‘We need to find a balance’, do we? You don’t bloody say…
Raphael Vassallo
What it also means, however, is that… NO ONE is actually responsible, for any of the stuff that ever happens in Malta’s towns and villages!
Saying ‘we’re sorry for the inconvenience’, just won’t cut it
Josanne Cassar
Despite flyovers, wider roads, millions of euros and countless promises of how much our commuting time will be reduced, traffic is a topic we keep coming back to time and again...
The case for a judiciary ombudsman
Mark Said

Yes, there is a dire need for an Office of the Judiciary Ombudsman with four unique characteristics: neutrality, confidentiality, independence and sufficient...

Yes, there is a dire need for an Office of the Judiciary...

Our commitment to a greener tomorrow | Steve Ellul

Project Green provides for a holistic vision that considers the needs of...

Project Green provides for a holistic vision that considers...

The weakening power of consumers
Michael Falzon

The dip is attributed to shrinking confidence in the services and retail sectors, both of which registered significantly lower scores than in previous months

The dip is attributed to shrinking confidence in the...

To ‘dream’; perchance also to ‘believe’… ay, there’s the rub!
Raphael Vassallo

For now, I’m quite happy to go along with the premise that this original dream, of a ‘peaceful Europe’ united by its own common economic...

For now, I’m quite happy to go along with the premise...

You don’t have to be alone to be lonely
Josanne Cassar

The question remains, how can such a reportedly “happy” society in...

The question remains, how can such a reportedly...

A far cry from the newsroom
Saviour Balzan

The one thing that motivates people is money in their pockets and when that dries up they start to cry wolf about everything else they can think about

The one thing that motivates people is money in their...

The future of space exploration | Nathan Pullicino

Without space exploration to help us push the boundaries of current...

Without space exploration to help us push the boundaries of...

Uncontrolled spending
Michael Falzon

The real explanation for this might be that money voted in the 2024 will be used to pay outstanding bills for goods and services already procured by the...

The real explanation for this might be that money voted in...

All I want for Christmas is (yet another) Asylum and Migration Pact…
Raphael Vassallo

But while one would provide actual ‘relief’, for any crisis-stricken territory… where would the other leave tiny islands like Lampedusa - or...

But while one would provide actual ‘relief’,...

Striking the right note for Christmas Eve 
Josanne Cassar

One could say that it is this blind optimism that “everything will be...

One could say that it is this blind optimism that...

Two friends, two destinies, one life
Saviour Balzan

They lived worlds apart; the only thing they shared was that they lived in Malta. It was great to have been your friend. Saħħiet Sandro Mallia; adieu...

They lived worlds apart; the only thing they shared was...

Social cohesion is paramount
Alex Agius Saliba

The uplifting mood of the festive season stimulates us to be more compassionate with others, not least by donating to those in need

The uplifting mood of the festive season stimulates us to...

‘Balancing’ is the job of a circus acrobat, not a cabinet minister
Raphael Vassallo

Two small issues immediately arise, even at a glance. (On top of the third I already mentioned: i.e., that Aaron Farrugia evidently got his job description all...

Two small issues immediately arise, even at a glance. (On...

What’s the point of a ‘Planning Authority’… without ‘Planning’?
Raphael Vassallo

What’s the point of even having an ‘ERA’, to begin with: when all its objections are consistently ‘overruled’ by the Planning...

What’s the point of even having an ‘ERA’,...

Did the world cop it?
Michael Falzon

Ultimately, the success of COP28 will be determined by the changes the world puts into practice in the years ahead

Ultimately, the success of COP28 will be determined by the...

Leaving our gadgets behind
Josanne Cassar

When the world doesn’t make sense any more, I wonder whether we will seek comfort and solace from our own families and fellow human beings, or whether we...

When the world doesn’t make sense any more, I wonder...

Angry notes
Saviour Balzan

To believe the Israeli government has the right to kill hundreds in retaliation for every murdered Israeli, reminds me of the way the Nazi SS would round up...

To believe the Israeli government has the right to kill...

The never-ending story | Carmelo Abela

A conflict next door is very worrying and that is why I hold this firm belief that the EU should play a major role

A conflict next door is very worrying and that is why I...