24 March 2026
Government Proposes Constitutional Reform to Keep Auditor General in Post During Vacancy Periods
The Government has proposed constitutional amendments to ensure the Auditor General and Deputy Auditor General remain in post until successors are appointed if agreement cannot be reached. The reform, scheduled for parliamentary discussion Wednesday, aligns these offices with the existing framework governing the Chief Justice and aims to prevent institutional vacancies.
Government proposes constitutional reform to prevent Auditor General vacancies
The Government has proposed constitutional amendments to prevent vacancies in the Auditor General's office by allowing incumbents to remain in post until successors are appointed with the required parliamentary consensus. The reform aligns the role with the existing framework for the Chief Justice and is scheduled for parliamentary discussion this week.
Health Alert: Public Warned to Avoid 'Dark Mamba' Supplement
Malta's health authorities have issued a precautionary warning against consuming Dark Mamba supplement after discovering it was never formally registered and doesn't comply with local regulations. The product poses potential health risks, particularly when combined with medication or in cases of pre-existing medical conditions.
€47.3m Deal Clears Path for Manoel Island to Become Public Park
Parliament has unanimously approved a deal worth €47.3 million to end the commercial concession on Manoel Island, paving the way for it to become a public national park. The settlement concludes years of negotiations between the government and MIDI plc, with the island's historic and cultural significance now protected for public access.
The Wellbeing Paradox: Malta's Economic Gains Mask Rising Stress and Loneliness
Malta's economy is growing and life satisfaction rankings are improving, yet Maltese report rising stress, loneliness and anxiety in their daily lives. The disconnect reveals how economic progress doesn't automatically translate to emotional wellbeing, with time poverty, housing pressures and social media use emerging as major concerns.
Police Launch Public Appeal to Locate Wanted Individual
Malta Police are appealing for public help to locate a wanted individual connected to an ongoing court case. Anyone with information can contact police via Messenger, phone (21 224001 or 119), or visit a local station, with reports able to be made anonymously.
Pembroke Residents Reject Council's Support for Football Campus Plan
Pembroke residents are rejecting the local council's support for a planned Valletta FC football campus on undeveloped land, accusing the council of misrepresenting community opposition. The site faced fierce public resistance in 2017 when a school was proposed there, and residents say nothing has changed their position on development there.
Russian Tanker Arctic Metagaz Towed to Libya After Attack Near Malta
The Russian tanker Arctic Metagaz, damaged in a suspected drone attack off Malta's coast in early March, is now being towed to Libya by the country's National Oil Corporation. The operation aims to prevent the stricken vessel from drifting towards Maltese waters and posing environmental and maritime safety risks to the island.
Malta Still Breaching EU Sewage Rules, European Parliament Hears
The European Parliament has heard a petition confirming Malta remains in breach of EU sewage treatment rules despite a court judgment last October. Nine beaches were closed due to contamination last summer, with environmental groups arguing the island's infrastructure has exceeded capacity. MEPs are calling on the European Commission to enforce compliance as a matter of urgency.
Gozo Trapper Caught on Camera Killing Protected Kestrel in 'Brutal Act of Cruelty'
A trapper in Gozo was filmed by conservation group CABS catching and killing a protected kestrel in an act described as exceptional brutality. The incident is part of a wider crackdown that has seen 13 poachers caught red-handed across Malta over the past 10 days, resulting in multiple confiscations and criminal proceedings. Conservation groups have condemned both the incident and government policies they say enable illegal bird trapping.
Disturbing footage shows trapper killing protected bird as crackdown intensifies
Police have caught 13 bird trappers in ten days as disturbing footage emerges of a trapper crushing a protected bird under his boot. The incident highlights ongoing enforcement efforts against illegal wildlife crime on the islands.
Shocking footage exposes brutal killing of protected bird by trapper
Video footage shows a trapper crushing a protected bird under his boot in a disturbing act of wildlife cruelty. The incident emerges as police catch 13 bird trappers in a 10-day enforcement blitz, according to conservation group CABS.
Cab Lobby Alleges LESA CEO Forgave Parking Fines via Email
The Light Passenger Operators Association alleges that LESA CEO Svetlick Flores cancelled €33,500 in parking fines for a major cab company following an informal email exchange. LESA denies the claims and questions the email's authenticity, noting a discrepancy in the email address format, and has referred the matter to police.
120 Jobs Lost as Gambling Giant Aristocrat Quits Malta Operations
Aristocrat Interactive is closing its white-label gambling operations globally, resulting in around 120 redundancies in Malta by the end of June. Industry bodies GamingMalta and company representatives have responded by highlighting approximately 1,200 open vacancies with other licensed operators, suggesting the highly-skilled workforce should find alternative employment within the sector.
Bullying Cases in Maltese Schools Jump 18% in Latest Year
Maltese schools reported 627 bullying cases last year — an 18% increase from 2024 — alongside 37 cyberbullying incidents, according to figures released by Education Minister Clifton Grima. The rise continues a troubling upward trend, with bullying cases having more than doubled from 499 in 2023. Both online and in-person bullying are affecting students across primary, middle, and secondary schools.
Ex-Gozo bishop claims he was unaware of priest's involvement in rape case
Cardinal Mario Grech, ex-bishop of Gozo, claims he was unaware of a priest's involvement in a rape case but maintains he always took necessary action when abuse allegations reached him. The statement reflects continuing scrutiny of how the Church has handled such serious allegations.
Drilling Company Faces Enforcement Action Over Illegal Dingli Cliffs Facility
The Planning Authority has opened an enforcement case against drilling company Terracore Ltd for illegally converting protected garigue near the Dingli Cliffs into commercial storage facilities. The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is demanding the site be restored to its original state, while the company's attempt to sanction the interventions through tree-planting proposals has been rejected.
23 March 2026
Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Paceville Stabbing
A 37-year-old Pembroke man has been charged with attempted murder after stabbing another man in the neck at a Paceville nightclub early Sunday. The victim, a 32-year-old Syrian national, suffered life-threatening injuries in what appears to have been an unprovoked attack. The accused has a history of violent incidents in Paceville dating back to 2007.
Italian Voters Deliver Sharp Rebuke to Meloni's Judicial Reforms
Italian voters have rejected Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's proposed judicial reforms in a referendum, with nearly 54% voting no and record-breaking turnout of 58.5%. The result complicates the government's plans for electoral law changes and direct prime ministerial elections, and younger voters played a key role in the outcome.
Police appeal for help locating missing 16-year-old from Ħamrun
Police are appealing for the public's help to locate 16-year-old Shazney Anne Cassar, who was last seen in Ħamrun wearing a grey jacket, black leggings, and white shoes. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Malta Police Force.