VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Two Libyan nationals who arrived in Malta from Pozzallo on Wednesday were arraigned in the past hours, as police link them to an organised ring trafficking high-value stolen vehicles. Police said the arrests followed a “highly complex investigation” into cars imported to Malta using falsified documents from several EU states. The vehicles were reportedly kept on the island for a few days before being shipped to North Africa and the Middle East.

The suspects were stopped at the Marsa ferry terminal shortly after disembarking from Sicily while driving a Toyota LandCruiser and a RAV 4, both believed to be stolen. Officers found false documentation and modified Vehicle Identification Numbers. Investigators believe the pair form part of a network that has in recent months sent stolen vehicles to Libya. Several other cars destined for North Africa were seized by customs officers at the same time.

During the arraignment of 36-year-old Ahmed Ab’a Khabiza, Inspector Shawn Pawney said customs officials had earlier flagged a suspicious vehicle arriving from Sicily. Checks showed the LandCruiser was a relatively new model, raising further concern. Police later established that Khabiza had twice travelled to Malta before, each time ferrying vehicles later confirmed stolen — one from Spain and another from Italy. Khabiza, who works at an international school in Tripoli, was remanded in custody after bail was not requested.

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Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – President Myriam Spiteri Debono used her Republic Day address on Saturday to warn of a global rise in authoritarianism while calling for political consensus to protect Malta’s democratic institutions and social cohesion.

Speaking as Malta marked more than five decades as a republic, the President pointed to troubling international trends, including the growth of far-right movements in parts of Europe and political shifts abroad. She warned that democratic systems are increasingly under strain, with civil society space shrinking in some countries.

“Democracy is facing threats due to various circumstances: authoritarianism is experiencing a rise,” she said, reflecting on Malta’s recent presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which concluded in November amid what she described as a period of serious international challenges.

Spiteri Debono appealed for national unity on key institutional appointments, stressing the need for political agreement on a new Chief Justice ahead of the incumbent’s retirement, rather than reliance on constitutional fallback provisions. She also flagged an “anomalous situation” arising from the simultaneous expiry of the Auditor General and Deputy Auditor General’s mandates, warning this runs counter to constitutional safeguards.

On social issues, the President urged compassion towards young people seeking gender-affirming medical care, saying they should not be condemned to “a life lived with such a burden”. The president said different administrations have taken the people’s right to decent housing seriously, particularly when it comes to young people and those experiencing changes in their civil status. “Malta must continue to help mitigate housing market pressures for those in danger of falling behind”, President Myriam Spiteri Debono has warned.

She argued that placing the individual at the centre of policy is essential to preventing social division and political extremism.

The President also warned of growing pressures from rapid population growth, citing strains on infrastructure and public services, and cautioned that insecurity in daily life can weaken trust in democratic institutions.

Her address concluded with a call for unity and responsible decision-making to ensure Malta’s development remains sustainable and socially balanced.

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Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Lionel Messi’s tour in India, instead of being a celebration, began in chaos. After a brief appearance by the Argentine forward, who left early because he was literally surrounded, Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium was “vandalized” by the many fans who had gathered. They ripped out seats from the stands and threw them onto the pitch.

According to Indian media reports, Messi, accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, with whom he recently won the MLS, took a lap around the stadium to greet the fans. However, the players were mobbed by a large crowd and left after just 20 minutes.

This sparked the anger of spectators who had paid to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. “Officials and actors were surrounding Messi: we paid 12,000 rupees (about 113 euros) for a ticket and couldn’t even see his face,” one spectator explained.

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Source: medNews

ZURICH (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Within 24 hours of the opening of the third phase of ticket sales for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, nearly 5 million requests have been received from over 200 countries.

The most requested match is Colombia vs. Portugal (Miami, June 27), followed by Brazil vs. Morocco, Mexico vs. South Korea, Ecuador vs. Germany, and Scotland vs. Brazil. The three host nations (United States, Canada, and Mexico) lead the demand, followed by Colombia, England, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Scotland, Germany, Australia, France, and Panama.

-Photo IPA Agency-
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Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Around 60 people believed to have departed from North Africa arrived in Buġibba early Friday morning after their boat reportedly capsized at sea, leaving one person dead. Several survivors required immediate hospitalisation for severe hypothermia.

A fisherman first spotted the vessel in distress offshore and alerted authorities. The Armed Forces of Malta’s rescue coordination centre received the call at 8.43am, dispatching both aerial and maritime units to assist.

When the group reached the Buġibba jetty, emergency responders provided thermal blankets and on-site treatment as medical teams assessed the survivors. Multiple ambulances and Mater Dei Hospital’s Major Incident Support Unit had been deployed in anticipation of the landing.

Details on the circumstances remain limited.

Friday’s landing marks the first major migrant arrival in Malta since 2020. That year recorded 2,200 arrivals, compared to just 238 in 2024. Authorities have not yet released further information on the condition of the survivors or the status of the rescue operation.

