Tag: 2026
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Why doesn’t Joseph Muscat become Labour Party leader again right away?
It’s so highly unusual that a previous party leader features so strongly in the general election campaign that Joseph Muscat is starting to look like Vladimir Putin promoting his little and intoxicated Medvedev-like puppet. Two things are basically happening here. The Labour Party is rehabilitating Joseph Muscat and effectively white-washing his past, implying he has…
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Chamber of Commerce warns of economic risks from Labour’s Peronist policies
In a document issued by the chamber of Commerce aimed at political parties for the upcoming general election, the Chamber of Commerce has warned that although Malta’s economy has grown rapidly in the past ten years, economic growth is being based on labour force growth and not efficiency and productivity rates. Malta’s economy has indeed…
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Permits for new dwellings higher by 40.5% in the first Quarter of 2026
Building permits for dwellings approved in the first quarter of 2026 were 40.5% higher compared to the same quarter of last year according to the latest NSO figures. The total figure amounted to 504 building permits with a total of 3,010 dwellings. The highest number of approved dwellings was registered in Sliema at 322 new…
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36 vehicles added to Maltese roads every day in the first quarter of 2026
According to the latest NSO statistics, the number of vehicles on Maltese roads continued increasing during the first quarter of 2026, with the total stock of licensed motor vehicles rising by approximately 3,245 vehicles, equivalent to an average net increase of around 36 vehicles per day. By the end of March 2026, the total number…
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HSBC Malta’s profits continue to decline after bank winds down operations prior to CrediaBank takeover
HSBC Malta has reported a sharp decline in profitability during the first quarter of 2026 after the bank windied down its operations ahead of its sale to Greece’s CrediaBank. According to the bank’s latest interim directors’ statement, HSBC Malta registered a profit before tax of €21.3 million during the first quarter of 2026, representing a…
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Bank of Valletta posts weaker first-quarter profits despite stronger interest income
Bank of Valletta has started 2026 with weaker profits compared to the same quarter last year, despite continued growth in its balance sheet, lending activity, customer deposits and net interest income. According to the bank’s latest quarterly financial update, BOV reported a profit before tax of €54 million for the first quarter of 2026, down…
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HSBC Malta records decreasing profits as it reduces its operations
HSBC Bank Malta has published its annual results for 2025, showing a profit before tax of €109.0 million, marking the third consecutive year that pre-tax profits in Malta have exceeded €100 million. The profits reflect growth in customer deposits — which soared to a record €6.53 billion — as well as strong results in wealth…
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Highlights of Nadur Carnival
The corrupt scandal of Jason Micallef’s gravelling of Ta’ Qali National Park was a major feature at the ongoing Nadur Carnival in Gozo. The spontaneous carnival draws thousands of crowds every year often with outlandish costumes denoting political satire and even mockery of the sacred. This year’s official Carnival parade was delayed due to bad…
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Watch: Saturday Carnival programme returns to schedule
Carnival celebrations gathered momentum on Saturday as improved weather conditions allowed organisers to deliver a wider programme of activities in Valletta following the wind-hit opening night. With gusts subsiding to more moderate levels, St George’s Square once again became the focal point of the festivities, hosting competitive dance performances and costumed entertainment in front of…
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Secretary Marco Rubio brings back the Trans-Atlantic Relationship: “Europe and the USA belong together”
At the Munich Security Conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shocked life-support back into the Trans-Atlantic relationship after a year in which tensions had simmered following JD Vance’s disparaging of Europe at the 2025 conference. Secretary Rubio’s remarks struck a radically different tone, emphasising the enduring cultural, historical and strategic ties between the United…
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The state of the world from the European perspective
We are currently witnessing historic events unfold in front of our eyes at a significant and rapid pace. Here’s a brief recapitulation pf these events with some background context to address the ongoing discourse in the press. Russia Russia remains Europe’s existential security threat with the risk of a potential direct war and also with…
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Prime Minister mentions new national parks in end of year message: Opposition Leader calls for hope
In his end of year message, Prime Minister, Robert Abela highlighted the new national and public park announced in 2025. These sites include Manoel Island, and the previous White Rocks complex, but Fort Cambell was also mentioned. He also said that the race-track in Ħal Far will go ahead and praised the position he took…
