Chris Fearne’s nomination to contest the next general elections is creating unease within the Labour Party, as the former Health Minister faces indictment on serious criminal charges and is awaiting trial, The Shift is informed. Sources within the party told The Shift that the backlash is being fuelled by last week’s decision to block former … Continued

Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo awarded a government contract to a lawyer and proxy for the owner of the Qala villa he is squatting, which he said is owned by an unidentified “woman from Brescia”. The villa has been linked to the late Mafia boss Totò Riina and is known to house the minister’s multi-million-euro art … Continued

A director of a government-funded autism centre is expected to be arraigned in court next week on serious criminal charges, including the alleged defilement of a minor under his care. The Shift has confirmed that Melvin Attard, co-director and founder of the Malta Autism Centre, will face charges following a police investigation and a magisterial … Continued

Heritage NGO Din L-Art Ħelwa (DLĦ) called for the “immediate” resignation of the Superintendent for Cultural Heritage, Kurt Farrugia, over his failure to secure the preservation of Fort Chambray’s British barracks after developers successfully applied for permission to dismantle and demolish most of the historical building. The demolition of the historical British barracks in Fort … Continued

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli is once again promoting the possibility of a third electricity interconnector, even as the long-promised second cable between Malta and Italy remains years away from completion. The timing is notable. With an election approaching, Dalli appears to be returning to a familiar tactic: announcing new large-scale projects amid growing criticism that … Continued

The annual Public Service Expo, a five-day event organised by the Office of the Prime Minister and traditionally held at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC), has been postponed to ease pressure on contractors currently engaged in the Labour Party’s ongoing electoral campaign. Government sources have confirmed the decision was taken by Head of … Continued

An internal report compiled by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and kept under wraps described Malta’s new ambassador-designate to Liechtenstein, Roseanne Camilleri, as “professionally incompetent”. The damning report, prepared by the Internal Audit and Investigations Department (IAID) within the Cabinet Office, and seen by The Shift, was finalised only weeks before Abela approved … Continued

Malta’s latest mention in the Liberties Media Freedom Report 2026 exposes how the government continues to sell procedural tinkering as reform while avoiding the hard results that matter. The report, produced by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe, states that independent institutions, transparent public spending, protection for journalists, and a credible record of accountability remain … Continued

Disgraced former Housing Minister Roderick Galdes will not be contesting the next general elections after the Labour Party executive voted down his request to run on the party’s ticket in a secret ballot held on Monday afternoon. Galdes, whose political career has been marred by a string of scandals linked to Malta’s social and affordable … Continued

Hundreds of retail investors who bought into Mediterranean Maritime Hub’s €15 million bond issue may have been spared a devastating loss after tuna rancher and developer Saviour Ellul, better known as Salvu ta’ l-Elbros, stepped in with a package for the troubled former Marsa Shipyards concessionaire. Sources close to the deal told The Shift that … Continued

Prime Minister Robert Abela’s actions have triggered another media freedom alert following the demands made on The Shift in court. The demand to reveal this newsroom’s donors and contributors was made in the libel case initiated by The Shift. Founder and editor Caroline Muscat sued Abela for defamation following his unsubstantiated claim that “90%” of … Continued

A Wolt Market distribution centre in Qormi continues to operate with impunity, despite being declared illegal by both the Planning Authority (PA) and the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT), which has raised ire among residents. Located on the corner of Triq San Bastjan and Triq l-Arkata, the distribution centre opened in 2023, operating without … Continued

Robert Abela is still at it, working diligently to destroy The Shift, the news portal that keeps exposing Labour’s seedy and sleazy scandals. But now, he’s stepped up a gear. The Prime Minister is trying to discover who is providing The Shift with the financial oxygen it requires to survive. And it’s surely not to … Continued

The Health Ministry is expected to pay around €1.3 billion over the next 30 years to private administrators of a proposed new 300-bed mini-hospital at St Vincent de Paul. Fresh details emerging from government tender documents are raising serious questions within the health sector about the true nature of the newly announced project, suggesting it … Continued

Speaker Anglu Farrugia has ruled there is a prima facie case that Anthony “Tony” Debono, the partner of ambassadorial nominee Roseanne Camilleri, threatened and intimidated Opposition MP Adrian Delia for conducting his parliamentary duties, paving the way for breach of privilege proceedings before Parliament’s Privileges Committee. In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Farrugia said the … Continued

