Times of Malta: independent news, sport, opinion, top stories, jobs, reviews, obituary listings and classifieds from Malta's top newspaper and website. https://timesofmalta.com https://cdn-assets.timesofmalta.com/logos/RSS_logo.png https://timesofmalta.com en-gb Copyright 2026 Times of Malta. All rights reserved. Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:33:20 +0200 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:33:20 +0200 2026-06-11T12:33:20Z en-gb Copyright 2026 Times of Malta. All rights reserved. https://timesofmalta.com/article/pa-approves-27-apartments-near-protected-kalkara-cart-ruts.1129773 https://timesofmalta.com/article/pa-approves-27-apartments-near-protected-kalkara-cart-ruts.1129773 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:30:00 +0200 Daniel Ellul Planning Authority Kalkara National On Tuesday, developer Zammit’s proposal to build a 27-apartment block on the previously protected site was approved. Photo: Jonathan Attard The site had previously been protected as part of Kalkara’s rural conservation area, but the authority’s executive council recently rezoned the area The Planning Authority has approved a controversial 27-apartment development in Kalkara near protected cart ruts.The site had previously been protected as part of Kalkara’s rural conservation area, but the authority’s executive council recently rezoned the area, allowing development.Both the development application (PA/01546/25) on Tuesday and the rezoning application (PC/00070/22) were approved despite the case officers'... https://timesofmalta.com/article/silicon-island-inside-malta-connected-corporate-hubs.1129775 https://timesofmalta.com/article/silicon-island-inside-malta-connected-corporate-hubs.1129775 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:29:00 +0200 Sponsored Gaming Entertainment Malta’s commercial landscape operates less like a single market and more like a network of highly specialised micro-hubs. Photo: Shutterstock Malta hasn't just built a digital economy – it has mapped it out geographically If you spend an afternoon walking the promenade from Gżira up through Sliema, the physical footprint of the digital economy is impossible to miss. What were once quiet residential streets and traditional Maltese townhouses have been replaced by steel-and-glass corporate headquarters, modern coworking spaces, and the sharp suits of international legal consultants.Malta hasn't just built... https://timesofmalta.com/article/court-declares-arrest-invalid-accuseds-temporary-malta-address.1129774 https://timesofmalta.com/article/court-declares-arrest-invalid-accuseds-temporary-malta-address.1129774 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:22:00 +0200 Nicole Meilak Court National The magistrate declared the arrest invalid because of the incorrect address statement in the charge sheet Police incorrectly listed him as having no fixed address in the country A man’s arrest has been declared invalid after police incorrectly stated he held no fixed address in Malta.Ali Hasan Ueso was charged in court with driving without a seatbelt, without a licence or insurance, and driving a car that did not belong to him without the consent of the owner.Inspector Karen Cassar explained to the... https://timesofmalta.com/article/justice-came-late-save-bernice-cassar-women-lobby.1129771 https://timesofmalta.com/article/justice-came-late-save-bernice-cassar-women-lobby.1129771 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:50:00 +0200 Claudia Calleja Court Domestic Violence National Bernice Cassar (Cilia) 'Delayed rulings on prior domestic violence reports expose systemic failure to protect victim before her murder by Roderick Cassar' The Malta Women’s Lobby has expressed “deep disappointment” at two jail sentences – amounting to 11 months in total – handed down to Roderick Cassar in connection with domestic violence incidents reported before he murdered his wife, Bernice, in November 2022.“Justice delayed is justice denied. In Bernice [Cassar] Cilia’s case, justice was not merely delayed.... https://timesofmalta.com/article/magistrate-forced-hear-court-cases-corridor-tables.1129767 https://timesofmalta.com/article/magistrate-forced-hear-court-cases-corridor-tables.1129767 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:20:00 +0200 Nicole Meilak Court Justice National The lack of capacity at the Law Courts is a longstanding issue. File photo. Courtroom shortage forces judge to turn the corridors of the Law Courts into a makeshift hall Lawyers, plaintiffs and defendants were witnesses to a unique court hearing on Thursday, after a judge had to resort to hearing cases on a couple of tables in the corridors of the Law Courts.Justice Brigitte Sultana was hearing witnesses and dealing with lawyers from a table right outside Hall 22, in plain sight of everyone... https://timesofmalta.com/article/sherlock-missing-malta-starring-enola-holmes-3-trailer-drops.1129758 https://timesofmalta.com/article/sherlock-missing-malta-starring-enola-holmes-3-trailer-drops.1129758 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0200 Sarah Carabott History Film Netflix Heritage National World Enola is headed to Malta to get married... and it looks like she is in for some adventure. Screenshots: Netflix/Enola Holmes 3 Productions featuring Malta as Malta are awarded an additional 5% cash rebate Malta features prominently in the trailer of Netflix's third instalment of the Enola Holmes film franchise.Released on Wednesday, the trailer amassed nearly 1.5million views in 