Updated – Malta News Briefing – Thursday 29 February 2024

Morning Briefing

Sofia inquiry: First two officials to resign after leaders demand resignations

Prime Minister Robert Abela said that he expects the individuals responsible for failings that led to the construction site death to “shoulder responsibility” and resign. “The board was clear on who should bear responsibility, and I expect that responsibility to be
shouldered,” he said. In parliament, Opposition leader Bernard Grech called on Prime Minister Robert Abela to resign along with ministers Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Silvio Schembri and Miriam Dalli following the publication of the Jean Paul Sofia inquiry report. He insisted that the conclusions of the same inquiry have provided the reasons for which PM Abela had resisted the inquiry at all costs. OHSA Chairman David Xuereb and Malta Enterprise’s deputy chairperson Peter Borg have so far announced their resignation.

Fisheries data to be grouped under a single €4.5 million system

A €4.5 million project aims to consolidate nine disparate information systems used by Malta’s fisheries department into a unified
Fisheries Integrated Information System. This system will harmonise the monitoring of fishing activities, integrating data from various sources, including vessel registry, monitoring systems, e-log books, inspectorate reports, sales, subsidy allocation, funds, and risk management. The chosen contractor must have a track record of designing similar projects worth over €2 million in the past decade. Their responsibilities include designing, implementing, and maintaining the system.

Apple Maps cars scanning Malta

Apple is deploying vehicles in Malta to gather images for its Maps app. White cars labelled ‘Apple Maps’ with roof-mounted 360-degree cameras began photographing roads, signs, and landmarks last week. This operation, inspired by Google’s 2016
initiative, will continue until early March. Apple will also capture images in pedestrian zones and streets
inaccessible by car, such as certain areas in Valletta. Once published, these images will enhance the
Maps experience for Apple device users, providing detailed views of Malta’s landscapes and urban areas.

GDP grows by 4.3% in Q4

In the last quarter of 2023, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose by 4.3% in volume terms, the NSO said. Domestic demand contributed negatively to GDP growth (4%), while foreign trade contributed positively (8.3%). Services were the largest contributor to this growth, while industry contributed marginally. The increase in Service activities was mainly driven by the growth rates recorded in administrative and support services activities (22.9%), accommodation and food service activities (15.3%) as well as financial and insurance activities (6.7%).

Cardiologist Robert Xuereb to head Foundation for Medical Services

Cardiologist Robert Xuereb has replaced Carmen Ciantar as chief executive of the Foundation for Medical Services. Renowned for pioneering cardiology in Malta since the 1990s, Xuereb received the Ġieħ ir-Repubblika honour in 2023 for his exceptional service. Xuereb assumes the role previously occupied by Carmen Ciantar. (Times of Malta).