Updated 1220
Glenn Micallef hopes for solid performance at EP grilling
Glenn Micallef, Malta’s nominee for the European Commission, will face the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) to discuss his potential role overseeing Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport. As a Social Democrat nominee, Micallef’s political affiliation is not expected to influence the committee’s consensus-based decision. Sources say that if Micallef demonstrates knowledge and competence, he should advance smoothly. PN leader Bernard Grech expressed support for Micallef but criticised the Maltese government for not securing a Mediterranean-focused portfolio. As the youngest nominee at 35 and former chief of staff to Prime Minister Robert Abela, Micallef will face informal assessment by party group coordinators, with his final confirmation depending on the full Commission vote.
Government introduces a new traffic plan to revamp the transport sector
Malta’s government unveiled a range of strategies to tackle traffic congestion, led by Transport Minister Chris Bonett. Key proposals include shifting some services to off-peak hours, incentivising reduced car usage, expanding park-and-ride options, revising bus routes, and better coordinating roadworks. The proposed 24-hour economy aims to stagger services like waste collection and delivery during non-peak hours, potentially reducing traffic from 60,000 commercial vehicles. Public transport upgrades include introducing direct routes from park-and-ride areas and adding buses to industrial zones. Bonett also suggested incentives for fewer personal vehicles and increased parking options in public spaces. Implementation is set to begin in 2025, with completion targeted for 2026, aiming to address congestion without focusing solely on car reduction.
Government has engaged US bankruptcy lawyers for guidance as Steward seeks to wind up
The government has engaged U.S. bankruptcy lawyers to guide them through the Chapter 11 proceedings filed by Steward Health Care, which aims to wind up its operations. They have been closely monitoring the situation since it began in May 2024. This announcement follows a warning from the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation, which stated that the Maltese government must file a claim in U.S. court by November 4 to recover funds through Steward’s bankruptcy process. Additionally, the government confirmed that arbitration proceedings with the International Chamber of Commerce are progressing, with written pleadings expected to conclude soon. They cautioned that further public comments might jeopardise their position in the arbitration.
Morning Briefing
Tax cut empowers workers – PM
Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Sunday that widening tax bands is a bold move that empowers workers. “This Budget incentivises people, lifting the tax burden rather than adding to it,” the Labour leader remarked during a Labour Party event at the Centru Laburista in Marsaxlokk. Abela added that the Budget provides support for the elderly, families, and businesses, while helping to advance Malta’s progress. He noted that current economic growth is twice the rate it was under the Nationalist administration in 2012. He also compared Malta’s economic situation to that in other European states, pointing out that while the government is “removing taxes”, England was raising taxes. (Maltatoday)
PN would repeal NI budget measure – Grech
Bernard Grech pledged on Sunday that a new Nationalist government would reverse the increase in National Insurance contributions for individuals born from 1976 onwards, which was announced in the Budget speech. The finance minister confirmed on Monday that this group of workers would now need 42 years of contributions to qualify for a full pension. “Vote for the Nationalist Party in the next election because this will be one of the first measures we’ll eliminate,” the party leader said in an interview with Newsbook editor-in-chief Matthew Xuereb during the general council session. Criticising the policy, Grech recalled that the government previously claimed that more foreign workers were essential to safeguard the pension system’s future, a statement he now described as deceptive. (Times of Malta)
Finance Minister expresses preference for airline as private investor in KM
Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has expressed a preference for KM Malta Airlines’ future private investor to be an airline, highlighting the advantages of industry expertise. In October, Caruana announced plans to privatise about one-third of KM Malta Airlines, a move required by the European Commission as part of the transition from Air Malta to the new national carrier. Caruana emphasised two key qualities for prospective investors: aviation know-how and strong governance. He noted that inadequate governance had contributed to Air Malta’s past issues, adding, “The airline must operate like a private business, not a government department.” While he favours an aviation sector partner, Caruana acknowledged that the final choice would depend on potential investors. (The Malta Independent)
