In a press release Prime Minister Roberta Abela launched the Social Plan for the Family 2025-2030.

This initiative focuses on further improving quality of life for families.

The plan addresses a broad spectrum of priorities, including targeted assistance for vulnerable families, and measures to promote stronger family relationships, particularly by encouraging more quality time together. It also places emphasis on discussions with social partners on extending maternity and paternity leave. Another key pillar of the plan focuses on the holistic education and

healthy upbringing of children, as well as the enhancement of Malta’s fertility rate.

Over the next five years the government will implement more than seventy policy actions, targeted to further support all family units.

Prime Minister Robert Abela noted that the plan marks the first set of targeted measures aimed at enhancing fertility rates. He emphasised that the government is addressing this issue holistically through a range of actions, including improved working conditions, affordable housing, fairer tax rates, enhanced social benefits, a better natural environment for families to enjoy, and improved access to healthcare and medical treatments.

Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted the ongoing reform of the Family Court, stressing that children should have equal access to both parents, provided it is in their best interest. He underscored the need to preserve and strengthen family ties, even in difficult situations. The Prime Minister also announced plans to support businesses that implement family-friendly workplace practices, aiming to help employees better balance their work and family responsibilities. Referring to Malta Vision 2050, he emphasized the importance of building stronger, more resilient families for the future. He expressed satisfaction that many of the proposed measures are already in progress, with more being incorporated into the upcoming national budget.

Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon explained that the plan aims to address the evolving realities faced by families, including challenges that are not solely financial. He noted, “This policy is the product of extensive work, shaped by the lived experiences of children, adults, and even grandparents, who all play a vital role in raising the younger generation.”

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During a recent parliamentary session, Honourable Jerome Caruana Cilia asked Honourable Clyde Caruana, Minister for Finance, about the number of marriages conducted in 2024.

In response, Minister Caruana cited provisional figures from the National Statistics Office (NSO), which show that a total of 2,334 marriages were registered with the Public Registry during the year. Of these, 2,200 took place in Malta and Gozo.

The Minister also provided related statistics, noting that 672 separations were registered in 2024. However, data on how many of these separations were settled amicably or through court proceedings is currently unavailable.

Additionally, Minister Caruana reported that 524 divorces were registered with the Public Registry in 2024, with 428 granted in Malta or Gozo.

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The Malta-Hungary Parliamentary Friendship Group warmly welcomed Speaker László Kövér of the National Assembly of Hungary and his delegation during an official visit to the Maltese Parliament on Thursday.

Led by MP Carmelo Abela and including MPs Ray Abela, Ramona Attard, and Charles Azzopardi, the Friendship Group engaged in productive discussions with the Hungarian delegation.

The meeting highlighted the longstanding and excellent bilateral relations between Malta and Hungary, as well as their robust cooperation within international frameworks. Both sides emphasised the importance of continued collaboration to tackle emerging global challenges, advocating for multilateralism across various sectors.

Speaker László Kövér invited the Malta-Hungary Parliamentary Friendship Group to visit Hungary for further discussions in an expanded setting, signalling the commitment of both nations to deepen their partnership.

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