24 hours, as fans of the teenage sister of detective Sherlock Holmes gear up for the release of the film on July 1.In this second sequel, Enola, played by Millie... https://timesofmalta.com/article/well-bomb-s-them-us-iran-hit.1129757 https://timesofmalta.com/article/well-bomb-s-them-us-iran-hit.1129757 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:46:00 +0200 AFP USA Iran Israel World Iran War Iran's foreign ministry said on June 10 that the United States had damaged the ongoing international diplomatic effort to end the war, after more US strikes on targets in southern Iran. Photo: AFP Donald Trump has repeatedly said negotiations with Tehran are close to an end The United States launched fresh attacks against Iran on Thursday, prompting Tehran to retaliate, as US leaders accused their counterparts of dragging out negotiations for a deal to end the three-month war.The second straight day of tit-for-tat strikes, with Iran targeting US bases across the Gulf, sent oil prices rising again.US President Donald Trump, who... https://timesofmalta.com/article/today-front-pages-june-11-2026.1129756 https://timesofmalta.com/article/today-front-pages-june-11-2026.1129756 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:15:00 +0200 Times of Malta Court Media Planning Authority National File photo: Times of Malta The top stories in Malta's newspapers These are the leading stories making front-page headlines in Malta this Thursday.Times of Malta leads with court testimony from a sex worker who recounted how an alleged human trafficker assaulted a pregnant woman.The newspaper also reports that the Planning Authority is considering further action against an illegal villa being built in Armier.The Malta Independent, meanwhile,... https://timesofmalta.com/article/june-11-front-page-times-malta-10-25-50-years-ago.1129150 https://timesofmalta.com/article/june-11-front-page-times-malta-10-25-50-years-ago.1129150 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:04:00 +0200 Times of Malta Media Community From our archives Times of Malta through the years. The prominent newspaper stories of the last half a century https://timesofmalta.com/article/fontana-celebrates-feast-sacred-heart-jesus-sunday.1129737 https://timesofmalta.com/article/fontana-celebrates-feast-sacred-heart-jesus-sunday.1129737 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:30:00 +0200 Times of Malta Gozo Religion Fontana Community The processional statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Fontana parish church. Photo: Charles Spiteri Parish holds three days of preparation, including masses and adoration The liturgical feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Fontana will be celebrated on Friday, while the feast proper is on Sunday. The parish is holding three days of preparation prior to the feast, including solemn adoration throughout the day as well as solemn high mass at 7pm. The sermons will be delivered by... https://timesofmalta.com/article/no-italy-no-late-night-games-bars-brace-quiet-world-cup.1129750 https://timesofmalta.com/article/no-italy-no-late-night-games-bars-brace-quiet-world-cup.1129750 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:35:00 +0200 Daniel Ellul Football National Sport World Cup 2026 Argentina won the World Cup that was played in Qatar in December 2022. Photo: AFP Matches kick off today Bars and big screen venues are expecting a less busy World Cup this year due to early morning kick-off times and Italy’s failure to qualify.Canada, Mexico and the United States begin hosting the international football tournament today.Since the tournament is taking place across the Atlantic, some matches kick off as early as 4am or 6am... https://timesofmalta.com/article/announcements-june-11-2026.1129745 https://timesofmalta.com/article/announcements-june-11-2026.1129745 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:30:00 +0200 Times of Malta Social and personal Community Obituaries File photo: Times of Malta Today’s social and personal listings ObituariesBONANNO. On June 10, CARMEL, passed away peacefully, aged 80. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife Connie, his son Etienne and his wife Patricia, his siblings Doris, Rita, Marthese, Joseph, Frank and Julie, his in-laws Agnes, Brother Austin Gili, their respective families, nephews and nieces, relatives and friends. Funeral Mass will be celebrated... https://timesofmalta.com/article/mcdonald-serving-limitedtime-meals-collectibles-celebrate.1129729 https://timesofmalta.com/article/mcdonald-serving-limitedtime-meals-collectibles-celebrate.1129729 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:30:00 +0200 Press Release Food and drink Community World Cup 2026 David Beckham enjoying a McDonald’s meal. Right: Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Lamine Yamal pose under McDonald’s famous Golden Arches symbol. Six collectible cups free with FIFA World Cup 26 Meals and 12 Squishmallows plush on offer with Happy Meals McDonald’s is offering limited-time collectible keepsakes with their FIFA World Cup 26 Meals and Happy Meals.Every FIFA World Cup 26 Meal comes with one of six collectible cups featuring football stars David Beckham, Ronaldinho Gaucho, Theirry Henry, Heung-Min Son and Lamine Yamal, and McDonald’s very own legend, Grimace.The meal comes with a choice bet­ween a... https://timesofmalta.com/article/editorial-implications-growing-public-debt.1129728 https://timesofmalta.com/article/editorial-implications-growing-public-debt.1129728 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:30:00 +0200 Times of Malta Economy Editorial Opinion Prime Minister Robert Abela and Finance Minister Clyde Caruana at the press conference. Photo: Antoine Farrugia Lauri Strong debt-to-GDP ratio masks structural economic vulnerabilities The debt-to-GDP ratio is one of the headline indicators used to assess the health of government finances.  