With this edition, my tenure as editor-in-charge of Voice of the Workers Weekly comes to an end. Over the past five years, this portal has established itself as a consistent and reliable platform, never missing an issue apart from the customary festive season break. It has been a privilege to oversee a publication that has sought to inform, analyse, and shed light on matters of importance to workers and society alike.

During this time, Voice of the Workers Weekly has reported on stories of national significance. Perhaps the most notable was the case at the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, where over 400 employees discovered missing national insurance contributions amounting to €10 million. This grave issue was ultimately addressed, but only after being brought to light through this portal and subsequently taken up by the wider media. It was a clear demonstration of the impact that persistent and fact-based reporting can achieve.

The portal has also served as a platform for knowledge and research. It has consistently featured inhouse studies conducted by UHM Voice of the Workers, such as the analysis of grocery price increases and long-term property sector inflation. Alongside these, readers have been kept abreast of developments across Europe, drawing on the work of Eurofound in areas such as work-life balance, remote working, and employment conditions. Broader social concerns, such as the rising cost of private healthcare for citizens who are supposed to be benefitting from free public healthcare, were also highlighted to give a fuller picture of the challenges facing society.

Another important role of this portal has been to showcase the events organised throughout the year. These ranged from social initiatives aimed at strengthening community, to specialised gatherings including the annual EZA seminar each November. In doing so, the portal has acted not only as a source of news but also as a medium for dialogue and awareness.

It is worth recalling that Voice of the Workers Weekly began life in 2015 as part of an EU-funded project. Its endurance, however, lies in its ability to remain relevant and credible beyond that initial framework. Today, its legacy is well established, and it will continue to evolve under new stewardship.

As I step aside, I extend my best wishes to my successor. The future of this portal rests in its continued commitment to providing a trusted voice on the issues that matter most.