PN MP Adrian Delia has asked Speaker Anglu Farrugia to investigate claims of intimidation, threats and blackmail allegedly made against him by Anthony “Tony” Debono, the long-term partner of newly approved ambassadorial nominee Roseanne Camilleri, following her contentious parliamentary grilling. In a breach of privilege complaint filed in Parliament, Delia said he received threatening messages … Continued

Labour’s pollster Vince Marmara has received a fresh wave of direct orders from multiple government entities, with new payments ranging from research on euthanasia to surveys linked to a government-backed “green” initiatives. As questions keep growing on who finances his political surveys, used publicly and internally by Labour, recent Government Gazette entries show Marmara and … Continued

Why does Labour keep attacking the University of Malta? Why does  Finance Minister Clyde Caruana keep picking on it? Ostensibly, because it’s got an €11 million deficit. And Labour doesn’t tolerate deficits, doesn’t tolerate debt. Imagine that – a national university with 12,500 students and 1,500 employees running 900 different courses, is responsible for producing … Continued

I love the reliance on the box-ticking process to which the powers-that-be resort when faced with the grubby, inconvenient reality of tax evasion, money laundering, and the assorted pickpocketry of the well-advised. Anyone who knows anything about the sector knows that London and the capitals of assorted States of Trump’s United Empire, not to mention … Continued

The latest tender issued by the Foundation for Affordable Housing (FAH) for the development of apartment blocks on public land in Marsascala has attracted just one bidder, The Shift can reveal. This is an unusually weak response that insiders are describing as a clear snub by major developers. Sources within the Foundation said the lack … Continued

Malta’s current electoral moment is once again testing the country’s tolerance for blurred boundaries between public authority and partisan advantage. At the centre of this concern is Tony Sultana, Principal Permanent Secretary and Head of the Public Service within the Office of the Prime Minister. He is also Executive Chairman of the Malta Information Technology … Continued

Lionel Gerada, a person of trust previously employed by disgraced former tourism minister Konrad Mizzi, returned to his roots as a mass rally DJ for the Labour Party on Friday, notwithstanding his well-documented record of abuses committed as a public official. Gerada previously worked as the Malta Tourism Authority’s (MTA) Head of Events. His tenure … Continued

On 1 May, Malta marks one of the most consequential milestones in its modern political history: its accession to the European Union in 2004. More than two decades on, the anniversary is not merely commemorative—it is reflective, political, and forward-looking. Malta’s EU membership followed years of intense national debate and a defining referendum that reshaped … Continued

MIDI plc is expected to wind down operations, possibly as early as next year, after accepting a government agreement that effectively rescued the company from insolvency, The Shift can reveal. The decision marks the final chapter for the beleaguered company behind the Tigné Point and Manoel Island concession, awarded in 2000. While the winding down … Continued

Malta has retained its position in the latest World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), ranking 67th globally for the second consecutive year. The country continues to lag behind several nations with fewer resources or more complex political environments, including Liberia (58), Ukraine (55), Gabon (43), and Poland (27). At the top … Continued

After igniting a nationwide discussion about Malta’s traffic problem with the announcement of yet another mass transport plan, the government has yet again failed to provide a detailed breakdown of costs for a light rail line, which engineering company ARUP estimates will cost around €2.8 billion to build. The €2.8 billion estimate covers the light … Continued

The Labour government has opened and expanded several grant schemes aimed at former workers and pensioners, describing it as an effort to address “past injustices” as the country enters election mode. The schemes target former employees of Malta Drydocks, Malta Shipbuilding, Telemalta and Rediffusion, all groups with long-standing ties to Labour. Last week, the government … Continued

Thousands of commuters faced a gridlock last Sunday after one of Malta’s main traffic arteries, the Mrieħel Bypass, was closed for more than eight hours for a horse racing event sponsored by Labour candidate Rosianne Cutajar. The event, attended by tens of horse racing enthusiasts, saw the bypass transformed into a makeshift racecourse. The road … Continued

Disgraced former MFSA CEO Joseph Cuschieri, handpicked by Minister Miriam Dalli to lead Project Green despite his tainted record at the financial regulator, has signed off another €1 million in direct orders from public funds in just six months. An analysis of these direct orders clearly shows that many of them were awarded to friends, … Continued

After 11 years in court, the family of 17-year-old Matthew Bartolo, who died in a workplace accident in 2015, could not believe it when their lawyer informed them that Judge Consuelo Scerri Herrera had ordered the involuntary homicide case to be reheard. The family has been fighting for justice ever since Bartolo was killed in … Continued