Still, there are criticisms of debt sustainability analysis in general, as a focus on GDP growth can mask weaknesses in public debt management.Prime Minister Robert Abela and Finance Minister Clyde Caruana welcomed the EU’s decision to remove Malta... https://timesofmalta.com/article/business-unions-unite-swiss-immigration-cap-push.1129727 https://timesofmalta.com/article/business-unions-unite-swiss-immigration-cap-push.1129727 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:30:00 +0200 AFP Migration Politics Population Switzerland World Pedestrians walk past posters campaigning to vote in an upcoming anti-immigration initiative launched by the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) and reading “Protect Swizterland, no to a Switzerland of 10 million – YES” and “Breaking with Europe now of all times? They warn limiting immigration to 40,000 people a year could sink Switzerland’s economy, which depends heavily on foreign labour Swiss business leaders and unions are mobilising ahead of a vote on Sunday on capping immigration, which has triggered fears of dire impacts on employment and trade relations with the European Union.The vote will focus on a proposal by the hard-right Swiss People’s Party (SVP) aimed at keeping the wealthy Alpine nation’s population – currently... https://timesofmalta.com/article/now-time-oppose.1129726 https://timesofmalta.com/article/now-time-oppose.1129726 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:30:00 +0200 Contributors Seb Tanti Burlò Comment Government PL PN Opinion Image: Seb Tanti Burlò If the Labour government is going to be defeated all the country’s opposition forces must unite against it, writes Sebastian Tanti Burlò Let them give their four fingers salute. It isn’t like it wasn’t a forgone conclusion. If their first three legislatures are anything to go by, they won’t manage to finish this fourth. And that is what from today we must prepare ourselves for. Their pattern of early election calling tells us that they live in... https://timesofmalta.com/article/mosque-republic.1129725 https://timesofmalta.com/article/mosque-republic.1129725 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:30:00 +0200 Ranier Fsadni Comment Politics Religion Opinion The mosque in Paola serves a Muslim population that has grown far beyond its capacity. File photo: Shutterstock.com If one believes religion can strengthen civic responsibility when practised by Christians, one must explain why the same principle ceases to operate when the believer happens to be Muslim, writes Ranier Fsadni During the general election campaign, Robert Abela and Alex Borg were asked whether the country needs a new mosque. Both gave a flat no.Abela told Muslim voters that Labour was their natural home – although, evidently, not enough of a home to entertain discussion of new mosques.Borg went further. At the Times of Malta/Każin debate,... https://timesofmalta.com/article/letters-editor-june-11-2026.1129708 https://timesofmalta.com/article/letters-editor-june-11-2026.1129708 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:30:00 +0200 Times of Malta Letters Opinion Image: Times of Malta Today’s letters by Times of Malta readers Immediate action neededGeorge Bezzina of Marsascala writes:This is a photo of a very dangerous part of a balcony which the authorities should treat very urgent and serious.This balcony can be found opposite the Birżebbuġa bus terminus.Act now. Tomorrow it may be too late. Stage-managed democracyLuca Bugelli of Qormi writes:We must applaud the beautifully staged theatrical... https://timesofmalta.com/article/biggest-facebook-ad-spenders-failed-win-election-seats.1129743 https://timesofmalta.com/article/biggest-facebook-ad-spenders-failed-win-election-seats.1129743 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:25:00 +0200 Nicole Meilak Social media National Election 2026 Ray Abela, left, and Olaf McKay spent heavily on Meta ads during the election campaign. Photo: Shutterstock Despite Meta’s ban on political ads, Maltese candidates spent thousands The candidates who spent the most on Facebook and Instagram advertising during the election campaign failed to win seats, a Times of Malta analysis of Meta data shows. Labour candidate Ray Abela recorded the highest estimated spend among candidates analysed, while Valletta mayor Olaf McKay and the PN’s Leone Sciberras were also among the most... https://timesofmalta.com/article/solar-farm-planned-odz-land-gozo.1129752 https://timesofmalta.com/article/solar-farm-planned-odz-land-gozo.1129752 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0200 Giulia Magri Alternative energy Environment Planning Authority Żebbuġ (Gozo) National Part of the plot of land for the project. Photo: PA Plot covers 27,360 square metres of land, approximately the size of two football pitches A large piece of agricultural land in Żebbuġ, Gozo - the size of around two football pitches - is set to be transformed into a solar farm.The planning application (PA/03747/26) for the undeveloped site located on Ta’ Kuljat was filed by Kurt Stephen Galea and architect Edwin Mintoff.The application was filed earlier this year and...