Tonight in Sliema, the third edition of Sqaqien kicks off from 6 pm. Expect Maltese music, dancing, crafts, food and a full-on folk party in the cosy streets of Sqaq Sant’Elija and Triq San Trofimu.

Locals and tourists will step back in time with live bands, old-school shows and loads of energy. It’s all about honouring tradition in the heart of a modern town.

Organised by the Local Government Division and Sliema Local Council.

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The Local Government Division recently hosted two major events on the island of Gozo as part of the Local and Regional Congress, spotlighting key issues of political participation and multi-level governance.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, played a prominent role in these events, demonstrating Malta’s leadership in fostering dialogue and collaboration within the European context.

One of the central discussions focused on Women in Politics. Alison Zerafa Civelli had the opportunity to address the session alongside prominent experts and leaders in this field, including former President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

The conversation underscored the importance of increasing female political participation and leadership at all levels of government.

Additionally, a conference on Governance across Different Levels was held, emphasising cooperation between local, regional, and national authorities. This event highlighted environmental sustainability, innovation, and shared good practices from Malta and Gozo, serving as an example for effective governance within the European Union framework.

These events reflect Malta’s ongoing dedication to strengthening democratic governance and promoting equality across all tiers of administration. By hosting and actively participating in such forums, Malta reaffirms its commitment to advancing policies that empower local communities and foster inclusive leadership.

The Presidency of the Council of the European Union provides Malta with a unique platform to showcase its initiatives and contribute to shaping Europe’s political landscape through dialogue, innovation, and collaboration.

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Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, has condemned recent threats and disrespectful behaviour during public consultations on Assisted Voluntary Euthanasia (AVE).

Following an incident at a community consultation session, Ms Buttigieg expressed deep disappointment over a person who threatened both herself and members of the technical committee. She warned that such conduct could lead to criminal action. The individual also directed insults towards those sharing deeply personal and distressing experiences related to the suffering of relatives at the end of their lives.

Ms Buttigieg stressed that such behaviour is entirely unacceptable, particularly as there is no legal basis for the threats made.

The incident occurred during the third community consultation on voluntary assisted euthanasia, which saw emotional accounts dominate the proceedings. Held in the community hall in Mosta, the event attracted a large audience and featured 22 interventions from the public. Many participants shared stories of their relatives’ suffering, as well as their own fears of facing similar ordeals due to serious hereditary conditions.

Ms Buttigieg expressed her gratitude to those members of the public who, despite great personal sacrifice, openly shared their suffering and experiences during the consultation, including some who described years of hardship caused by terminal illnesses.

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