Morning Briefing
Malta to Formally Recognise Palestine
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced Malta will formally recognise Palestine as a state on June 20, aligning with a UN conference. While Malta has hosted a Palestinian ambassador, formal recognition has never been granted. Abela said Malta cannot ignore the human tragedy unfolding in Gaza. Abela indicated that the development will take place on June 20, the scheduled date of a United Nations conference. (Times of Malta)
Bernard Grech – Culture Vital to National Identity
Opposition Leader Bernard Grech described Malta’s cultural sector as essential to the nation’s identity and public development. Speaking during a PN dialogue with artists and cultural figures, he addressed challenges in the sector and emphasised that government should support—not compete with—the private sector. He said that artists’ work allows for future generations to be able to enjoy cultural, historical and national heritage. Grech added that there needs to be more investment towards more, bigger spaces for workers in the sector, to be able to expand it.(Maltatoday)
Public Sector Workforce Grows by Over 12%
Malta’s full-time public sector workforce grew by 12.25% between December 2018 and December 2024, rising from 47,687 to 53,529, according to the National Statistics Office. Public sector employees now account for 18% of the country’s total workforce. Registered full-time employment as of December 2024 amounted to 291,474 workers, NSO figures show, with those having a part-time occupation as their primary job amounting to 35,204. (The Malta Independent)