A confident performance
Micallef appeared well-briefed and knowledgeable on the various cultural, educational and youth-oriented programmes and initiatives at EU level
Vision 2050: An admirable initiative but excuse our cynicism
A cynical electorate may not give too much thought to lofty ideals unless they translate into concrete solutions to address persistent problems that could only get worse in 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...

A shadow over CHOGM

Recent events, including the terrorist attacks in Paris, the Russian airliner downed in Egypt, as well as escalating tensions between Russia and Turkey have...

Recent events, including the terrorist attacks in Paris,...

‘This is not a pigsty’, indeed

Individual members of parliament may not have noticed, but the rest of the country has moved on since ‘debates’ were settled with loud threats of...

Individual members of parliament may not have noticed, but...

Time to take Paceville by the horns

It is not for nothing that Paceville has gained its notoriety for ‘lawlessness’. For Paceville is also an industry in its own right – and an...

It is not for nothing that Paceville has gained its...