Updated 1250
Malta slips to lowest ever place in international corruption index: Malta has dropped 10 places to its lowest-ever position in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), ranking 65th with a score of 46/100 in 2024—its first time below 50 since 2012. The Western Europe and EU average is 66, with Denmark (90) least corrupt and Hungary (41) most corrupt in the EU. Malta now ranks alongside Kuwait and behind Saudi Arabia. Since peaking in 2015 (60 points, 34th place), its corruption score has steadily declined. The report cites systemic corruption, particularly in public procurement, and highlights criminal charges against former PM Joseph Muscat over a fraudulent hospitals deal. Transparency International warns of worsening global corruption, linking it to democracy decline, instability, and climate crisis challenges. (Times of Malta)
Malta’s minimum wage growth among EU’s lowest: Malta’s minimum wage growth was among the lowest in the EU over the past decade, increasing by just 2.9% between 2015 and 2025—second only to France (2.1%), according to Eurostat. In contrast, Romania (14.1%) and Lithuania (13.2%) saw the highest growth rates. Malta remains among 10 EU countries with a minimum wage below €1,000 per month, though when adjusted for price differences, it rises above this threshold. However, in 2018, Malta’s minimum wage was still below half the median income. A 2023 government agreement aims to increase the minimum wage annually over four years, benefiting around 6,000 workers. The weekly minimum wage rose to €213.54 in 2024, up from €192.73 in 2023 and €168.01 in 2016.
YMCA assisted 450 homeless persons in 2024 – 72 were children: In 2023, YMCA Malta received an average of 38 shelter requests per month, totaling 450 throughout the year, slightly up from 2022. CEO Anthony Camilleri highlighted that over half of the cases (244) involved Maltese individuals. The organization is seeing a rise in families with children facing homelessness, with 30 families and 72 minors affected last year. Some mothers even gave birth while in YMCA shelters. Causes include low wages, high rent, health issues, separations, and family disputes. A homeless person, according to YMCA, includes those living in shelters, on the streets, without utilities, or in overcrowded housing. One elderly man shared how he slept in his car before finding refuge at YMCA.
Morning Briefing
Inquiry reform leaves much to be desired- Chamber
The Chamber of Commerce criticised the proposed changes to magisterial inquiries, stating that while well-intentioned, the Bill “leaves much to be desired.” It warned against restricting citizens’ ability to request inquiries on public interest matters or limiting magistrates’ discretion. The government is fast-tracking Bill 125, with its Second Reading set for Tuesday. A key controversy is the removal of the right for private citizens to directly request magisterial inquiries into suspected wrongdoing. The Chamber joins growing opposition, including the Chamber of Advocates and the Nationalist Party, which has pledged to repeal the reform if elected. (Times of Malta)
Archbishop focuses on hope in St Paul’s sermon
Hope gives people direction, Archbishop Charles Scicluna said in his homily on the feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck. He described hope as a guiding force in life, rooted in faith and strengthened through baptism. “Faith is the foundation, love is how you live it, but hope gives you direction,” he said, urging believers to make hope a way of life. He praised the Maltese for their kindness in welcoming St Paul and his fellow shipwreck survivors, expressing hope that the island’s original spirit of decency endures. (The Malta Independent)
Slight rise in vaccine scepticism in Malta
Vaccine scepticism in Malta has risen from 3% in 2021 to 26%, though 69% still see vaccine research as beneficial, a Eurobarometer survey found. Support for vaccine research has dropped by 24 percentage points since 2021. The survey also explored public views on the impact of emerging technologies over the next 20 years. While the Maltese may be sceptical about certain aspects of scientific research, they are notably more open to the idea that science should have no restrictions on what it can investigate. In Malta, 63% of respondents supported this view, compared to just 46% across the EU. (Maltatoday)