Updated 1300
Standards Commissioner urges PM to publish declaration of assets
The Standards Commissioner has called on Prime Minister Robert Abela to publish his 2023 asset declaration, which was due by April last year. Despite legal requirements, ministerial asset declarations were not tabled in Parliament, breaking long-standing practice. In a 30 January letter, Commissioner Joseph Azzopardi stressed that reforms should not excuse the PM from his duty. Abela proposed a unified declaration for all MPs, but the Commissioner insisted ministers must continue declaring income. He cited an OECD report recommending broader disclosures, including gifts and travel. Azzopardi emphasised that reforms should involve public consultation and urged the immediate publication of the 2023 declarations. (Maltatoday)
Construction hit by decline in profits amid rising costs
he construction sector has faced declining profits due to rising material and compliance costs, coupled with weak demand for new projects. A Central Bank analysis found that firms unable to raise prices reported profit declines in 2023 and 2024. Meanwhile, real estate firms saw stable profits as costs remained steady. Stronger regulations, introduced after the Jean Paul Sofia building collapse, have added complexity, with new licensing requirements for contractors. The sector also struggles with bureaucracy, labour shortages, and customer acquisition, despite increasing property demand. Business sentiment is at its lowest since 2021, with only 20% of firms expecting improvement in the next three months. Construction firms are planning investments to diversify revenue streams amid these challenges.
Crackdown on cab operators:April Deadline for Public Service Garages is Final
Malta’s cab sector faces major disruptions in 2025 as Transport Malta (TM) enforces long-ignored regulations requiring operators to park cabs in public service garages (PSGs). Despite a one-year grace period, many failed to comply, leading TM to suspend 69 operators’ licences on 7 January. On 23 January, Malta’s largest cab company, WT Global, also lost its licence for submitting false garage declarations. TM has intensified spot checks to uncover further breaches, with operators given until 18 April 2025 to secure approved PSG permits or exit the sector. Appeals are possible but require TM approval or a tribunal review. The crackdown aims to eliminate abuse and restore regulation in the industry. (Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Malta’s popultaion could shrink by half in 45 years – study
Malta’s population could shrink by half in 45 years unless work-life balance improves significantly, an academic has warned. Prof. Anna Borg emphasized the urgency: “We’re not grasping the severity of the situation. It shows we’re not taking this seriously enough.” With the EU’s lowest fertility rate of 1.08 births per woman—far below the 2.1 replacement level—Malta faces a demographic crisis. A study presented at an NCPE conference by Borg and Prof. Liberato Camilleri highlights the need for family-friendly policies to encourage larger families. Many parents initially plan for two children but often have fewer. (Times of Malta)
Abela, Grech squabble on magisterial inquiry reforms
The government’s proposed magisterial inquiry reforms sparked contrasting reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Prime Minister Robert Abela defended the reforms during a Labour Party event, arguing they would “strengthen good governance and the rule of law.” He claimed that “abuse of justice is the greatest enemy of the rule of law” and accused the Nationalist Party of demonstrating the need for these changes through its actions. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech lambasted the reforms, accusing the government of prioritizing its own interests over transparency. Speaking in Gozo, he claimed the government was focused on “hiding the truth, defending its misdeeds, silencing journalists, and removing people’s rights.” Grech also condemned the government’s refusal to support PN-backed amendments to the anti-SLAPP motion, contrasting this with his party’s focus on the people.
PN leads Labour by six points in Gozo survey
The Nationalist Party is set to reclaim Gozo, leading Labour by nearly six points despite falling short of a majority. MaltaToday’s first-ever survey in the 13th District, conducted among 666 Gozitan respondents between 16-28 January, puts the PN at 47.4%, PL at 41.7%, and third parties at 10.9%, with 80% projected turnout. Labour is losing support to abstention and the PN, while the Opposition is losing votes to third parties. Since 2022, Labour has lost 3,770 votes, the PN has gained 409, and third parties have increased by 2,015 votes. (Maltatoday)
