On their first day in office, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola invited European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa to her office and a walk in the park.
The meeting was a symbolic gesture to bring together the three leaders of the European Union’s three main institutions so that they can work closely together and deliver for the benefit of EU citizens.
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The Imam of the Maltese Muslim community has come out against those responsible of the “non-sense, absurd and mysterious” bomb threats sent out by email to several schools around Malta.
Once panic ensued, it emerged that the initial bomb threat, sent via email, contained several extremist messages, including a call for the establishment of an Islamic caliphate in Malta.
Imam Mohammed Elsadi quickly distanced himself from the act, even calling the contents of the act “irresponsible and heinous” and an act that “targets our venerable innocent children who go to schools to enjoy peaceful environment and learn the culture of peace.”
He stated that no known entity had claimed responsibility for it but also speculated that the statement was issued by a criminal third party who tried to play into extremist’s hands and further create divide and hate in Malta.
It was also confirmed by the Imam that the Islamic Mariam Albatool School also received the threat.
Elsadi continued his Facebook post, emphasising that Malta has never faced any form of terrorism, either from external or internal parties, attributing this to the country’s strong relationships with various Muslim nations and its support for the “just” causes of Islamic and Arab countries.
He ended by stating that the Maltese Muslim community strongly condemns the “wicked” threat and that the community as a whole will keep on fighting against extremism, fanaticism and terrorism.
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In a viral video which racked up over 1.4 million views on TikTok, Natalie Marie’s grandmother expressed her thoughts – or rather, dislike – of her granddaughter’s new nipple piercings.
@natalieeemareee Poor Nunna!!! She liked them acouple years ago when I first got them done; clearly she’s just not into sparkles 🤣🇲🇹🍒 #maltese #nunna #nunnareaction #piercing #funny #fyp #family
‘Poor Nunna!!! She liked them a couple years ago when I first got them done; clearly she’s just not into sparkles’, wrote Natalie.
Her nanna even drops a classic Maltese swear in her reaction, before going on to have her unamused opinion.
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In his post-budget speech, Malta’s Minister for Justice and Reform of the Constructive Sector, Jonathan Attard, presented an overview of the government’s priorities for reforming both the justice sector and the construction industry, highlighting efforts to improve the quality of life for all citizens.
The 2025 budget is centred on quality improvements across key sectors, including justice, construction, and worker safety, with a financial commitment of over €84 million—representing a 20% increase from the previous year.
Strengthening the Justice Sector
Attard emphasised that the justice sector is a key priority, with a focus on making justice more accessible and efficient. A significant increase in funding for the Court Services Agency will support modernisation efforts, including the introduction of digital systems and the development of additional courtrooms, particularly for criminal juries and domestic violence cases.
The Minister highlighted the government’s attention to domestic violence cases, noting a substantial rise in the frequency of hearings from a few per week to an average of eight, a change attributed to efforts from magistrates and other involved parties.
A new Help Desk initiative will provide citizens with improved access to court services, offering in-person and digital assistance to guide them through the legal process.
Investments in digital infrastructure, such as the installation of projectors, audio systems, and Wi-Fi in courtrooms, aim to streamline proceedings.
A new Court Management Information System is set to be introduced in 2025, contributing further to the digital transformation of the justice system. The construction of a new court complex in Gozo is also underway, further improving access to justice.
Judicial System Expansion and Reforms
A key aspect of the government’s plans is the expansion of the judiciary to address the growing demands of the justice system. The number of judges in Malta has increased to 57, with further appointments for Magistrates and Judges expected.
The focus is also on increasing the specialisation of courts, with the establishment of a new Commercial Court planned for early 2024.
However, challenges around space constraints within the court system have been identified. Despite these concerns, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing these issues and improving working conditions for the judiciary, including ongoing dialogue to ensure that the environment supports their crucial roles.
Legislative Reforms and Digital Transformation
Attard also outlined the government’s ongoing legislative efforts to enhance the justice system. Among the proposed bills are those addressing economic crime, protecting victims of sexual crimes, and extending detention periods for suspects in serious cases.
A new “second chances” bill is also being introduced to promote rehabilitation for individuals who have served their sentences, offering opportunities for reintegration into society.
The digital transformation of the justice system is a major focus, with the government implementing a range of IT systems to modernise services across several justice entities.
This includes initiatives for the Legal Aid Office, the Asset Recovery Office, and systems related to whistleblower cases, all of which are funded by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Programme.
Reforms in the Construction Sector
The government is also focusing on reforms in the construction sector to improve safety standards and enhance transparency. Legislative changes have been introduced, including the establishment of a new directorate within the Permanent Secretary’s office to address health and safety concerns in the workplace, particularly within construction.
Efforts to implement recommendations from the Jean Paul Sofia inquiry are ongoing, with around 70% of the 36 recommendations are already implemented or nearly completed..
A new helpline, 138, has been launched to assist citizens with construction-related issues, receiving over 11,500 calls in its first four months.
Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) and Building and Construction Authority (BCA)
Both the OHSA and the BCA have seen notable improvements. The OHSA’s budget has increased by 35%, and staffing has grown by 38%.
Inspections in the construction sector have surged, from 1,861 in 2023 to 3,602 in 2024, resulting in numerous stop-work orders, fines, and criminal cases. A new enforcement centre is planned for Gozo to further support these efforts.
The BCA’s budget has risen by 19%, with a 500% increase in funding for key initiatives. The authority now offers a free service to provide legal and technical advice to citizens regarding construction-related issues. In 2024, the BCA conducted over 10,700 inspections, leading to approximately 1,400 stop-work orders and 600 penalty notices.
Construction Licensing and Worker Protection
The government has introduced new regulations to ensure that builders are properly licensed, with an emphasis on raising standards in the sector.
Additionally, new legal amendments require construction sites to have insurance, with employers held personally accountable for ensuring worker safety.
These measures are part of a broader effort to enhance the safety and quality of the construction sector for both workers and the public.
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