Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1541988
have taken the people's right to decent housing seriously. It is true and worthy of appreci- ation that our leaders are sen- sitive to the concerns of cer- tain sectors of the population, including young people and those experiencing changes in their civil status, who are fac- ing housing difficulties," she said. Recently, a study by KPMG and the Malta Development Association (MDA), revealed that property prices have sky- rocketed by 59% since 2017, as prices increased by about €14,800 every year. Auditor general mandate President Spiteri Debono al- so spoke about the posts of the Auditor General and Deputy Auditor General, which are both set to be vacant soon, call- ing it an irregular situation. She pointed out the Constitu- tion explicitly seeks to prevent a scenario where both posi- tions could be vacant simulta- neously. "The mandates of these two officials should not commence and terminate at the same time," she stated. The President also noted the Chief Justice will reach stat- utory retirement age in the coming months, requiring Par- liament to secure a two-thirds majority for the appointment of a successor. She urged political maturity in reaching an agreement on suitable candidates, stating the the country does not lack suit- able and capable individuals who possess the essential qual- ities to serve people in these roles. President says Gozo requires a specifically tailored approach Turning to Gozo, President Spiteri Debono stressed the need for a tailored approach to the sister island should not be interpreted as a vision which isolates it from the broader vi- sion of the country. "The small size of the island renders each decision inher- ently more delicate. We have to be prepared to make various sacrifices for the benefit of fu- ture generations. We must ac- knowledge that in Gozo, invest- ments, construction, tourism, and any other economic activi- ties have more pronounced ef- fects. Every step forward must be taken to safeguard Gozo's identity, character, and unique traits," she said. She emphasised approxi- mately 35% of Gozo's econo- my is linked to tourism, stat- ing that challenges from rapid modernisation are impacting the island both directly and in- directly. "The sustainability of tourism in Gozo depends on the au- thenticity of the experience of- fered," she said, "If this is lost, tourism suffers, Gozo suffers, and the Maltese tourist in- dustry also suffers, for the au- thentic and diverse experience Gozo offers, enriches what the Maltese Islands offer on the tourism market." The roles of organisations in peace for the Middle-East On international affairs, the President addressed the situ- ation in the Middle-East, call- ing for examination of roles beyond direct interventions by key international diplomats. "We have to contemplate the potential for examining the roles of religious organisa- tions, youth organisations, and women's organisations, as a means of fostering sentiments of peace," she said. She expressed particular concern that the suffering and hardship arising from the conflict do not bode well for peaceful coexistence should a two-state solution ever mate- rialise. The president also touched on Malta's position regarding the Russian aggression against Ukraine, noting Malta's six- month presidency of the Coun- cil of Europe's Committee of Ministers, which ran from May to November, coincided with concerning international chal- lenges. She also noted the signing of an agreement between the Council of Europe and Ukraine to establish a special tribunal on Russia's aggression, and the protection and best interests of children. In the past years since the start of the war in Ukraine, the country's stance on Neutral- ity was made clear by Foreign Minister Ian Borg. He had stat- ed during a Security Council session in New York that "Mal- ta's constitutional neutrality is not up for discussion." Prime Minister Robert Abela affirmed this stance earlier this year by stating Malta's neutral- ity and non-alignment are not up for discussion and serve as an advantage in the country's efforts to promote peace. European Commissioner for the Mediterranean 'must remain an integral part of the European Agenda' On the Mediterranean agen- da, she praised Prime Minister Robert Abela's recommenda- tion that led to the Europe- an Commission appointing a Commissioner for the Medi- terranean. "We must persist in our ef- forts to ensure that the Med- iterranean Agenda becomes, and remains, an integral part of the European Agenda," she said. The proposed appointment of a European Commissioner for the Mediterranean to bet- ter tackle the challenges of the region was made by Malta in 2023 during a European lead- ers' meeting in Croatia. In 2024, European Commis- sion President Ursula von der Leyen announced she would be creating a separate portfolio to deal with the Mediterranean. She said that Malta must uti- lise the trust it holds among the other nations in this region. "Malta must not only persist in its efforts to turn the Medi- terranean into a region of peace and security for the inhabitants who populate its shores, but it is also necessary to intensify these efforts, with strong de- termination, so that peace and security in and across the Med- iterranean form part of the in- ternational agenda," she said. Reflecting on Malta's 51 years as a republic, Spiteri Debono said the country has estab- lished a reputation for consist- ency, transparency and hon- esty in diplomatic relations, earning trust for honouring its agreements. 13 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 DECEMBER 2025 By means of a decree given by the Civil Court, First Hall, on the 18th November, 2024, in the records of Sworn Application number 801/2024DC after Judicial sale number 34/2022, in the names: Vella Wright Natalie Mary Louise vs Emanuel Baldacchino et, the follow- ing publication was ordered, in terms of Article 187 et sequitur of Cap. 12, for the purpose of service of the respondent. By means of an application in the names: Vella Wright Natalie Mary Louise (298201L) vs Emanuel Baldacchino (368682M) et filed in the Civil Court, First Hall on the 13th November, 2024, the applicant by means of an application of GBAA Limited (C57376) asked this Hon- ourable Court so that: 1: . Subject to any appropriate and opportune declaration, the same applicant company shall be admitted to participate and comply with- in the present competition of creditors. The Sworn application number 801/2024DC in the names men- tioned above is postponed to 24th November, 2025, at 10.30 a.m. Notification respondent: Adv. Phyllisienne Bugeja, Law Courts, Valletta Emanuel Baldacchino & Co. Limited (C44700), 5, Triq San Ġorġ, Naxxar Emanuel Baldacchino (368682M), Arjuża, Triq Josef Kalleja, Swieqi Registry of the Superior Courts, today 19th November, 2025 GABRIEL MANGION For the Registrar, Civil Courts and Tribunals against emergence of new overpopulation challenges