Maltese police have arrested five Italian nationals and seized approximately 13kg of suspected cocaine and cannabis, along with €386,715 in cash, following a major operation targeting drug trafficking and money laundering networks. The raids, conducted across Msida, Sliema, and Swieqi, also confiscated designer items, vehicles, and a stolen firearm.
Maltese police have arrested five Italian nationals and seized 13kg of drugs, over €386,000 in cash, and luxury items in a significant operation targeting drug trafficking and money laundering. The arrests followed months of surveillance and coordinated raids across Msida, Sliema, and Swieqi.
The Maltese government has officially made Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) available free of charge as of January 29, 2026. This initiative, a 2022 electoral promise, aims to combat Malta's high HIV diagnosis rate and aligns with UNAIDS goals to end AIDS by 2030.
Malta has officially made Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) available free of charge, effective January 29, 2026. This initiative, announced by Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela, aims to combat rising HIV rates and aligns with UNAIDS goals to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The government will invest approximately €2 million over three years.
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced a new €276 million agreement to ensure the continuation of free childcare services in Malta for the next four years. This substantial investment, marking a €34 million increase, aims to further support families and encourage greater participation in the workforce.
Malta's Civil Protection Department has issued a yellow weather warning for Monday, January 26, anticipating strong winds reaching Force 7 across the Maltese Islands. Residents are advised to exercise caution, secure loose objects, and be aware of rough sea conditions and potential rainfall.
A second Malta-flagged commercial vessel sustained shrapnel damage and injured a seafarer in a Black Sea missile strike, following a drone attack on the oil tanker Matilda days earlier. Malta's government condemned the incidents, highlighting escalating risks to international shipping and trade in the conflict zone.
A severe hailstorm struck Malta overnight into Saturday, January 17, 2026, particularly affecting western areas like Rabat, Baħrija, and Mtarfa. The unusual weather event covered roads in thick ice, leading to hazardous driving conditions, flight diversions, and significant damage to agricultural crops. Authorities, including the Civil Protection Department, responded to clear roads and issued safety warnings.
Four years after becoming the first EU nation to legalize adult-use cannabis, Malta is evaluating its progress. The reform has led to a significant reduction in prosecutions, with only 39 individuals facing charges for public consumption since 2021. However, recent amendments introduce a €235 fine for 'excessive cannabis odour' nuisance, even in private residences, reflecting evolving policy to address community concerns.
Malta's Court of Appeal has confirmed the acquittal of civil servant Raymond Cutajar, who was accused of fraud and misappropriation involving a €41,000 discrepancy at the Ministry for Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Change. The court upheld the initial ruling, citing unauthenticated documents and insufficient prosecutorial evidence.
Hili Finance Company plc has opened a new €60 million bond issue to investors in Malta, offering a 5% annual interest rate and maturing in 2033. The bonds, guaranteed by Hili Ventures Ltd, will support the group's investment strategy and expansion across its diverse portfolio.
The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) has accused Health Minister Jo-Etienne Abela of hypocrisy and disrespect after the Ministry took legal action against the union on New Year's Eve. The dispute centers on vacation leave rights for nurses in Mater Dei Hospital's Cardiac Catheterisation Suite amidst claims of selective application of patient safety concerns.
Malta's annual L-Istrina charity telethon, marking its 30th edition on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025, successfully raised €5.76 million. The funds are earmarked for the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, providing crucial support to individuals and families battling serious medical conditions, including those requiring overseas treatment. The event, held at the Kirkop Sports Complex, showcased significant national solidarity.
Renowned Maltese actress and theatre director Marylu Coppini passed away on Christmas Eve at Mater Dei Hospital, aged 76, following a short illness. Her career spanned over six decades in theatre, television, and film, leaving an indelible mark on Malta's performing arts scene.
A 31-year-old Colombian woman, Angie Merlen Mesa Gonzalez, died in a traffic accident in St Julian's, Malta, on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The collision, involving her motorcycle and a car, occurred around 3:00 AM on Triq Mikiel Anton Vassalli. Police investigations and a magisterial inquiry are underway.
Malta's political party Momentum has called on the government to buy back Fort Tigné for €2.5 million, following reports of a promise of sale agreement between MIDI plc and developer Joseph Portelli. The party argues the transfer of the historic fort, a Grade 1 scheduled monument, breaches the original emphyteutical deed and risks privatizing a national heritage site.
Paschalino Cefai, 46, of Żebbuġ, Gozo, was detained under arrest after pleading not guilty to charges including molesting a woman, carrying a weapon, causing damages in a cafeteria, and breaching bail conditions. The arraignment took place in the Gozo Court on December 22, 2025.
Malta's two primary political parties have declared only five large donations requiring public disclosure since 2018, despite collectively receiving millions of euros in contributions. This raises questions about transparency in political financing, particularly concerning the €7,000 disclosure threshold and the impact of a 2018 Constitutional Court ruling.
New Eurostat data reveals that Malta recorded the highest share of personal transfers to non-EU countries in 2024, with almost 3% of its GDP, specifically 2.8%, leaving the island. This reflects a significant outflow of €640.6 million, primarily funds sent home by migrant workers, placing Malta at the forefront of EU nations in this economic indicator.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta has strongly criticized a recent ruling by Standards Commissioner Joseph Azzopardi, which stated that Members of Parliament (MPs) are not duty-bound to tell the truth under their current code of ethics. Scicluna described the decision as an 'affront to human decency,' sparking widespread debate on ethical standards in Maltese public life. The ruling stemmed from a complaint against MP Claudette Buttigieg regarding statements about a proposed incinerator.
