Pulse

After 26 years, Manoel Island and Fort Tigne are now officially returning to the public following the signing of an agreement between the relevant parties that bring the original concession to an end. Such concession had been granted to the MIDI Group by the Nationalist Party while it was in government at the time. Monel Island had originally been destined for development, but following public protests, an agreement was reached between the government of the day and MIDI to terminate the concession.

Additionally, the Labour Party unveiled a broad package of environment and nature related proposals as part of its 2026 general election manifesto. The party pledged to continue tree-planting projects, especially evident through the major afforestation project planned for San Niklaw in Siġġiewi. Furthermore, the Prime Minister made a reference to the introduction of “solar rights”, which protect homeowners whose solar panels lost sunlight due to neighbouring developments, which would lead to them receiving a one-time compensation payment.

These are some of the proposals mentioned today, which reflect the Labour Party’s intention to protect and improve the environment for the citizens. As Pulse we welcome any and all proposals, from any political party that are targeted towards creating a better environment within our country. Youths nowadays understand the importance of preserving open spaces, and such proposals show that such an understanding is also being taken into consideration by our politicians. Now more than ever, it is essential to invest in tree-planting projects, given the importance they play in improving environmental sustainability and quality of life.

Yesterday, former Nationalist Party Deputy Leader, Dr. Mario de Marco, confirmed that he will not be contesting the upcoming general election, marking the end of his role as a Member of Parliament. However, as he himself stated, this does not mark the end of his political journey. Dr de Marco has long been regarded as a highly respected political figure among both politicians and the public for many reasons. One of these reasons, was once again evident yesterday during his address at a Nationalist Party event in Valletta.

While congratulating fellow Nationalist Party candidates for the upcoming election, Dr. de Marco also took a moment to individually congratulate Labour Party candidate, Omar Rababah. In doing so, he made it clear that racism has no place in our country, stressing that when something is wrong, we must speak out against it. Regardless of political rivalry or party affiliation, such behaviour can never be tolerated, no matter where it comes from.

As Pulse, we strongly endorse Dr. Mario de Marco’s message and speech, as this is the kind of politics we as youths, want to see in our country. Politics that move away from division and rivalry, and moves towards respect, and unity. Malta needs political figures who are willing to lead by example, and this is an example worth setting for our youths in politics and everyday life.

Happy mother’s day 💕

Jum il-Ħaddiem 🇲🇹

Il-festa it-tajjba lil kulhadd!

During yesterday’s political activity organised by the Nationalist Party in Mellieħa, the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Alex Borg, outlined several proposals set to form part of the Nationalist Party’s Electoral Manifesto. Two measures in particular stood out for students:

* A 25% increase in student stipends across Malta and Gozo.
* A stipend equivalent to the national minimum wage (€994 per month) for students pursuing health-related courses.

While these proposals may appear attractive at first glance, they raise serious questions about feasibility, fairness, and long-term sustainability.

According to University records for 2026, 1,186 students are enrolled in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Setting their stipend at minimum wage would cost approximately €14 million per year on a gross basis, or around €10 million in additional spending above what these students already receive. Against a national post-secondary stipend budget of €48 million for 2026, that single measure absorbs between 21% and 29% of the total, for one faculty at one institution, before MCAST health students are factored in. The parallel 25% uplift for all other students sits on top of this and has not been costed publicly.

Moreover, healthcare is not the only sector facing workforce shortages. Education, Social Work, and other essential professions are also struggling to attract recruits. A policy focused solely on health students risks overlooking other sectors that are equally crucial to Malta’s future. Incentives should be designed through a broader and fairer national workforce strategy.

Higher stipends may also encourage enrolment, but they do not guarantee that graduates will remain working in Malta. Many qualified professionals continue to leave in search of better wages and opportunities abroad. While Dr Borg also proposed tax exemptions for returning professionals, this does not address the reasons why many choose to leave in the first place.

The Nationalist Party should therefore publish full costings and funding plans for these proposals, so students and the public can properly assess whether these promises are credible, sustainable, and fair.

🇲🇹: Hekk kif il-kampanja elettorali għall-Elezzjoni Ġenerali tal-2026 bdiet, jidher b’mod ċar li ż-żgħażagħ u l-istudenti se jerġgħu jitqiegħdu fiċ-ċentru tal-aġenda nazzjonali. Wara biss jumejn ta’ kampanja, il-Partit Laburista diġà ressaq numru ta’ proposti mmirati direttament biex itejbu l-kwalità tal-ħajja taż-żgħażagħ u l-istudenti.

Fost il-proposti mressqa mill-Partit Laburista nsibu:

- Żieda ta’ 15% fl-istipendji tal-istudenti, flimkien ma’ għotja ta’ €1,000 għal studenti tal-programm Erasmus, biex jissaħħaħ l-appoġġ finanzjarju għal dawk li jfittxu opportunitajiet barra minn xtutna.
- Żieda fil-limitu tal-eżenzjoni mid-dazju tal-boll minn €200,000 għal €300,000 tal-valur ta’ proprjetà, flimkien mal-estensjoni tal-iskema tad-depożitu ta’ 10% biex tapplika għal proprjetajiet sa €300,000.
- L-introduzzjoni ta’ eżenzjoni mit-taxxa fuq l-ewwel €30,000 li jaqilgħu ż-żgħażagħ matul l-ewwel tliet snin ta’ impjieg full-time jew meta jibdew negozju.

