Pivotal moments for Gibraltar’s political & economic landscape. What can we expect from 2026?

New Year's celebrations will ring in the new year - but what can we expect from 2026?

The coming year will bring a series of pivotal moments for Gibraltar’s political and economic landscape.

Ros Astengo looks ahead.

Gibraltar's political scene ended with a bang this year with the publication of the 700-page McGrail Inquiry report two days before Christmas.After a flood of reports, interviews, and statements, the debate is set to resume with fervour next week.

GBC's Viewpoint returns to your screens on 8th January, bringing more commentary and reactions.The challenge now is how Gibraltar moves forward: how do we learn from the findings of the report while navigating the political and public debates it has triggered?

The Chief Minister says he will take a motion to Parliament, but not when it resumes on 13th January. 

The motion, as amended on the Principal Auditor's report, having passed with a government majority, now clears the decks for dealing with the backlog of some 350 questions, followed by legislation.That's likely to take some time.

In the meantime, with the Treaty Text now agreed, we can look ahead to its publication. 

First comes the legal scrub, then translation into 24 languages, followed by ratification in the Gibraltar Parliament, then the UK and EU. Once that process is complete, we can expect the start of implementation, which could also take some time.

The Government says it will unlock unprecedented business and investment opportunities for Gibraltar. But the local business community says it needs more guidance.

The economy is also set to take a big hit once the UK's tax hikes in online gaming kick in. The Minister for Justice, Trade, and Industry has indicated that it will cost the Gibraltar economy millions. Nigel Feetham says the effects will be felt after April. But how will the Government mitigate this loss?

And finally, when will the Chief Minister step back, as he has indicated he will do, in a few months' time? How will his exit play out? Will he remain as Party Leader for a period? Who will take over from him? Will an early election be called?

So many questions.

2026 looks set to be a year that promises to reshape Gibraltar’s political and economic landscape.

As the saying goes, we certainly live in interesting times.