The Director General of the Government Printing Press, one of the most sensitive government departments during elections, is breaching public service rules by organising political events linked to Justice Minister Jonathan Attard’s electoral campaign. The Shift is informed that Osvaldo Pace, the senior civil servant heading the Government Printing Press, forms part of Minister Attard’s … Continued

More than half a million euro has already been paid through the Archdiocese of Malta’s coffers for the conversion of a farmhouse in Rabat into a state-of-the-art country residence for the personal use of Archbishop Charles Scicluna, according to a conservative estimate provided by sources involved in the project’s implementation. Further investigations established that work … Continued

Questions are mounting over the true ownership of the Qala ‘mafia’ villa, long occupied by Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo, as the lawyer named as proxy for the property’s mysterious owner is refusing to reveal her identity. Alfred Grech, a veteran Gozitan lawyer from Kerċem who is still practising in the Gozo Courts, has declined to … Continued

AGV Group Malta, a group of companies owned by Marsaxlokk FC President Frank Cachia, made over €8.5 million in government contracts for personnel services between 2022 and 2025, in a highly competitive sector. The contracts were awarded to the group through their main company, AGV Non Ferrous Malta Ltd, incorporated in March 2010. In January … Continued

After almost four decades of illegalities, the caravan village that occupies around half a kilometre of coastline in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is now set to benefit from a national park project on its doorstep, with the government refusing to even address the matter. The Office of the Prime Minister, the Environment Ministry, and the Lands Ministry … Continued

The Malta Chamber of Commerce rejected the Prime Minister’s offhand dismissal of how electoral uncertainty negatively affects the prospects of local enterprise, exposing a rift between the government’s projection of stability and the Chamber’s assessment of the country’s business environment. In response to The Shift’s request for a comment on the public spat between Prime … Continued

Senior clerics within the Curia’s administration are expressing anger over what they describe as excessive and unnecessary spending from Church coffers to convert an old Outside Development Zone (ODZ) farmhouse near Buskett into a luxury country residence for Archbishop Charles Scicluna. The Shift is informed that the project, completed a short while ago, involved a … Continued

Fresh questions have emerged over the true ownership and long-term use of a Qala villa linked to Sicilian mafia boss Toto Riina, as Minister Anton Refalo continues to refuse to disclose crucial details about how he came into possession of the property. At the centre of the controversy is the identity of the villa’s owner. … Continued

Alleged money launderer and car thief Adrian Muscat claimed to have been “a good friend” and “business partner” of one of the three victims from whom he is accused of stealing vehicles. Though the exact nature of the relationship between Muscat and the deceased victim, Ibrahim Halim, remains unclear at this stage, Muscat’s lawyers repeatedly … Continued

Valletta residents who’ve spent years calling out authorities for failing to stop business owners from occupying public spaces with illegal chairs and tables chalked up a rare win after the Planning Authority (PA) refused an outdoor seating permit for an ice cream shop in Triq ir-Repubblika. The Valletta outlet in question, run by ice cream … Continued

There is a particular kind of insult that only politicians can deliver: the ones that smile at you while quietly assuming you’re an idiot. Yes, you, who are decidedly not an idiot, given that you’re reading this. In other words, welcome to election season. Both parties have now settled on the same winning (at least … Continued

Our Labour government has appointed a 19-year-old full-time student as director of the government-owned airline Malta Med Air.  She has no experience or expertise in the airline industry. She is not remotely interested in leasing aircraft or chartering flights.  And even if she were, she wouldn’t know where to start. She couldn’t be less fit … Continued

Inclusion Minister Julia Farrugia showing up at a construction site that’s barely halfway done and packaging it as an achievement is less “milestone” and more “photo-op with scaffolding.” A building that is “around 40% complete” isn’t a success story. The building, intended as a respite centre for minors with special needs and their families, is … Continued

Despite fresh warnings from the police and the Sliema Local Council, and a hard deadline that expired two weeks ago, around 40 illegal ticket booths still occupy and disfigure Sliema’s The Strand promenade, highlighting yet another failed enforcement effort in one of Malta’s busiest tourist areas. Last month, police officers, accompanied by Mayor John Pillow, … Continued

Ryan Borg, the former chief of staff to Education Minister Clifton Grima, who privately described his former boss as “not fit for purpose”, is operating as a director at the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS) despite his contract expiring more than a year ago. Information obtained by The Shift through a Freedom of … Continued

