26 March 2026
Labour Party Unveils First 17 Candidates for General Election, Five New Faces in the Mix
The Labour Party has confirmed its first 17 candidates for the upcoming general election, including five newcomers to electoral politics. The announcement comes after a detailed screening process, with more candidates expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Frank Bezzina Unanimously Elected as 82nd Rector of the University of Malta
Professor Frank Bezzina has been unanimously elected as the 82nd Rector of the University of Malta, taking office on 1 July 2026 for a five-year term. He has outlined priorities centred on strengthening research and teaching quality, fostering collaboration with communities and industry, and promoting equality and inclusion across the institution.
Libya Backs Down on Damaged Russian Tanker, Leaves It Drifting Offshore
Libyan authorities have reversed their earlier pledge to bring the damaged Russian tanker Arctic Metagaz to shore, leaving it drifting several miles offshore with 700 tonnes of oil and diesel aboard. The vessel, attacked allegedly by Ukrainian drones in March, had drifted within 100km of Malta. Libya's National Oil Corporation claims the environmental situation is stable with no imminent risks.
Two Legal Professionals Appointed to Superior Courts
President Myriam Spiteri Debono has appointed Claire Stafrace Zammit and Brigitte Sultana as judges of the superior courts following a competitive selection process by the Judicial Appointments Committee. The committee evaluated 21 applications before submitting shortlists to the President.
Two arrested in San Ġwann over alleged drug trafficking
Police arrested a 38-year-old man from Msida and a 39-year-old woman from San Ġwann following a vehicle stop on Naxxar Road. Officers seized 31 packets of suspected heroin worth over €2,500, approximately €6,000 in cash, and luxury vehicles including a Mercedes and Audi. Both suspects remain in custody pending court appearance.
Victory for Comino as tree-felling permit revoked in Graffitti appeal
The Environment and Planning Review Tribunal has revoked a permit allowing hundreds of protected trees to be uprooted on Comino following an appeal by Moviment Graffitti. The decision deals a setback to the controversial €170 million Six Senses hotel development by Hili Ventures, though the wider project itself remains approved pending a court ruling.
EU Adopts Landmark Anti-Corruption Framework Negotiated by Maltese MEP David Casa
The European Parliament has adopted sweeping anti-corruption rules negotiated by Maltese MEP David Casa, establishing harmonised criminal law standards across all EU member states. The directive directly addresses recommendations from the Daphne Caruana Galizia public inquiry and will require Malta to strengthen its anti-corruption laws within 24 months.
Abela Pledges More Spending as Election Speculation Intensifies
Prime Minister Robert Abela has pledged continued government spending and increased incentives rather than austerity as Labour marks four years in power. The campaign-style event has intensified speculation of an early election, possibly in May or June. Abela highlighted Malta's strong economic performance, including record employment and price stability.
Fast Ferry Services to Gozo Suspended as Rough Seas Batter Islands
Fast ferry services between Malta and Gozo have been suspended due to strong winds forecast to reach Force 6 to 7. All Friday services are cancelled, though limited operations continue today until 6:45pm.
Malta's First Crematorium Bid Hits a Snag Over Emissions Concerns
The Planning Authority has postponed its decision on Malta's first standalone crematorium after serious concerns about emissions and environmental impact. The Paola facility, proposed by Active Group Limited, faced objections from local councils citing cumulative pollution burdens. The board will reconvene on 23 April to hear technical presentations on emissions.
GWU Fighting for Fair Deal as 120 Gambling Workers Face Redundancy
The GWU has entered negotiations with Aristocrat Interactive to secure compensation for 120 employees facing redundancy as the gambling firm closes its Malta office by June. The company is exiting the white-label iGaming market as part of a global strategic shift. GamingMalta reports around 1,200 job vacancies in the sector that could provide alternative employment opportunities.
University of Malta Racing Team Set to Unveil Next Generation EV26 Electric Race Car
The University of Malta Racing team will showcase their EV26 electric race car on April 1st, marking the next phase of an impressive engineering journey. Following a Top 10 finish at Formula Student UK 2025, the team is preparing to represent Malta at Silverstone in 2026 with this new machine.
Contractor Responsible for Bulebel Wall Collapse, Architects' Body Finds
The Kamra tal-Periti has cleared an architect of negligence following a wall collapse at Bulebel's former Gutenberg factory site, determining the contractor failed to follow correct construction sequencing. The professional body found no design flaws but noted poor workmanship on site, emphasizing that execution responsibility rests solely with the contractor.
BirdLife Condemns 'Disgusting' Silence Over Protected Kestrel's Death
BirdLife Malta has condemned the killing of a protected kestrel in Gozo and criticised both the hunting lobby and government ministers for failing to publicly condemn the act. The incident, filmed by conservationists, shows a trapper stomping the bird to death—one of 13 poaching cases caught in ten days. The organisation argues the government's political reluctance to alienate the hunting vote has created a culture of impunity.
Developer eyes ODZ bungalow complex behind Xemxija fire station
A developer is seeking to build a gated complex of 12 bungalows on ODZ land behind Xemxija fire station, on the site of a former British Petroleum oil plant. The outline plans, originally submitted in 2009, have evolved considerably from the initial proposal for a 'health farm'. Public objections can be lodged by 21 April following publication in the Government Gazette.
25 March 2026
Auditor General to Stay On After Succession Deadline Missed
Parliament unanimously approved a constitutional amendment allowing Auditor General Charles Deguara and Deputy Auditor General Noel Camilleri to stay beyond their terms after the government failed to appoint successors in time. Opposition leader Alex Borg criticised the lack of any formal meetings to discuss replacements, comparing the situation to the ongoing chief justice appointment delays.
Local Man in Critical Condition Following Fall in Isla
A 52-year-old Fgura resident is in critical condition following a fall from height at a residence in Isla on Wednesday afternoon. The Malta Police Force, Occupational Health and Safety Authority, and a duty magistrate have all launched investigations into the incident.
Police Appeal for Help Finding Missing 15-Year-Old Francesco Taleb Ali
Police are searching for 15-year-old Francesco Taleb Ali, who was last seen wearing white trousers and a white jacket. The public is urged to contact authorities with any information about his whereabouts.
Three New Ambassadors Present Credentials to President at Palace
President Myriam Spiteri Debono has received credentials from three newly-appointed ambassadors representing Turkey, India, and Panama. The meetings highlighted Malta's strengthening ties across multiple sectors, from healthcare supply chains to trade and maritime cooperation.
New EU Data Slams the Door on Spring Hunting Season, Says BirdLife Malta
New EU data confirms European turtle dove populations continue their steep decline, validating BirdLife Malta's opposition to spring hunting. The NGO says the latest figures show no scientific justification for Malta's open season and is calling for a new six-year moratorium.