Updated 1300
Subsidies reach 12.3% of Government expenditure – CBM
According to an analysis conducted by the Central Bank of Malta, subsidies are projected to reach their highest point at 12.3% of government expenditure this year, with nearly half of the subsidies allocated to the energy sector. However, it is expected that the share of subsidies will gradually decrease to 6.6% of total expenditure by 2025. The report reveals significant changes in government spending on subsidies in recent years. The proportion of subsidies relative to GDP rose from 1.4% in 2019 to a substantial 5% in 2022, and it is anticipated to remain higher than the 2019 levels until approximately 2025. (Times of Malta)
Lilu King to be indicted, bail denied
The court has dismissed Mohamed Ali Ahmed Elmushraty’s, known as Lilu King, bail application due to his prior violation of court orders and alleged attempts to influence witnesses. The prosecution expressed concerns over Elmushraty’s lack of credibility and potential flight risk, further supporting the court’s decision. Additionally, in a separate ruling, the court determined that there is sufficient evidence to indict Elmushraty on charges related to his alleged involvement in a criminal organization, tax evasion, and money laundering. (TVM)
Lawyers Advocate for Public Inquiry into Construction Site Fatality
Rephrased: Lawyers from the Public Interest Litigation Network (PILN) have emphasized the necessity of a public inquiry into the death of Jean Paul Sofia to proactively prevent future fatalities on construction sites. In a statement, the PILN lawyers asserted that regardless of the outcome of the ongoing criminal investigation, a public inquiry is crucial to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding Jean Paul’s tragic demise. They emphasized the importance of transparency and a public process to ensure justice for Jean Paul Sofia and his family, as well as to identify necessary reforms in Malta to prevent similar incidents in the future. The PILN stressed the need to address key questions, such as the preventability of Jean Paul Sofia’s death, potential system failures contributing to construction site fatalities and injuries, and the implementation of reasonable measures to prevent such tragedies. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Former PM defends powerstation deal, says Konrad Mizzi could have been more transparent
Joseph Muscat refuted any claims of discussing plans to construct a gas-fired power station with the business individuals associated with the Electrogas consortium, who later secured the multi-million euro project. During his two-hour testimony to parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, Muscat also acknowledged that his former minister, Konrad Mizzi, lacked transparency and insisted that former finance minister Edward Scicluna was inaccurately quoted regarding a ‘kitchen cabinet’ that influenced decisions behind the scenes. The former PM admitted to meeting Paul Apap Bologna and the Fenech family prior to the 2013 general election but emphasized that those meetings never involved the Labour Party’s prominent undertaking. (Maltatoday)
Muscat ‘not afraid of arrest’
Amid reports of an imminent completion of the magisterial inquiry into the hospitals’ deal, Joseph Muscat expressed his lack of fear regarding the possibility of being arrested. When questioned by the Times of Malta about his concerns regarding potential arrest in relation to the Vitals Global Healthcare (VGH) deal inquiry, the former prime minister brushed off the question. Standing alongside his security detail outside parliament, he responded, “Why should I? Are you afraid as well? I’m not afraid.” Muscat expressed confidence in the institutions to carry out their duties diligently and impartially. (Times of Malta)
President emphasis need for strong bilateral relations
President George Vella of Malta stressed the significance of establishing robust diplomatic relations with both neighbouring nations and those from distant regions. On the second day of his state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dr. Vella engaged in discussions with Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who serves as the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister. The distinguished leaders explored avenues to enhance diplomatic ties between their respective countries, particularly in light of the upcoming 50th anniversary since Malta first established diplomatic relations with the Gulf nation. (TVM)
