MEP Peter Agius Says Malta’s Fireworks Tradition Must Be Protected

Nationalist MEP Peter Agius has joined calls to defend Malta’s fireworks tradition, arguing that the focus should be on improving safety rather than banning pyrotechnics altogether. The debate intensified following Monday’s explosion at the Lourdes Fireworks Factory in Naxxar, which damaged nearby properties, injured two farmers and killed several animals in the surrounding area. In the aftermath of the blast, European Parliament Vice-President Nicu Ștefănuță renewed calls for a ban on fireworks, citing concerns over their impact on both people and animals. Responding to the growing discussion, Agius said fireworks remain a central part of Malta’s cultural identity and religious feast traditions. While acknowledging the seriousness of the recent explosion, he argued that efforts should focus on understanding what went wrong and ensuring stronger safety standards are upheld. The PN MEP noted that Malta already has a strict legal framework regulating the manufacture, storage, transportation and use of fireworks, as well as licensing requirements for those working in the industry. Rather than supporting a ban, Agius said the ongoing inquiry into the Naxxar explosion should help determine whether existing regulations were followed and where improvements may be needed. His comments come shortly after Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba also defended Malta’s fireworks tradition, describing pyrotechnics as an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage and rejecting calls for EU intervention. Can Malta improve fireworks safety without losing a cherished tradition? •