Mid-Day Briefing
Labour MEP calls for investigation of food importers
Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba, has called upon the European Commission to investigate what he characterized as “effective monopolies” held by importers and distributors in Malta. He asserted that this situation was contributing to elevated prices, particularly in the realm of food. Although escalating food prices are a global concern, influenced by factors like the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the MEP argued that Malta’s unique characteristics were exacerbating inflation within the country. “The lack of competition has removed the market-driven downward pressure on prices and led to the formation of informal, artificially high, price benchmarks. These benchmarks, set by long-standing tacit convention, enable the few large operators involved to exploit the high inflation rate to increase their already hefty profits. This in turn enables them to respond aggressively to any parallel importation from smaller traders who attempt to lower prices,” he said. (Newsbook)
Businesses, Opposition critical of MEP’s call for investigation: In a reaction, the Chamber of SMEs said Malta has its own authorities and clearly defined routes to handle concerns related to issues of competition, something the SME Chamber frequently used to tackle abuse. The PN, in a separate statement, said that Agius Saliba’s wish for the Commission to investigate Maltese importers “shows that even those close to PM Robert Abela lost trust that their own government can address the cost-of-living problem.” Worse still, the PN added, “it is an attack and an insult against Maltese businesspeople who are being burdened with all the blame for the government’s failure in its lost fights against the cost of living.” (Times of MAlta)
Insurance services promoted in London event: Malta was touted as an ideal investment location in the insurance sector at a well-attended event among London’s community. Organised by the Association of Insurance Brokers, Finance Malta and Lloyds’ of London, the event sought to underscore the opportunities presented by the Maltese insurance market and to promote Malta as a preferred EU domicile for participants in the London insurance market. (TVM)
Earlier:
Gruesome executions found on phones of men accused of terrorism charges
Court proceedings revealed that the mobile phones of individuals facing terrorism-related charges contained over 100 videos displaying flags of the terrorist organisation recognized as the Islamic State or Daesh, with some of these videos depicting gruesome executions, according to the testimony of a police sergeant from the Counter Terrorism Unit who took the stand on Thursday. This revelation occurred during the ongoing compilation of evidence against seven men, all hailing from Homs, Syria. The witness presented a comprehensive report detailing the data extracted from the devices, including screen captures from the videos and their origins. (Maltatoday)
FELTOM welcomes Air Malta news
The Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations in Malta (FELTOM) has expressed its contentment regarding the confirmation that Malta will maintain its independent national airline. However, the federation has also articulated certain reservations concerning reductions in flight routes. FELTOM has stated its approval of the much-anticipated announcement concerning the launch of a new national air carrier in 2024. FELTOM perceives this recent development as a constructive measure in safeguarding Malta’s connectivity and boosting its economic potential. The upcoming national airline is not only expected to stimulate growth but is also seen as a crucial contributor to Malta’s overall economic prosperity. In its capacity as a national air carrier, it occupies a distinctive role in advancing and supporting the interests of our nation’s progress and development. (TVM)
