoral Programme Implementation, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, visited the site to inspect the ongoing project, which is being carried out by the Heritage Parks Federation. The barracks, leased by the Lands Authority, are set to serve as a key resource for the park’s operations and community engagement.

Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi highlighted the significance of regenerating historic government properties for community use. He commended the collaborative effort involving Din l-Art Ħelwa, Nature Trust, and the Heritage Parks Federation, aiming to provide enhanced services to the public.

Darren Saliba, representing the Heritage Parks Federation, explained that the restored barracks will offer facilities for both administrative tasks and educational programs focused on the area’s natural and historical heritage.

#MaltaDaily