Prime Minister Robert Abela met with Glenn Micallef, Malta’s European Commissioner, at Castile to discuss his new role and the future of European youth policies. Micallef, who has been assigned the portfolio of Youth, Intergenerational Justice, Sport, and Culture, was congratulated by the Prime Minister for his performance during his European Parliament grilling. Abela expressed confidence that Micallef’s work would be crucial to both Malta and the European Union’s future development.

The Prime Minister emphasized Malta’s commitment to empowering youth, noting that the government has continuously supported reforms aimed at amplifying young voices in society. Abela highlighted that young people should be seen as catalysts for change, contributing to a better quality of life for all citizens. He also pointed to the government’s efforts in the recent Budget to address generational justice, alongside sport and culture.

Micallef, in turn, shared his plans to engage with young people across the EU and expressed his commitment to promoting these values. Abela invited Micallef to address Malta’s Youth Advisory Forum, showcasing the country’s ongoing investment in its young people. The Prime Minister wished Micallef success in his new role, emphasizing the importance of his work for Malta and the EU.

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At the Second Ministerial Meeting during COP29 in Azerbaijan, Owen Bonnici, Malta’s Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government, urged the adoption of a Joint Decision on Culture and Climate Action. This step, he argued, would pave the way for a more organized cultural response to climate issues in future COP discussions.

Malta, a founding member of the “Group of Friends of Culture-based Climate Action,” is pushing for the inclusion of a Cultural Workshop at COP29. Bonnici stressed that integrating culture and art into global climate efforts is essential, while recognizing that each country must be able to respond in ways that suit its own unique needs. “A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work,” he said.

He also highlighted the significant role of culture in the climate fight, with artists worldwide using their work to raise awareness and promote sustainability. Bonnici further noted the United Nations’ warning about the growing threat to historical sites, particularly coastal ones, due to climate change. In closing, he reminded attendees that tackling the climate crisis is a shared responsibility, vital for the future of both present and future generations.

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A post-budget survey by MaltaToday reveals that the Nationalist Party (PN) maintains a slight lead over the Labour Party (PL), but the margin is so narrow it falls within the survey’s margin of error. The PN holds 46.3% of voter support, while the PL follows closely with 45.3%, marking a significant narrowing from the 12,000-vote advantage the PN had in September. This translates to a mere 2,600-vote difference between the two major parties.

The survey also highlights the shifting dynamics of voter support, with the PL gaining 1.5 percentage points since September, while the PN has seen a slight dip. Both parties face competition from third-party movements, with ADPD and others garnering around 8% of the vote. Voter abstention is high, particularly among younger voters, which is contributing to the tightening of the race.

In terms of leadership, Prime Minister Robert Abela has widened his lead over PN leader Bernard Grech to 18 points in the MaltaToday trust barometer. Despite this, the government’s overall performance received a modest rating of 2.7 out of 5, slightly improving from the previous month, reflecting a lukewarm reception to the recent budget.

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