Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela avoided directly answering whether Malta will continue selling citizenship to Russian nationals amid western sanctions on Russia due to the Ukraine crisis. He emphasized the robustness and strong due diligence of the Individual Investor Programme (IIP), noting its high rejection rate. Abela highlighted the financial benefits Malta has reaped from the IIP, including support for businesses and families during the pandemic and contributions to social projects through the National Development and Social Fund, which has received €599.8 million from the IIP. The Maltese foreign ministry condemned Russia's recognition of Ukraine's breakaway republics, expressing support for Ukraine's sovereignty.

Two magisterial inquiries are investigating deaths at Mater Dei Hospital, which have not been made public, according to MUMN president Paul Pace. These inquiries involve nurses and are examining potential hospital errors. Pace contrasts the private nature of these inquiries with the public scrutiny faced by a nurse suspended after the death of dementia patient Carmelo Fino. He criticizes the healthcare system for overburdening nurses, leading to inevitable mistakes, and argues against the need for multiple inquiries into such incidents, suggesting they could be used to unfairly target nurses or absolve ministers of blame. The health ministry has declined to comment on the ongoing inquiries.

In an interview with Times of Malta, outgoing developers' lobby boss Sandro Chetcuti discusses the relationship between business and politics in Malta. Chetcuti refutes the notion that business people are constantly trying to influence politicians with donations, stating that it is actually politicians who often solicit funds from the business community. He acknowledges that while some criticism of the construction industry's impact on Malta's landscape is valid, not all developers are corrupt or disregard planning laws. Chetcuti also suggests that political parties should be state-funded to avoid the implication of corruption through private donations. He defends the role of developers in the economy and argues for better urban planning rather than blaming the industry for all issues. The interview also touches on the perception of political parties as entities that can be 'bought' and the need for politicians to act ethically and not engage in overly cozy relationships with business figures.

President George Vella addressed Maltese honorary consuls, urging them to assist foreigners in integrating into local communities, emphasizing that Malta's multicultural society is permanent. The annual exchange of new year's greetings took place at the president's palace in Valletta, with Foreign Minister Ian Borg and honorary consular corps dean Joseph Buhagiar present. The Honorary Consular Corps, established in 1995, represents 60 countries. Prime Minister Robert Abela also thanked the consuls for their service and discussed the government's efforts to strengthen economic, social, and cultural ties internationally.

Paul Pace, president of the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, advocates for Miriam Dalli to be appointed as the next health minister of Malta, citing the need for a non-health professional in the role to avoid biases. He reflects on the performance of past ministers and discusses the challenges within the healthcare system, including a case involving the death of dementia patient Carmelo Fino at St Vincent de Paul residence. Pace criticizes the handling of the case and the healthcare system's failures, while also expressing his views on the current health minister, Chris Fearne, and potential successor Jo Etienne Abela.

Mariella Dimech, a psychotherapist and the first executive chair of Malta's Authority on Cannabis, discusses her shift from opposing to supporting cannabis legalization, emphasizing a harm-reduction approach. She clarifies misconceptions about the new law, stating it does not allow tourists to buy weed or the opening of coffee shops like in Amsterdam. Dimech explains that legal cannabis will be safer and cheaper than the black market, and the authority will provide education and research to inform the public. She also reflects on her previous work at Caritas and the link between drug addiction and childhood trauma.

Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition Leader Bernard Grech met with Roberta Metsola in Strasbourg before her expected election as president of the European Parliament. Both leaders expressed support and pride for Metsola, who is backed by the largest groups in the Parliament, the EPP and the S&D. The election follows the passing of former president David Sassoli, with Metsola acting as interim president. The vote is set for Tuesday morning, with Metsola poised to win in the first round due to the support of the two major groups.