Bonġu News on 2 January

Murder in Rabat

The first day of the year was overshadowed by a murder in Rabat. Police were informed at around 15:30 that an injured man was lying on the ground in the Nigret area in Rabat.

Eric Borg, a 27-year-old man from Rabat, had been involved in an argument with another man. Borg was shot twice, died from the wounds soon after, and was was certified dead on site – not far from his home.

The suspect, a Maltese national, was arrested in Rabat almost three hours later. According to a Times of Malta report based on sources, he turned himself in to the police.

A police spokesperson said earlier on Monday evening the motive was unknown. It remains unclear whether Borg or the suspect had already been known to police.

Magistrate Charmaine Galea is leading an inquiry, and police investigations are ongoing.

New Year’s Speeches

In his New Year’s Message, Prime Minister Robert Abela pledged to fight the rising cost of living. He claimed Malta was the only country that did not implement harsh policies.

“And yet, we have been told that we are being too generous”, Abela said, adding “to this, we will continue to answer that success will only be achieved through investment, and not austerity”.

Opposition Leader Bernard Grech focussed on working for good governance and against wealth inequality.

“Democracy means leadership in favour of the people, not in favour of the interests of a few against the common good”, Grech said.

The PN leader said it meant listening to the voice of the many, not to the influence of a few insiders.

“Our vision is a promise of integrity, to rebuild the trust that has been eroded in the institutions”, he said.