DAVOS: As the world’s financial and political elites convene here in the Swiss Alps for the World Economic Forum, their vision of ever-closer commercial and political ties is under attack — and the economic outlook is darkening.
Britain’s political system has been thrown into chaos as the country negotiates a messy divorce from the European Union. Under President Donald Trump, the United States is imposing trade sanctions on friend and foe alike, and the government is paralyzed by a partial shutdown that forced Trump and a high-level US delegation to cancel the trip to Davos.
French President Emmanuel Macron is sinking in the polls as he contends with “yellow vest” protesters. Nationalist political movements are gaining strength across Europe.
And experts are downgrading forecasts for global growth this year.
Facing populist assault, global elites regroup in Davos
Facing populist assault, global elites regroup in Davos
Dozens of migrants brought to Malta after boat capsizes
- The group was rescued by Maltese armed forces boats and landed in Bugibba
- The migrants could be seen huddled in blankets
VALLETTA: Some 60 African migrants were brought to Malta on Friday after their boat capsized close to the Mediterranean island, one of the biggest groups to arrive in recent years.
The group was rescued by Maltese armed forces boats and landed in Bugibba, 10 miles north of Valletta. Eyewitnesses said several ambulances and many police were on the site.
The migrants could be seen huddled in blankets. Some were carried away on stretchers. Rescue officials said one of the arrivals was in poor medical condition.
Migrant arrivals on small boats in Malta have become relatively rare, with just over 200 coming in 2024 compared to more than 2,000 in 2020. Most leave from Libya, heading for Italy.
During a meeting in Malta on November 29, home affairs ministers from Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Spain and Malta declared that strengthening relations with countries of origin and transit was “key” to addressing irregular migration.
Maltese Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said during the meeting: “Our position is to save people. If you deserve asylum, you will get it. If not, then you will be sent back.”
Most of Malta’s migrant arrivals now come to the island on flights from Italy, overstay and work irregularly.
Malta has been working with Libya to prevent migrant departures and has provided training for its coast guard. Camilleri told the ministers in November that every sea voyage taken by irregular asylum seekers carried a risk of death, thus, “by working with Libya and preventing crossings, we are also saving lives.”
“Europe must be the one to decide who comes in,” he said.
