Updated 1200
President signs abortion amendments into law
The recently enacted changes to Malta’s abortion legislation have now been officially incorporated into the criminal code, as reflected in the publication of the legal amendments in the government’s official journal. The President of Malta, George Vella, signed Act No. XXII of 2023 into law, which subsequently appeared in the Government Gazette on Friday. This enactment followed the unanimous approval of the Act by the parliament. The amendments introduced by this Act pertain to the provisions outlined in chapter 9 of Malta’s criminal code. The revised legislation permits doctors to perform pregnancy terminations in situations where a woman’s life is at risk or her health is in severe jeopardy, with potential implications for her life. (Times of Malta)
Opposition expresses concern at rising debt levels: The Opposition has expressed concern over Malta’s debt, which has surpassed €9 billion, marking an increase of €673.8 million compared to May 2022. The National Statistics Office reported a deficit of €103.5 million in the Government Consolidated Fund and a Central Government debt of €9,083.6 million. The Opposition emphasized the need to address fiscal sustainability mechanisms in the European Union and called for the return of funds stolen from the country. The PN urged the government to eliminate corruption and ensure sustainable public finances in light of rising interest rates. (Newsbook)
Man in danger after Swieqi car accident
On Friday night, a 35-year-old man sustained serious injuries when he was hit by a car in Swieqi. The incident occurred at approximately 11pm on Triq is-Sidra, where a Hyundai Matrix driven by a 47-year-old man from San Ġwann collided with the victim. Emergency medical assistance was provided at the scene, and the injured man was subsequently transported to Mater Dei Hospital by ambulance for treatment. The police are currently conducting investigations into the matter. (Maltatoday)
Briefing
Gozo fast ferry services to merge
Two competing companies providing fast ferry services between Gozo and Valletta will merge into a unified entity. Gozo Fast Ferry and Virtu Ferries Gozo will join forces under the brand name Gozo Highspeed, offering customers a consolidated ferry schedule, ticketing system, and branding starting from July 1. This development comes as the European Commission is reviewing a request to classify the service as ‘essential’ and potentially qualify for state aid. (Newsbook)
Over 80,000 households generating PV energy
Malta witnessed a significant increase in renewable energy adoption last year according to data released by the Ministry for the Environment and Energy,. The country successfully registered a total of 221MW from photovoltaic panels connected to the national energy grid, contributing to clean electricity generation for approximately 80,730 households. This represents an 8.3% rise in renewable energy sources compared to the previous year. By the end of 2021, Malta had already achieved a remarkable milestone, as 12.15% of its energy requirements were being met through renewable sources, surpassing the target of 11.5% set for 2030 in the National Plan on Energy and Climate. (TVM)
Cassola asks for Speaker investigation
Independent candidate Arnold Cassola has urged the Standards Commissioner to initiate an investigation into Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia for his voting stance against a Standards report. The report had revealed that 18 ministers had misappropriated funds for political advertisements. In an email addressed to the Office of the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life, Cassola emphasized that as the “Principal Office Holder” of parliament, Farrugia has the responsibility to safeguard the interests of the Maltese citizens within the parliamentary sphere. Cassola asserted that Farrugia’s vote in the parliamentary committee on standards amounted to a failure in fulfilling this duty, as he prioritized the interests of the implicated 18 Members of Parliament who had violated advertising regulations. (The Malta Independent)
