More work in favour of Malta as one of the safest countries in the world.
More investment in the Disciplined Forces that families will benefit from.
Recurrent investment almost triples and capital investment increases fivefold in the security sector.
Malta is the twelfth safest country in the world out of 143, as classified in the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index. A result that reflects the achievements and results in this sector with the lowest crime rates in recent years. Results that will continue with more investment in the security sector as evidenced by the investment announced in the Budget for 2026. With recurrent investment almost tripling and capital investment increasing fivefold compared to 2012.
This was explained by the Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri at a news conference among the Disciplined Forces and other security workers. He spoke about how security where we live, play and work is a right of each and every one of us. “A right that is our priority as a Government and of each and every one of you who wear the uniform to serve every day. A Safe Malta. A Malta that gives you peace of mind. These are not words – these are the guarantees that we are giving to our families. Because security is not just a matter of law – a matter of order – it is also a matter of trust. Trust between citizens and the Disciplined Bodies that serve them. And we must build that trust every day, with serious work and with a policy that places people’s security at the centre of everything. This does not mean that we do not have our realities, but our country is much better than other countries in this area.”
The Minister listed the great work that has been done in this sector, but referred to the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index report and the low crime rate in Malta as the best certificate. “In 2024, the crime rate in our country decreased again. Moreover, in 2004 we had 46 cases per 1,000 people, today we have 30 cases per 1,000 people. A certificate, of how what we are doing is leaving the desired results. However, I must say, that the greatest satisfaction is what people tell us about you every day, the best measurement is the difference we are making in their lives.”
He argued that the security of the country and the investment in workers who give their lives for this purpose, should go hand in hand. “Why would it be worth investing in resources, in the tools you use in the buildings you operate from, in the uniforms you wear if we don’t invest in the best resource we have – the workers. Yes, our Disciplined Forces – they deserve the best conditions, that’s what we have given them and that’s what we will continue to give them. We have clearly shown this in the budget for next year.”
This is as when compared to 2012, €100 million was spent in recurrent expenditure in the security sector. For next year, the recurrent investment will be €280 million. While capital expenditure will have increased fivefold. The Minister said that “Therefore, a Strong Economy – A Future for Our Children, because we will continue to invest in the security of this country, where the unprecedented investment made in workers, will continue to be complemented by projects spread across all law enforcement agencies.”
Among the measures in this sector for Budget 2026: The Government will continue to invest in the technology of the Police Force, with a €6 million project to change the information system. This will lead to a more efficient service and to more information and data tools for strategic decisions. Work on new police stations will begin in Paola, Mosta, Sliema, Qormi and Rabat, Gozo, together with an investment of €9 million in the force’s properties and infrastructure, including the garage and the dog unit. The Police vehicle fleet will continue to be modernised, both in the RIU and in the districts. Security cameras will be added in strategic areas such as Buġibba, Marsa and Paola, joining those in Paceville.
The Civil Protection will be better prepared for modern challenges, including firefighting vehicles for electric cars, new aerial search equipment and improvements to the Floriana and Gozo stations.
The Armed Forces of Malta will continue to be strengthened with new helicopters and aircraft by 2028, and with an initial investment of more than €10 million from next year. There will also be new equipment for the bomb department and a modern robot for the bomb disposal unit. The Corradino Correctional Facility is continuing to be modernised with more security, discipline and rehabilitation programmes. Work on new facilities for family visits, particularly for children, will be completed in 2026.
The Government has continued to strengthen the conditions of employees of the Disciplined Forces – police, soldiers and employees of the Correctional Services Agency – with new and timely sectoral agreements. This year, there will be a new agreement for Civil Protection, as part of the commitment to continue rewarding diligence.
Minister Byron Camilleri concluded that today we can talk about the future of this sector with a track record that speaks for itself. “We can talk about the future, because today our workers can look forward with optimism. We can talk about the future because it is our policy to translate a strong economy into our families, into the future of our children.”
Source: Ministry of Intern
Photo:DOI