-Photo IPA Agency-
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Source: medNews

RABAT (MoROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – On Friday, December 12, Rabat is hosting the third annual General Assembly of the Conference of Presidents of African Legislative Institutions, focusing on the fight against terrorism and the development challenges of the continent. With the participation of approximately forty delegations, the work will address Africa’s role in the global ecosystem and the strengthening of legislative institutions to promote sustainable development.

At the opening, the President of the Moroccan Parliament, Rachid Talbi Alami, called for a firm condemnation of “alliances between terrorism and separatism,” considered a threat to the stability and territorial integrity of African states. The conference will continue until Sunday and will be accompanied by bilateral meetings, particularly on UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which reaffirms the plan for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the only solution to the regional conflict in the Sahara.

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Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is taking its first formal steps toward associate membership in CERN, aiming to open new pathways for scientific research, STEAM education and global collaboration. The announcement was made by Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Information, Clifton Grima, following an official visit to Switzerland at CERN’s invitation.

Grima said Malta’s strategic vision is to strengthen its research and innovation ecosystem, noting that the country is one of only two EU member states currently outside CERN. Becoming an associate member, he said, would give Malta a stronger voice in shaping emerging technologies. “I am at CERN with one goal: to open doors for more research and innovation in Malta,” the minister stated. “This is a strategic investment in our brightest minds and their future.”

Officials said the move would help Maltese researchers compete globally by linking local expertise with leading scientific networks. Malta’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, Randolph Debattista, said the organisation is keen to welcome Malta. “This will be a historic step for Maltese researchers to not only participate, but to lead projects within the largest research centre in the world,” he said. Xjenza Malta CEO Silvio Scerri, who joined the visit, described the mission as laying the groundwork for deeper cooperation and long-term scientific growth.

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Source: medNews

LIVERPOOL (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – “I’ll speak to Salah today; our conversation will determine his call-up for tomorrow’s match. I understand you’ll continue asking questions, but I have nothing else to add other than that I need to speak to him and that, in any case, there have been many conversations between us and meetings between our directors and his representatives over the past few days.” This was Liverpool manager Arne Slot‘s statement on the eve of the home match against Brighton regarding the Salah situation.

The Egyptian was not called up for the Champions League match away to Inter (a 1-0 victory for the Reds at San Siro) following his comments following the latest exclusions. While awaiting decisions on Salah, Slot explained that Chiesa, after missing the trip to Milan, will be available for the match against Brighton.

During today’s eagerly awaited press conference, the Liverpool manager explained that the decision not to call up Salah for the Champions League match away to Inter was his and the club’s. “We made this decision in agreement with the club. Obviously, we discussed it because it’s up to me to decide on the team,” Slot said, also reassuring: “I have no reason not to want Salah to stay with us.”

– photo IPA Agency –

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Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Valletta has been named the third-best place in Europe to celebrate New Year’s Eve, surpassing major cities including London, according to UK travel platform Enjoy Travel.

The annual ranking of the top 25 European destinations, released on Thursday, highlighted a growing preference for cities offering cultural depth and atmospheric winter festivities. Edinburgh claimed the top spot, followed by Paris.

Siobhán McKenny, the platform’s marketing director, said travellers are increasingly seeking memorable, character-filled experiences rather than the biggest parties. The list draws on traveller sentiment, social media trends and booking insights from Enjoy Travel’s UK users.

Valletta stood out for its mild winter weather, vibrant dining scene and varied celebratory events, making it appealing to solo travellers, couples, families and groups. Reykjavik, Vilnius, Funchal, London, Berlin, Zurich and Vienna rounded out the top ten.

Meanwhile, Malta is preparing for a major national celebration in the capital. This year’s festivities in St George’s Square will feature performances by Glen Vella, the Palace String Orchestra and several Maltese artists, followed by DJ sets and a synchronised fireworks display over Grand Harbour.

International singer John Newman will take the stage at midnight to ring in 2025, before the night concludes with a final set from DJ Gabii.

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Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – His relationship with the French national team and Didier Deschamps isn’t the best, but Karim Benzema, who turns 38 next week, hasn’t stopped dreaming. In an interview with L’Equipe, the Al-Ittihad striker also talks about the national team and admits he’s thinking about the World Cup, even though he knows it’s beyond his control and that it’s unlikely he’ll fit into Deschamps’ plans. “Who wouldn’t play in a World Cup?” is the rhetorical question posed by the French-Algerian striker. “Every player wants to play in the World Cup, so if they were to call me, as a lover of football and competition, I couldn’t say no.”

If the coach were Zinedine Zidane, he would probably have a better chance, but Zizou’s arrival as the “Blues” coach is expected to take place right after the 2026 World Cup. “If that were the case, I’ll wish him the best. In any case, wherever he goes, he’ll win, and it doesn’t matter if it’s for club or national team, he wins. We’re still in touch, we have an excellent relationship,” Benzema says of his former coach at Real Madrid. “He’s the number one, and if he becomes the France coach, I have no doubt he’ll succeed.”

– photo IPA Agency –

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Source: medNews