Government presents controversial amendment on magisterial inquiries
The government has proposed a controversial amendment to change how magisterial inquiries are initiated, reportedly aiming to limit ordinary citizens’ ability to request them. Prime Minister Robert Abela recently criticised the current process, citing “abuse” by Jason Azzopardi, who filed several inquiries in recent months. Abela also raised concerns about inquiries initiated by private citizens, such as the 17 Black case launched by then-PN leader Simon Busuttil. Nationalist MPs unanimously opposed the amendment during its first reading in parliament, with the PN accusing the government of attempting to shield corrupt politicians and associates under the guise of reform.
‘Missing’ due diligence reports on Vitals duo handed to court Lawyer Jason Azzopardi claimed on Tuesday that Malta Enterprise withheld three due diligence reports on investors involved in the hospitals deal from a 2021 magisterial inquiry. Testifying before Magistrate Rachel Montebello, the former MP said he recently received copies of the reports, which were not provided to the inquiring magistrate. The reports highlighted limited public information about Vitals investors Mohammed Shoaib Walajahi and Shaukat Ali Chaudry, suggesting their wealth may have come from “under the radar” commercial activities. While the reports noted this lack of information did not imply wrongdoing, they flagged it as a vetting concern. Azzopardi stated the original documents, dated February 2015, remain with Malta Enterprise. Last year, Ali Chaudry faced charges of corruption, money laundering, and other crimes linked to the Vitals deal. (Times of Malta)
Government registers surplus in Q3-2024
Data by the National Statistics Office figures shows that the Government registered a surplus of €29 million during the third quarter of 2024. Revenue between July and September reached over €1,994 million after an increase of €339 million when compared with the same months of 2023. NSO said that government expenditure during these three months was just over €1,965 million – an increase of over €235 million on the same period of 2023. Government’s debt till last September was €10.5 billion or 43% of the Gross Domestic Product, which means an increase of just over €615 million when compared with September of 2023. The published data shows that government guarantees on debt of its entities decreased by over €171 million. (TVM)