Seven warranted architects have filed an urgent court application seeking to halt the Chamber of Architects and its president, Andre Pizzuto, from reopening disciplinary proceedings against them over the same allegations that were already dismissed by the Court of Appeal in 2023. In a warrant of prohibitory injunction filed in court, the architects argue that … Continued

The gloves are off and the date’s been officially set – Malta heads to the polls on 30 May, and the nation’s political parties are gearing up for what promises to be a relentless contest where no vote is taken for granted. As we enter the first 24-hour beat of the electoral news cycle, the … Continued

Prime Minister Robert Abela has officially announced the calling of a general election, bringing weeks of mounting speculation to an end and setting the stage for a closely watched political contest. In his remarks, Abela placed strong emphasis on economic stability, particularly in the energy sector. He reiterated the government’s commitment to shielding households from … Continued

The government’s ongoing Preliminary Market Consultation (PMC) for the regeneration of the Grand Harbour area appears to have largely ignored feedback from two maritime industry stakeholders who insisted on preserving the harbour’s current status as a hub for vital economic activity, which Malta depends on, The Shift has learned. Split into four phases, the government’s … Continued

The stage is set for the Prime Minister’s long-anticipated announcement of the date for upcoming elections at, of all places, Fort Tigné. The Fort, purchased back by the public for millions as part of a controversial deal with MIDI plc, has been ready for Robert Abela’s go-ahead since last Thursday, The Shift can confirm. It … Continued

The Health Ministry, led by Jo Etienne Abela, is refusing to disclose the cost of a 24/7 air ambulance service operating between Gozo General Hospital and Mater Dei Hospital. The Shift is informed that the multi-million-euro deal was struck with Gulf Med Aviation Services Ltd, a local company owned by businessman Simon Camilleri and his … Continued

On Thursday, Transport Minister Chris Bonett continued to trounce every boundary of separation between the state and the governing party by posting a Facebook reel showcasing ongoing roadworks in front of the Labour Party’s headquarters. Though the video was posted without Bonett’s usual self-aggrandising commentary, it serves as an obvious dog whistle for Labour Party … Continued

International press freedom and journalist organisations have intensified calls on Maltese authorities to urgently prioritise long-overdue media reforms, warning that continued inaction risks undermining democratic standards and journalist safety. The appeal, signed by the Committee to Protect Journalists, European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) … Continued

Hili Ventures Ltd has secured approval to delist Hili Properties plc, capping a long-running battle with minority shareholders and clearing the way for the property company’s exit from the Malta Stock Exchange, according to a company announcement. At an extraordinary general meeting, shareholders approved the discontinuation of listing with 97.07% support, comfortably above the 95% … Continued

Charlon Gouder, the former Labour reporter turned lawyer-businessman with close ties to Robert Abela’s Labour administration, has expanded his commercial interests into Pakistan, The Shift has learned. Gouder opened an office in Lahore to attract both wealthy investors seeking Maltese citizenship and visas, as well as third-country nationals seeking work opportunities in Malta, while also … Continued

Members of Labour’s youth wing, the Forum Żgħażagħ Laburisti (FŻL), threatened to resign last week after a last-minute cancellation of a high-profile event involving Prime Minister and Labour leader Robert Abela. The event, titled ‘Pitch it to the Prime Minister’, had been promoted for weeks as part of Labour’s efforts to galvanise youth support ahead … Continued

Ten years is a long time to wait for a courtroom to catch up with a story. When I began digging into Mark Gaffarena on the Old Mint Street property in 2015, when I was still a senior journalist at The Times of Malta, I did not imagine that the trail I was following would till … Continued

After publicly declaring that The Shift’s news articles are “90% fake”, Prime Minister Robert Abela is now attempting to force this newsroom to publicly disclose its donors and contributors in court, an unprecedented standoff between an independent portal and the country’s highest office. The request for disclosure, submitted in court by the Prime Minister’s lawyer, … Continued

A sweeping internal promotions exercise at Transport Malta has raised fresh concerns over political interference and the use and abuse of public institutions for electoral gain, as the country edges closer to a general election. Internal memos issued on the initiative of Transport Minister Chris Bonett and CEO Kurt Farrugia reveal that around 50 new … Continued

The government has pushed ahead with the appointment of Mount Carmel Hospital CEO Roseanne Camilleri as Malta’s non-resident ambassador to Liechtenstein, just months after a police investigation into her conduct was surprisingly and inexplicably dropped. The nomination was approved by Parliament, despite a contrary vote by members of the PN Opposition during a parliamentary hearing. … Continued