Rainbow Flag Outside Maltese Cafe Torn Down For Third Time

Jun 20 2025

The rainbow flag at the entrance of queer café KAKTUS Malta in Sliema was torn down and ripped for the third time, in what the owners are calling a hate crime.

“This is not just about a piece of fabric,” KAKTUS said in a statement. “It’s a direct act of hatred targeting a community, an identity, and the fundamental right to exist.” The café vowed to keep standing strong: “We are here. We exist. And we will keep existing. Queer life will prevail over hate.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kaktüs Malta (@kaktusmalta)

Sliema mayor John Pillow called the attack “heartbreaking and infuriating,” saying, “Hate has no place in Sliema — or anywhere in Malta.”

MEP Cyrus Engerer also condemned the act: “Not by the wind. Not by time. But by someone who couldn’t stomach what it stands for: visibility, equality, freedom.” He added, “To whoever ripped it down: you will not win.”

#MaltaDaily

AFM Officers Join Cyber Security Talks in Italy

Jun 20 2025

Officers from the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) took part in the 5+5 Cyber Commanders’ Committee held in Italy, highlighting Malta’s ongoing commitment to improving its cyber defence capabilities.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Armed Forces Malta (@armedforcesofmalta_afm)

The meeting brought together defence leaders from five southern European and five North African countries to discuss key cyber security challenges and opportunities for closer cooperation.

Armed Forces Malta, reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing operational effectiveness, building resilience against digital threats, and ensuring strong representation across all areas of security and defence.

#MaltaDaily

Chiara Releases Maltese Version Of Eurovision Classic ‘Angel’

Jun 20 2025

Popular Maltese singer Chiara, known for her angelic voice and three-time Maltese Eurovision winner, has released a new song titled ‘Kuljum’, a Maltese version of her iconic 2005 hit ‘Angel’.

Marking 20 years since Angel first captured Malta’s heart and earned Malta its best ever Eurovision result, Kuljum is a heartfelt tribute to that legacy.

With lyrics co-written by Chiara and singer-songwriter Kurt Calleja, and a fresh production by Edward Abela of Midnight Studio, Kuljum shifts the focus from fairytale romance to the quiet strength of everyday love, grounded in loyalty throughout the good and the bad.

Chiara remains one of Malta’s most beloved musical figures, having represented the country in Eurovision three times, and ending Malta in second place with Angel back in 2005.

With Kuljum, she breathes new life into a classic, this time in her native tongue, a gift to longtime fans and a celebration of the Maltese language.

#MaltaDaily

Malta Signs First Big Deal To Help Workers Fighting Domestic And Gender Violence

Jun 20 2025

Prime Minister Robert Abela, alongside Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg, presided over the signing of the first-ever collective agreement for employees of the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence.

This five-year agreement marks a significant investment in the social sector, formally recognising the specialised work carried out by professionals operating in this highly sensitive and critical field.

During the signing, the Prime Minister also had the opportunity to meet with several Commission employees, where he listened to their experiences and the daily challenges they face in the fight against gender-based and domestic violence.

“This agreement not only reflects the Government’s commitment to better working conditions, but also our deep respect for those who work with dedication to protect victims and address this social scourge,” said Prime Minister Abela. “When you hear first-hand the realities encountered daily by the Commission’s staff, you realise how vital it is to provide ongoing attention and all necessary resources to this sector.”

The Prime Minister also noted that this agreement follows closely on the announcement of new panic alarms for domestic violence victims at the highest risk another major investment aimed at safeguarding victims.

Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg emphasised that the collective agreement, “This agreement will further strengthen the commitment of these workers in fulfilling their responsibilities as part of the implementation of the 2023–2028 National Strategy on Domestic Violence. It is being signed as the Commission’s team prepares the administrative and logistical groundwork for the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Domestic Violence campaign a campaign that continues to grow and improve in its outreach and impact each year.” said Ms Buttigieg.

The National Strategy on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence (2023–2028) is built on the four pillars of the Istanbul Convention and includes 23 measures and 81 concrete actions. The Commission plays a central role in implementing this strategy, working with stakeholders to ensure effective prevention, support, and prosecution.

#MaltaDaily