Updated 1230
Church-state agreement to support woman and children who have experienced abuse: The Maltese government and the Catholic Church have renewed a partnership to support Il-Milja, a shelter for women and children escaping violence. Through a €1.5 million agreement over three years, the government will fund services provided by Fondazzjoni Sebħ, part of the Archdiocese of Malta. In 2023, Il-Milja supported 24 women and 31 children, offering independent living spaces and professional care for up to 18 months. The shelter, opened in 2000, helps victims of domestic violence and exploitation. Fondazzjoni Sebħ director Yvonne Mallia praised the initiative for aiding families in crisis, while Mgr Martin Micallef highlighted it as a testament to the Church’s commitment to the vulnerable.
Over 10,000 join call for Manoel Island to be turned into national heritage park: Over 10,000 people have signed a parliamentary petition in six weeks, urging the government to turn Manoel Island into a national park instead of allowing commercial and residential development. Led by Moviment Graffitti and Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, and backed by over 40 NGOs, the campaign advocates for public green spaces and the preservation of the island’s historic buildings. Petitioners argue that Manoel Island should serve as a “green lung” for the densely populated north harbour region. They call on the government and developer MIDI to abandon current plans and negotiate the island’s return to the public. With two weeks left, campaigners continue rallying support through the ‘Post Għalina’ campaign website.
Maksar brothers wanted to get rid of Carmel Chircop, Vince Muscat testifies: Vincent Muscat testified that brothers Robert and Adrian Agius wanted lawyer Carmel Chircop dead, allegedly due to a €800,000 unpaid loan and a valuable villa. Muscat, who had admitted involvement in journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder, received a presidential pardon in return for revealing details about Chircop’s 2015 killing. He claimed the murder was planned with George Degiorgio and Jamie Vella, following surveillance of Chircop’s movements. Muscat described spying missions and identifying Chircop’s garage before the hit. The Agius brothers, Vella, and Degiorgio are charged with complicity, all denying guilt. Robert Agius and Degiorgio also face charges over Caruana Galizia’s assassination. Chircop’s widow tearfully recalled learning of his death through Facebook.
Morning Briefing
Government congratulates new Pope and expresses commitment towards Malta-Vatican relationship
The government congratulated Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on his election as Pope, extending best wishes for his role as both spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and Head of the Vatican State. The government expressed confidence in his leadership amid global challenges and affirmed its commitment to strengthening the longstanding relationship between Malta and the Vatican. (The Maltta Independent)
Media rules on teachers have had ‘chilling effect’ – Education Commissioner
Rules requiring teachers to seek written permission before speaking to the media have had a “chilling effect” on educators, Education Commissioner Vincent Degaetano has found. The 2024 directive, later clarified in 2025, was deemed to violate teachers’ freedom of expression by restricting them from sharing personal views on state education and effectively silencing dissent. The circular required prior approval from a line manager before media engagement and insisted educators’ comments align with ministry policies. The ministry argued it was reiterating standard conduct rules for public officials. (Times of Malta)
Foundation slams euthanasia proposals
Life Network Foundation expressed concern over the government’s proposal to legalize voluntary assisted dying for terminally ill patients. “Euthanasia, though presented as compassionate, is the intentional ending of life—not genuine care,” the foundation said. “Real compassion means supporting the suffering with dignity and comfort.” The foundation emphasized that palliative care remains the most ethical end-of-life approach, pointing to Malta’s new National Palliative Care Strategy 2025–2035 as evidence that more can and should be done to improve such services. (Maltatoday)