Lands reform must be transparent
Transparency and accountability should be a higher priority for the Lands Department than other, less sensitive sectors.
Transparency and accountability should be a higher priority...
The wisdom not to speak
This week, Busuttil lashed out at a ‘Mafia in Castille’, and dubbed the NAO audit into the Gaffarena expropriation order as ‘a Mafia...
This week, Busuttil lashed out at a ‘Mafia in...
A serious test for Joseph Muscat
Falzon’s resignation was crucial also because the issue exposed an endemic governance problem in Malta: the unhealthy proximity of business and politics.
Falzon’s resignation was crucial also because the...
More than words
The most recent example of Busuttil’s reformist agenda – an environmental convention – was certainly a step in the right direction.
The most recent example of Busuttil’s reformist...
It’s about respect, not rights
Freedom of expression, as enshrined in the Universal Charter of Human Rights, implies that it is unlawful to restrict free speech through legislation but...
Freedom of expression, as enshrined in the Universal...
Fear and loathing is no solution
Reports emerging from Cologne, and other cities in Germany and beyond, have unleashed a wave of anger towards the open door policy.
Reports emerging from Cologne, and other cities in Germany...
Towards a fairer asylum policy
One must acknowledge the government’s newfound commitment to respect one crucial part of its electoral mandate: the part concerning human rights.
One must acknowledge the government’s newfound...
Missing the bus, again
If expectations were high for Austin Gatt’s new bus service in 2011, they were higher still for the plans of the incoming Labour administration. And this...
If expectations were high for Austin Gatt’s new bus...
Joseph Muscat's new year
If ordinary citizens can make commitments to better themselves in the coming year how much more should a Prime Minister consider doing the same?
If ordinary citizens can make commitments to better...
When charity becomes a vice
We have all accepted a situation whereby the State mismanages its finances – through a combination of inefficient tax collection and questionable...
We have all accepted a situation whereby the State...
An issue of some weight
A World Health Organisation report recently placed Malta at the top of the list of Europe’s most overweight nations
A World Health Organisation report recently placed Malta at...
Libya: the way forward
It is in everybody’s interest for the present climate of tension and instability to be resolved as quickly as possible
It is in everybody’s interest for the present climate...
Sadeen university: Investment is no excuse for impunity
From the outset, the government has shown a dogged determination to push this...
From the outset, the government has shown a dogged...
Malta, as a whole, loses
There is a growing sensation that the Presidency does not and probably cannot fulfil its mandate as a figurehead for the entire nation, because it is itself...
There is a growing sensation that the Presidency does not...
Wanted: Good governance
The truth is that, while the government’s attitude towards matters of governance had remained largely unchanged, there was an awakening of thirst for...
The truth is that, while the government’s attitude...
Malta as a voice of reason
IS’s declaration of ‘war’ is in reality a euphemism for a campaign of terrorism and murder, making it a criminal organisation, entirely...
IS’s declaration of ‘war’ is in reality a...
Dark clouds on the horizon
As long ago as 2011, Commissioner Michel Barnier had flown to Malta for talks with then finance minister Tonio Fenech, over Malta’s opposition to what...
As long ago as 2011, Commissioner Michel Barnier had flown...
Do not feed illegalities
There is simply no justification whatsoever for the fact that an entirely illegal zoo at Montekristo estate in Hal Farrug should have been allowed to...
There is simply no justification whatsoever for the fact...