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Reading Time: 3 minutes Morning Briefing Talks on Planning Law Reforms Near BreakthroughTalks between NGOs and the government on the proposed planning law reforms are edging closer to a resolution, with significant changes expected in the coming days. Although some clauses remain contentious, both sides have made progress after two months of detailed discussions. Sources said the revised draft bills should be presented to NGOs for review by next weekend, marking a possible breakthrough in the stalemate. Activists Wayne Flask, Ingram Bondin and lawyer Claire Bonello have been involved in the talks, together with Qala mayor Paul Buttigieg. Flask said that while not all points were agreed upon, civil society’s proposals were “clearly received”, raising hopes that the final version will address earlier public backlash. (Times of Malta) Prime Minister Hails Budget 2026 as Family GuaranteePrime Minister Robert Abela described Budget 2026 as the best guarantee for Maltese and Gozitan families, highlighting record tax reductions, higher student stipends and improved support for pensioners. Speaking at a political event in Gżira, Dr Abela said the budget consolidates Malta’s social and economic path under a Labour government. He emphasised over €1 billion in capital investments across education and sport, three times higher than previous administrations. The Prime Minister also announced incentives for employers offering salary increases, with additional support for Gozitan businesses. Abela credited Malta’s strong economy for enabling these measures and contrasted this with what he called the Opposition’s lack of participation in the country’s long-term vision consultations. (TVM News) Budget fails to address nation’s key problems, Opposition leader says Opposition leader Alex Borg said that while Budget 2026 includes some welcome initiatives, it fails to address Malta’s core challenges such as traffic, overpopulation and the rising cost of living. Speaking in an interview with Maltadaily, Borg acknowledged positive steps like enshrining the first-time buyers’ scheme in law but argued that the government offered no clear plan for the future. “People don’t just want money – they want time with their families,” he said, pointing to the country’s declining birth rate as a symptom of broader social pressures. Borg said the Nationalist Party aims to create an ecosystem that encourages family life and sustainable growth, rather than short-term relief. (Maltatoday) ADPD’s Ralph Cassar Suspended Amid Misconduct AllegationsRalph Cassar, ADPD’s general secretary and an MCAST lecturer, has been suspended from both roles following allegations of inappropriate behaviour involving a student. Cassar confirmed to Times of Malta that he had a relationship with a student aged around 19 or 20 between December and June, insisting it was consensual. However, MCAST said an internal investigation is under way after police reports were filed, and both parties have been heard. ADPD said Cassar offered to suspend himself from his post pending the outcome of proceedings. The party’s executive unanimously backed the suspension, describing the allegations as serious and noting that Cassar will remain inactive until a final decision is reached. (The Malta Independent)