Dawn huma biss xi wħud mill-proposti li tressqu, u mistennija aktar miż-żewġ partiti fil-jiem li ġejjin. Dawn mhumiex proposti żgħar, iżda huma sinjal ċar li l-politiċi qed jagħrfu li ż-żgħażagħ mhumiex biss il-preżent, iżda wkoll il-futur ta’ Malta. L-appoġġ li jingħata llum liż-żgħażagħ ifisser li qed jinbena għada aktar b’saħħtu għall-pajjiż. Aħna nemmnu li dawn il-proposti jistħoqqilhom rikonoxximent u appoġġ minn kull organizzazzjoni studenteska, peress li jolqtu direttament il-ħajja tagħna ta’ kuljum.

Għalkemm ma tressqux proposti konkreti mill-Partit Nazzjonalista fil-bidu tal-kampanja, nistennew bil-ħerqa li naraw il-manifest tagħhom. Din l-antiċipazzjoni ġejja wkoll mid-diskors tal-bieraħ ta’ Alex Borg waqt il-mass rally, li kien l-ewwel indirizz ewlieni wara t-tħabbira tal-elezzjoni ġenerali nhar it-Tnejn li għadda.

Din hija s-sbuħija u s-saħħa tas-sistema demokratika f’pajjiżna, fejn iċ-ċittadini għandhom għażla quddiemhom. Għażla li għandha tiġi kkunsidrata b’attenzjoni qabel ma wieħed jitfa’ l-vot tiegħu fil-post tal-votazzjoni. Bħala Pulse, nappoġġjaw kull proposta li titressaq li tiffoka fuq iż-żgħażagħ u l-istudenti, u nistennew li nisimgħu aktar proposti mill-partiti kollha li qed jikkontestaw din l-elezzjoni ġenerali.

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🇬🇧: As the election campaign for the 2026 General Election is set in motion, it is clear that youths and students are once again going to be placed at the centre of national agenda, and rightly so. After only, two days of campaigning, the Malta Labour Party has already put forward a number of proposals which are directly aimed at improving the quality of life of youths and students.

Some of the proposals brought forward by the Labour Party include:

- A 15% increase in student stipends, alongside a €1,000 grant for Erasmus students, thereby strengthening financial support for those pursuing further opportunities abroad.
- An increase in the stamp duty exemption threshold from €200,000 to €300,000 of a property’s value, coupled with the extension of the 10% deposit scheme to apply to properties valued up to €300,000.
- The introduction of a tax exemption on the first €30,000 earned by youths during their first three years of full-time employment or when starting a business.

These are only some of the proposals which were brought forward, with more excepted from both political parties in the coming days. These are not small proposals, but are signs that politicians acknowledge that youths are not just the present, but also the Malta’s future. Supporting youths now, means building a stronger tomorrow for Malta. We believe that such proposals deserve recognition and support from all student organisations, as such proposals directly affect us in our everyday life.

Although no concrete proposals were brought forward by the Nationalist Party during the start of the campaign, we look forward to reviewing their manifesto proposals. This anticipation follows yesterday’s speech made by Dr.Alex Borg during the Mass Rally, which marked the first major address after the announcement of the general election last Monday.

This is the beauty, and the strength of having a democratic system in our country, where citizens have a choice in front of them. A choice which should be carefully though and considered before one casts his vote at the polling station. As Pulse, we endorse all proposals placed on the table which target youths and students, and we look forward to hearing further commitments from all parties contesting this general election.

From humble beginnings as a Junior College Executive Member to KSU President. We are truly proud and inspired ❤️

Celebrating 29 years of student activism 🧡

Proud to keep advocating for student voices!

The Prime Minister announces that Manoel Island and Forte Tigne are to be returned to the Public

The Prime Minister’s recent announcement that Manoel Island and Fort Tigné will be returned to the public is a huge step forward in the right direction for Malta. These areas are some of our most beautiful coastal spots, and turning them into national parks shows that our country is finally putting the environment first. By transforming these spaces into open green areas, the government is focusing on what really matters for the citizens, which is their quality of life.

The government’s decision to end the long-standing concession with MIDI PLC, shows a real commitment to the national interest, demonstrating willingness to place environmental protection above large-scale development. By ensuring that these historic locations will be preserved and opened for families, communities, and future generations to enjoy, this Government is reinforcing the importance of balancing economic progress with the protection of Malta’s natural and cultural heritage.

This initiative forms part of a broader vision that includes projects at sites such as White Rocks, Fort Campbell and Fort San Salvatore, further demonstrating that environmental investment lies at the heart of the Government’s priorities. In a country like Malta, where open land is limited yet deeply valued by the public, the creation of more green and recreational spaces across the islands is not only important but essential for improving quality of life and ensuring a more sustainable future.

The return of Manoel Island and Fort Tigné to the public represents far more than a single decision. It reflects a growing recognition that environmental preservation and accessible public spaces are essential for Malta’s future. By investing in projects that prioritise green areas and environmental protection, the government is not only addressing the needs of today but also safeguarding the interests of tomorrow’s generations.