Last year will be remembered for a new government and the resignation of a Pope, Arriva’s mishaps and the cash-for-citizenship scheme. But what’s in store for 2014? Sarah Carabott asks columnists what will hit the headlines.

Times of Malta columnists believe the European Parliament elections will be big news next year. Photo: Vincent Kessler/Reuters

This year Malta will be occupied with the choice of a new President and a new public transport service, while people will be taken up by the World Cup match between Italy and England, according to Times of Malta columnists.

“The appointment of the next President will certainly make the headlines in 2014.

Most probably this will be a controversial appointment as Prime Minister Joseph Muscat will be under great pressure from Labour stalwarts to appoint someone from the Labour camp,” according to Michael Falzon.

Mr Falzon believes the election of Maltese MEPs in May will also hit the headlines with Labour retaining a majority of votes but not enough to get four seats.

He believes they will be divided equally with both parties claiming victory.

He also envisages that the new year will see changes in the Curia set-up, with Auxiliary Bishop Charles Scicluna given more responsibilities.

Apart from the presidential election, Lino Spiteri believes the new public transport provider, coupled with the government’s performance – especially its impact on poverty – and the progress of the individual investor programme will hit the headlines.

This was reiterated by Claire Bonello, who forecasts that the first quarter of this year will see a final decision on the cash-for-citizenship scheme.

The headlines of 2104 are shrouded in mist even more impenetrable than usual- Andrew Borg-Cardona

“A continued controversy will be the position of the Church on gay adoptions.

“When it comes to Magistrate Carol Peralta’s case I also hope to see a positive resolution for the institution of the law courts and the public faith in the justice system.”

England and Italy’s clash in the World Cup is bound to grip the nation – despite being broadcast very late at night.

Ms Bonello foresees increased controversy and concern about environmental matters and increased development.

For some, however, predicting what is in store for 2014 is not easy.

“The headlines of 2104 are shrouded in mist even more impenetrable than usual,” according to Andrew Borg-Cardona.

“Apart from the fact that in mid-January the government’s sublime notion of putting our citizenship up for sale will be discussed in the European Parliament, embarrassing us yet again, we have little idea what will be next in the political arena.

“This is mainly because what the government has done so far wasn’t actually in its road map, so we’re all a bit lost.”

Meanwhile the World Cup match between Italy and England in June will bring the country to a halt, while internationally Dr Borg-Cardona believes there could get a triple-dip recession... or perhaps a recovery.

On a brighter side, columnist Michela Spiteri’s dream headline for next year would be horse-drawn carriages prohibited between 11am and 5pm during the summer months.

She would like this followed by the return of the 62, 63 and 67 revamped yellow buses to take over main tourist routes from Sliema to Valletta.

Ms Spiteri is hoping the Triton fountain will be given attention, especially once the City Gate project is earmarked for completion this year.

Some sort of drug law reform is also likely, as are much-needed changes to the justice system.

Her list of imaginative headlines continues: Prime Minister Joseph and Michelle Muscat move to Sliema; Malta to get an underground tube system; marijuana possession for personal use decriminalised; Gaia Cauchi wins the Eurovision; Kate Gonzi becomes President; and Hollywood celebrity Kate Winslet gives birth to another child... this time calling the baby Elephant (a sister to baby Bear).

The list is even longer for former The Sunday Times of Malta editor Laurence Grech.

He believes the PN is likely to improve on its MEP results in 2004 and 2009 and is forecasting that extremist parties will gain ground in most EU member states.

The headlines will also cover the Civil Unions Bill, water and electricity tariffs coming down in March, a new European Commission president – the most likely candidate is Martin Schulz – and tourism figures setting a new record.

Europe will finally emerge from recession and the continent will also mark the centenary of the outbreak of World War I. Pope Francis, Mr Grech is forecasting, will announce radical reforms in Vatican finances and bureaucracy, while in the Middle East Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will likely prevail in the civil war.

Locally, the government and Opposition will start talks on constitutional reform while Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella will become President. Meanwhile, Mr Grech feels irregular immigration across the Mediterranean is likely to grow.

But what if the world does not make it through 2014?

Journalist and columnist Kristina Chetcuti says that according to Norse Viking legend, the world will end on February 22, 2014.

“This of course means we will be spared the MEP elections, and reams of newspaper pages on whether the new president was a good choice or not.

“But we will not be spared Valentine’s Day, which means the world will end with lots of heart-shaped balloons floating in the sky. An ending worthy of a film.”