Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544268
5 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 8 APRIL 2026 NEWS MAYA GALEA mgalea@mediatoday.com.mt the same? be seen as a damage limitation exercise than an innovative game changing pol- icy as was the case with Joseph Mus- cat's 2013 energy plan. Moreover, third parties like Momen- tum and ADPD have an opportunity to present themselves as the adults in the room by advocating a more sustaina- ble long-term plan. Delia's intervention ultimately con- firms narrowing policy differences. With both parties backing subsidies, the contest becomes a question of trust. And trust tends to favour the ac- tor already delivering stable prices. The governing narrative is straight- forward: subsidies worked during cri- ses, protected households and coincid- ed with economic growth. Long-term sustainability concerns — valid as they may be — struggle to compete with immediate stability. In uncertain global conditions, voters are unlikely to experiment. When both sides promise the same thing, the saf- est option often prevails. And in this case, the safest campaign slogan may already have been gifted to the govern- ment: why risk change when the devil you trust keeps your bills unchanged? Suspect charged with violent theft and assault in Marsa A 34-year-old man was arraigned in court in connection with a violent theft incident that took place in Marsa in the early hours of 6 April. El Sadiq Fraj, who works as a mechanic, was accused of aggravated theft, receiv- ing stolen property, causing slight inju- ries, as well as threatening and insulting a police sergeant in the course of his duties. Fraj is also facing charges of recidivism and breaching bail conditions. Police had been alerted to an argument in Marsa. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found an injured individual and noted two other persons fleeing the area. Police pursued the suspects and appre- hended Fraj. The victim later informed officers that he had been assaulted and robbed of two mobile phones and a wallet. In his statement, the victim said that he recognised Fraj as his attacker since he knew him before. He alleged that Fraj and another assailant grabbed him by the hair, causing it to be pulled out. He also mentioned that an iron shovel found on the ground nearby was used to strike him. A medical certificate presented in court confirmed that the victim sustained slight injuries. Fraj pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him. No request for bail was made. The prosecution was led by Inspector Sarah Kathleen Zerafa, together with AG lawyers Martina Calleja and Martina D'Amato. Legal aid lawyer Yanica Barbara Sant appeared for the accused. Magistrate Kevan Azzopardi presided over the case. Police still searching for missing student POLICE are still searching for an 18-year-old student three weeks since he was reported missing. Vishav, who studies at La Vallette In- stitute in Ta' Xbiex, has not been seen since 18 March. He was last seen near Paceville wear- ing a grey quarter-zipped top as pic- tured above. The man is reported to wear contact lenses due to one of his eyes naturally appearing a pale white colour because of an accident in his youth. The police ask that anyone who has any information about Vishav to con- tact them at their nearest police sta- tion or by calling the Police Headquar- ters at 21224001 or 119. Last Sunday, MaltaToday reported that Vishav had paid some €9,000 in tuition and agent fees to study in Malta. He had just had dinner with another Indian man living in the same apart- ment building. The pair, and other residents meet daily over meals, as it is common practice for them to split the cost of food and eat together. After having dinner, Vishav didn't return the next day for breakfast and was nowhere to be seen afterwards. The young man's disappearance prompted his cousin, Sunny, who works and lives in Portugal, to leave everything behind in order to find Vishav. MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt Indian student Vishav was last seen in mid-March