Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela avoided directly answering whether Malta will continue selling citizenship to Russian nationals amid western sanctions on Russia due to the Ukraine crisis. He emphasized the robustness and strong due diligence of the Individual Investor Programme (IIP), noting its high rejection rate. Abela highlighted the financial benefits Malta has reaped from the IIP, including support for businesses and families during the pandemic and contributions to social projects through the National Development and Social Fund, which has received €599.8 million from the IIP. The Maltese foreign ministry condemned Russia's recognition of Ukraine's breakaway republics, expressing support for Ukraine's sovereignty.

Two magisterial inquiries are investigating deaths at Mater Dei Hospital, which have not been made public, according to MUMN president Paul Pace. These inquiries involve nurses and are examining potential hospital errors. Pace contrasts the private nature of these inquiries with the public scrutiny faced by a nurse suspended after the death of dementia patient Carmelo Fino. He criticizes the healthcare system for overburdening nurses, leading to inevitable mistakes, and argues against the need for multiple inquiries into such incidents, suggesting they could be used to unfairly target nurses or absolve ministers of blame. The health ministry has declined to comment on the ongoing inquiries.

In an interview with Times of Malta, outgoing developers' lobby boss Sandro Chetcuti discusses the relationship between business and politics in Malta. Chetcuti refutes the notion that business people are constantly trying to influence politicians with donations, stating that it is actually politicians who often solicit funds from the business community. He acknowledges that while some criticism of the construction industry's impact on Malta's landscape is valid, not all developers are corrupt or disregard planning laws. Chetcuti also suggests that political parties should be state-funded to avoid the implication of corruption through private donations. He defends the role of developers in the economy and argues for better urban planning rather than blaming the industry for all issues. The interview also touches on the perception of political parties as entities that can be 'bought' and the need for politicians to act ethically and not engage in overly cozy relationships with business figures.

David Agius, former deputy leader of the PN, has formally requested to be included as a candidate for the upcoming European Parliament elections. This announcement was made during a PN general council meeting. Previously, Agius had been encouraged by the PN to stand for election to help secure grassroots support and potentially win one of Malta's six European Parliament seats. Agius, who has been elected to Malta's parliament in the last five general elections, would have to relinquish his national parliament seat if elected to the European Parliament.

Christopher Siegersma, a 39-year-old nurse specializing in psychological trauma, has been appointed as the new prison boss of Malta, succeeding Robert Brincau who resigned after being found guilty of various offences. Siegersma, who previously worked in the mental health sector and holds a Master's degree from the University of Malta, was the prison's first welfare commissioner. He advocates for prioritizing rehabilitation, especially for first-time and young offenders, to prevent institutionalization. Siegersma faces challenges such as keeping drugs out of prison, managing a divided staff, addressing overcrowding, and implementing recommendations from an inquiry calling for a major overhaul of the prison system, including building new facilities and specialized rehabilitation programs.

Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia acknowledges the unreliability of Malta's public transport system, which has led to people preferring cars over buses. Despite free bus rides with the Tallinja card and surpassing pre-pandemic usage numbers, public sentiment remains reluctant due to concerns about reliability. Farrugia outlines plans to add more buses, revise routes, and introduce bus lanes to improve traffic flow. He also discusses strategies to reduce traffic congestion and road accidents, including staggering services to flatten peak hour spikes. The full interview will be available on Monday and in the print edition of The Sunday Times of Malta.

President George Vella of Malta has cancelled his scheduled trip to Australia in February, intending to be present when the abortion amendment is discussed in parliament. He has indicated he might sign the law if comfortable with its wording or resign otherwise. This decision quells rumors of him avoiding the signing, similar to a previous IVF vote controversy. Despite speculation about the cancellation's link to the abortion vote, Vella has not commented directly on the matter. The trip was part of a tradition where presidents visit Maltese emigrants in Australia. Another trip to Geneva has also been reportedly postponed. Vella's term ends next year, and he would be the first president to resign before the end of his term if he chooses to do so over the abortion amendment.

President George Vella addressed Maltese honorary consuls, urging them to assist foreigners in integrating into local communities, emphasizing that Malta's multicultural society is permanent. The annual exchange of new year's greetings took place at the president's palace in Valletta, with Foreign Minister Ian Borg and honorary consular corps dean Joseph Buhagiar present. The Honorary Consular Corps, established in 1995, represents 60 countries. Prime Minister Robert Abela also thanked the consuls for their service and discussed the government's efforts to strengthen economic, social, and cultural ties internationally.

Paul Pace, president of the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, advocates for Miriam Dalli to be appointed as the next health minister of Malta, citing the need for a non-health professional in the role to avoid biases. He reflects on the performance of past ministers and discusses the challenges within the healthcare system, including a case involving the death of dementia patient Carmelo Fino at St Vincent de Paul residence. Pace criticizes the handling of the case and the healthcare system's failures, while also expressing his views on the current health minister, Chris Fearne, and potential successor Jo Etienne Abela.

The tourism ministry of Malta has opted to sponsor a New Year's Eve fireworks display in Mellieħa instead of the traditional event in Valletta. This decision has sparked controversy as Mellieħa is part of the electoral district of Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo. The Valletta Cultural Agency, which previously received funding for the event, expressed disappointment. Mellieħa's local council anticipates the event will boost business in the area. The ministry maintains that the decision was not influenced by other celebrations.

