Government failing to present Malta position at EU level – Metsola
The Maltese government has allowed EU rules to be approved without recognizing the harm they would cause to the country, Roberta Metsola said on Tuesday. In some cases, the government even fails to present a position at the EU level, the European Parliament president remarked in a scathing review of Malta’s performance on the European stage. In a discussion with Malta Chamber of Commerce’s head of media, Rachel Bondi Attard, Metsola took government to task for not doing enough to protect the country’s interests in the EU on issues that disproportionately affect it. EU treaties permit countries to invoke an ’emergency brake’ when EU law disproportionately harms a member state, yet Malta is failing to do so. (Times of Malta)
MEP, lawyer say Panama Papers inquiry concluded
According to MEP David Casa, an inquiry into secret offshore companies set up by murder suspect Yorgen Fenech and former government officials Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi has been concluded. Several suspects are expected to be charged in connection with the investigation. Casa and lawyer Jason Azzopardi announced on Facebook that the years-long magisterial inquiry has ended. The investigation focused on plans by Fenech’s company 17 Black to transfer millions to Schembri and Mizzi through a secretive offshore structure in Panama. (The Malta Independent)
Transport Malta wants ride-hailing platforms to keep distance from white taxis
Transport Malta is requesting ride-hailing platforms to implement geofencing in specific areas with white taxi stands. The transport authority aims to establish a new ride acceptance radius of approximately 250 meters in locations such as Malta International Airport, the road next to the Phoenicia Hotel in Floriana, and passenger ship berthing sites. Under this system, ride-hailing vehicles registered with platforms like Bolt, eCabs, or Uber will be unable to accept rides within these designated areas, leading to longer waiting times. For instance, if a ride-hailing car drops someone off at the airport departures terminal, it will need to drive out to Gudja before being able to accept another pickup from the arrivals terminal. (Maltatoday)
