Excessive Deficit Procedure not a cause for concern – Finance Minister
Finance Minister Clyde Caruana said that he was not concerned about the EU’s Excessive Deficit Procedures against Malta, stating he was well aware of the rules and that Malta was on track to reduce its deficit. Last week, the European Commission warned eight member states about their excessive budget deficits. Malta ended 2023 with a -4.9% deficit, just under 2% above the 3% reference level. Speaking in parliament, Caruana said the commission’s warning was expected and not a cause for concern, as Malta plans to reduce its deficit by 0.5% per year over the next four years, meeting EU ‘reference trajectory’ requirements. This reduction would bring the deficit below 3% within the timeframe set by the Economic Governance Framework agreement reached by EU finance ministers last January. (Times of Malta)
Muscat challenges €30m freezing order
Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is contesting a €30 million freezing order imposed on his assets as part of criminal proceedings related to the hospitals deal. The freeze was imposed last month when Muscat was charged with money laundering, bribery, and corruption, among other charges, related to the transfer of three state hospitals to Vitals Global Healthcare. He pleaded not guilty. Muscat’s lawyers have filed a court application challenging the freezing order, arguing that the €30 million sum is inflated and that any freeze should be limited to the €60,000 mentioned in the proces verbal of the magisterial inquiry leading to his arraignment. (Maltatoday)
ECRI notes progress in human rights, says more to be done
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) acknowledged Malta’s progress and good practices over the past six years but emphasized the need for further action. ECRI, an independent human rights body established by the Council of Europe, praised Malta for its regularly renewed strategies and action plans for LGBTI equality and significant efforts to provide quality healthcare for transgender persons. The report highlighted the opening of the Gender Wellbeing Clinic, a specialized facility offering multidisciplinary care to transgender people, and noted strengthened links between the police and the LGBTI community, including the recruitment of LGBTI police officers. (The Malta Independent)
