Updated 1330
More drama at MCAST as principal’s contract not renewed
MCAST principal Joachim James Calleja has confirmed that his contract was not renewed by the Education Ministry, following reports that he was dismissed on Friday. This development occurs as the post-secondary institution remains embroiled in industrial action, with th college locked in a dispute with the Malta Union of Teachers over a long-expired collective agreement. Calleja emphasised that he was not informed of any decision by the ministry to dismiss him and that he expected to complete his contract, which runs until the end of the academic year in August.(Times of Malta)
Malta signs UN Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships
At a ceremony at Verdala Palace, Malta and six other countries signed the United Nations Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships. This convention aims to improve the global maritime transport sector by providing legal certainty and uniformity in ship sales, ensuring clean titles for purchasers and preventing ships from being seized for previous claims. The event, the second since the convention’s adoption in 2022, was organised by Malta’s Foreign and European Affairs Ministry and featured addresses from various ministers and international representatives. The ceremony underscored Malta’s commitment to maritime justice and its role in facilitating the convention’s entry into force.
Updated 1100
Half a billion euros went to local councils in a decade
Between 2014 and 2024, local councils received a total of €457,753,312, as revealed in parliament yesterday. Nationalist MP Chris Said questioned Local Government Minister Owen Bonnici about this year’s financial allocations for each council and whether these funds offset the rising cost of living and service prices. The minister only provided details on the allocations for each council this year and over the past decade, avoiding the question on cost coverage. For 2024, allocations ranged from just under €215,000 for Fontana to €2.4 million for St Paul’s Bay. Sixteen councils received over €1 million each, with St Paul’s Bay exceeding €2 million. Over the decade, St Paul’s Bay received nearly €21 million, Birkirkara €16.6 million, Mosta €15.2 million, Sliema €14.7 million, and Qormi €14.3 million.
Organisations call on Prime Minister to change ‘rotten’ planning appeals system
Fourteen organisations criticised the government’s failure to reform planning appeals law, promised by the Prime Minister last year. Currently, developers can begin construction on permits under appeal, leading to completed buildings being revoked without removal. This undermines the right to challenge Planning Authority (PA) decisions, burdening communities with costs and futile appeals. Recent court cases revoked permits for developments in Qala, Sannat, Xewkija, and Mellieħa due to legal breaches, yet the structures remain. Despite promised reforms, only a concerning public consultation emerged, aiming to limit appeal rights. Meanwhile, the government proposed amendments allowing developers to build extra floors, increasing congestion. The NGOs urged immediate implementation of reforms to suspend permits during appeals.
Morning Briefing
PM acknowledges public desire for economic shift towards quality of life
Prime Minister Robert Abela acknowledged that the public desires the government to shift towards an economic model that enhances quality of life rather than solely focusing on growth. Speaking at the conclusion of the fourth annual State of the Nation survey, Abela praised Malta’s exceptional economic growth but recognized the resulting challenges in infrastructure and demographics that need addressing. He refuted claims that Malta’s economic model relies on continuous population growth, labeling such analysis as incorrect.
Court annuls incinerator tender
The Appeals Court ruled that the tender for constructing an incinerator in Magħtab must be adjudicated again. The court identified a conflict of interest among members of the Contracts Department’s adjudicating panel and mandated a new evaluation process. Last year, the Contracts Department recommended awarding the tender to a consortium consisting of the French company Paprec and Bonnici Bros, with a bid of €600 million. The Court of Appeal’s ruling on Thursday represents another setback for a project, deemed crucial by Wasteserv to reduce the need for more landfilling space to dispose of non-recyclable waste. (The Malta Independent)
Transactions in hospital projects point to fraudelent scheme
The Vitals court case of the year continued Thursday as Joseph Muscat and 13 others face corruption charges related to the Vitals hospitals deal. The prosecution claimed that transactions in the hospital project reveal a fraudulent scheme, leading to the magisterial inquiry recommending action without further police investigation. The session focused on the cyclotron project for cancer patients. Defence lawyers argued the project was completed, while other witnesses testified that the equipment remains unpacked. (Times of Malta)
