Prime Minister Robert Abela Announces Discussion on Miscarriage Leave

Mar 9 2025

Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced that discussions will take place regarding the introduction of miscarriage leave, offering couples going through this difficult experience dedicated time off.

He described this initiative as a strong social measure that will significantly improve the quality of life for affected families.

Dr Abela also highlighted new workers’ rights introduced in recent years, including the increase in uptake of paternity leave in the private sector.

He noted that the number of fathers taking secondary parental leave had risen from 400 to 700 over the past year, proving the impact of this social reform on family life.

Another key measure mentioned was the removal of VAT on sanitary products, known as the pink tax, introduced in this year’s Budget. This step aims to tackle period poverty, ensuring that no woman is left behind due to financial barriers.

Dr Abela reaffirmed the government’s commitment to civil rights, citing a 30% increase in female workforce participation over the past 12 years, from 44% to 74%.

The discussion also featured contributions from Dr Lydia Abela, who stressed the importance of education and male involvement in achieving true gender equality.

#MaltaDaily

12 Years Of Labour Party In Government

Mar 9 2025

Today marks 12 years since the historic 2013 general election, which saw Joseph Muscat’s Labour Party achieve a landslide victory, ushering in a new era of political dominance in Malta with Labour entering government.

The election ended the Nationalist Party’s 15-year rule, with Labour securing 55% of the vote—the highest in 58 years—winning a nine-seat parliamentary majority. This resounding victory returned Labour to power for the first time since 1998, with Muscat becoming Prime Minister.

On the anniversary, Labour officials, past and present, shared tribute posts celebrating the party’s triumph and acknowledging Joseph Muscat’s leadership. The election is widely regarded as a turning point in Maltese politics, shaping the country’s governance over the past decade.

Over the past 12 years the Labour Party have had governments led by Joseph Muscat and after by Robert Abela, due to Muscat’s resignation.

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Come Dine With Me Malta Set to Premiere on TVM

Mar 9 2025

The wait is almost over! In just two weeks, Malta’s newest and most entertaining TV show, Come Dine With Me Malta, will make its highly anticipated debut on March 23rd at 20:45 on TVM.

This exciting local adaptation of the globally popular franchise marks the 50th country to bring the beloved competition to life. With a mix of mouth-watering meals, hilarious moments, and unexpected drama, viewers are in for a treat.

For the first time ever, Maltese contestants will take turns hosting dinner parties, aiming to impress their fellow diners and score the highest points.

The contestant with the best overall score will walk away with the grand cash prize of €1,000. Expect creative menus, themed nights, kitchen disasters, and plenty of unfiltered table conversations that will have audiences talking.

The show promises a perfect blend of comedy and competition, capturing both the triumphs and disasters of home cooking. As for the narrator, producers have teased that the voiceover is still “baking in the oven” and will be revealed soon.

With eight weeks of unmissable television, Come Dine With Me Malta is set to serve up laughs, questionable culinary choices, and a generous helping of drama.

Don’t miss the premiere on March 23rd, airing Sunday to Thursday at 20:45 on TVM!

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Valletta Unites for Reproductive Rights, Gender Equality, and Justice

Mar 9 2025

On March 8, 2025, Valletta’s streets resonated with the voices of women, non-binary, trans individuals, and allies commemorating International Women’s Day. Organized by Moviment Graffitti and supported by various activist groups, the march underscored the ongoing struggle for women’s rights both locally and globally.

This year’s theme, “Every Woman, Every Day, Everywhere,” highlighted the persistent challenges women face in diverse contexts. In Malta, issues such as limited reproductive rights, inadequate parental leave, and criminalized abortion were at the forefront of the discourse. Protesters emphasized the necessity of a system that supports women’s autonomy and addresses health concerns like endometriosis, which often go unrecognized.

Liza Caruana-Finkel, representing Moviment Graffitti, addressed the crowd post-march. She candidly spoke about women compelled to return to work immediately after childbirth and criticized the influence of pharmacists’ personal beliefs on the accessibility of emergency contraception. Caruana-Finkel also noted that abortion services remain accessible primarily to those who can afford to travel abroad, leaving marginalized groups without essential support.

The marchers carried placards denouncing institutionalized violence and daily sexism, marching in memory of trailblazers and victims of systemic injustices. Their unified stance called for collective liberation, gender justice, and a society that genuinely upholds women’s rights. The event served as a poignant reminder that the fight for equality extends beyond the march, permeating communities, workplaces, homes, and institutions.

This demonstration in Valletta echoed global sentiments, as cities worldwide observed International Women’s Day with rallies advocating for gender equality and an end to violence against women.

As the European Parliament prepares to mark International Women’s Day, discussions will focus on safeguarding and advancing women’s rights, emphasizing the need for women’s equal participation in all societal facets.

The Valletta march stands as a testament to the enduring pursuit of a just society for every woman, every day, everywhere.

#MaltaDaily