In Malta, a heated debate on a proposed abortion bill took place between social policy academic Andrea Dibben, who views the bill as a positive but insufficient step, and journalist Peppi Azzopardi, who opposes it as a means to introduce abortion. The bill aims to decriminalize abortion when a woman's life or health is at risk. Prime Minister Robert Abela is open to rewording the bill without changing its principles. The Parliament is set to vote on the bill, with the opposition PN party planning to vote against it.

Bank of Valletta (BOV) has informed its business clients that the monthly administration fee will increase from €10 to €30 starting next February, citing higher regulatory costs. The Malta Chamber of SMEs criticized the hike as unjustified and an abuse of dominance, with CEO Abigail Mamo calling it 'daylight robbery.' BOV, which had a financially challenging 2022, justified the fee as necessary to cover enhanced Anti-Financial Crime compliance costs. The Malta Financial Services Authority approved the fee without objection. BOV and HSBC, which previously raised its fees, are pushing for a transition to digital banking, with BOV's chairman and CEO highlighting a significant reduction in cheque usage following fee changes.

Dean Vuletic, an academic and Eurovision expert, suggests Malta should change its approach to the Eurovision Song Contest by competing with a more authentic Maltese song that reflects current European experiences. He notes that the typical Eurovision pop songs are no longer successful and that entries in native languages and those addressing relatable personal experiences are gaining popularity. Vuletic praises Malta's past performances, including Emma Muscat's, and encourages the country to not underestimate its potential, highlighting the importance of Eurovision in fostering a European identity and community spirit.

The Labour Party in Malta has clarified that it is not proposing the introduction of abortion, despite a vaguely-worded clause in its electoral manifesto that suggested otherwise. The clarification came in response to inquiries from the pro-life LifeNetwork Foundation. The manifesto's proposal 506 indicated an update to the sexual health policy, which the party insists does not imply legalizing abortion. The Labour Party also addressed the topic of voluntary euthanasia, stating that while it has suggested a national discussion, it does not intend to legalize the practice if re-elected. The Nationalist Party reaffirmed its pro-life position from conception to natural death.

Residents of the Three Cities in Malta, a Labour stronghold, expressed mixed reactions to the police raid on former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat's home as part of a corruption investigation into the Vitals Global Healthcare hospitals deal. While some backed the police's actions and called for justice, others felt it was an invasion of privacy and a political attack. Muscat, who won a significant majority in the district in 2017, denies any wrongdoing. The raid involved seizing mobile phones from Muscat and his family, with public sentiment ranging from support for Muscat's contributions to the country to concerns about potential corruption.

Mariella Dimech, a psychotherapist and the first executive chair of Malta's Authority on Cannabis, discusses her shift from opposing to supporting cannabis legalization, emphasizing a harm-reduction approach. She clarifies misconceptions about the new law, stating it does not allow tourists to buy weed or the opening of coffee shops like in Amsterdam. Dimech explains that legal cannabis will be safer and cheaper than the black market, and the authority will provide education and research to inform the public. She also reflects on her previous work at Caritas and the link between drug addiction and childhood trauma.

Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition Leader Bernard Grech met with Roberta Metsola in Strasbourg before her expected election as president of the European Parliament. Both leaders expressed support and pride for Metsola, who is backed by the largest groups in the Parliament, the EPP and the S&D. The election follows the passing of former president David Sassoli, with Metsola acting as interim president. The vote is set for Tuesday morning, with Metsola poised to win in the first round due to the support of the two major groups.

Roberta Metsola has temporarily taken on the responsibilities of the president of the EU Parliament following the death of David Sassoli. Metsola, the highest-ranking vice-president, will serve until the election of the next president, scheduled for next Tuesday. Sassoli had been ill and was hospitalized in December. Metsola is the EPP's candidate for the presidency and could become the highest-ranking Maltese politician if elected. Tributes to Sassoli, who was a journalist before joining politics, have been led by Ursula von der Leyen, among others. The EU flags were lowered to half-mast, and a minute's silence was held at the EU Parliament.

Paceville in Malta experienced a bustling New Year's Eve with many people, including tourists, celebrating despite restrictions and a significant number of quarantined individuals. Businesses did better than on Christmas Eve, with takeouts and deliveries mitigating the impact of cancelled restaurant bookings. Philip Fenech, chairman of the Town Centre Management of Paceville, noted that the summer had brought encouraging business, but a recent surge in COVID-19 cases led to cancellations. He anticipates a challenging January and February for the entertainment industry due to reduced flights and ongoing pandemic concerns.

Actor and comedian Toni Busuttil recounted his traumatic experience at Mount Carmel Hospital, which he described as horrific and nearly drove him to suicide. He contrasted the poor conditions and lack of proper care at Mount Carmel with the more positive experience at Mater Dei Hospital. Busuttil, who has publicly shared his struggles with depression, credited the Richmond Foundation for their professional help. The Maltese Association of Psychiatry has called for improved mental health services, and the government plans to build a new facility by 2025.