Updated 1100
Yorgen Fenech released on bail, pending trial: Yorgen Fenech, accused of complicity in journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder, was released on bail from Corradino Correctional Facility on Thursday. He left in a black van after being greeted by his lawyers. Granted bail on 24 January after multiple failed requests, Fenech paid an €80,000 deposit, with his aunt Moira Fenech using her Tumas Group shares as collateral. He must stay indoors from 5 PM to 11 AM, report daily to the police, and avoid the coast, airport, and prosecution witnesses. A police officer will monitor his residence, and his passport remains with the court. Critics, including Matthew Caruana Galizia and activist Robert Aquilina, condemned the release, warning of protests if he flees. (Times of Malta)
Malta still waiting for ‘right moment’ to recognise Palestinian state: Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that it is not yet the right time for Malta to recognise Palestine as a state, though he believes the ideal conditions are approaching. Malta supports a two-state solution and has previously committed to recognising Palestine when conditions allow. Abela refrained from commenting on Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians and take control of Gaza but emphasised Malta’s commitment to peace and humanitarian aid. When pressed on what conditions must be met for recognition, he did not specify. He expressed optimism about developments in the Middle East and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Hamas, Egypt, and Jordan have strongly rejected Trump’s relocation idea, warning of potential chaos in the region. (Maltatoday)
Government renews youth guarantee scheme with €10 million investment: The government has renewed the Youth Guarantee Scheme with a €10 million investment, expanding eligibility to those aged 15-29, up from 24. The initiative, in partnership with Jobsplus and educational institutions, provides training and qualifications to help young people enter the workforce. Last year, 90% of the 6,000 participants gained skills, qualifications, or jobs. Prime Minister Robert Abela announced plans to establish an Institute for Trades at MCAST, aligning with the Malta Labour Migration Policy, which prioritizes local youth employment. Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri highlighted Malta’s strong employment rates. Abela, Camilleri, and Jobsplus CEO Celia Falzon also met with Jobsplus staff to review the scheme’s progress.
Morning Briefing
Notary sentenced to prison after taking funds from 85 clients
Notary Tommy Vella has been sentenced to seven years in prison and fined €150,000 after admitting to misappropriating funds from 85 clients. Charged in 2019, Vella initially denied the theft but changed his plea in November. In addition to the jail term, €661,000 was confiscated from him. He was also ordered to repay the 85 clients and permanently banned from practising as a notary. Vella had been pursued by clients after allegedly taking tens of thousands of euros in home deposits. He was involved in at least nine civil lawsuits, with victims seeking to recover their funds. A Facebook page set up by his victims accused him of living a lavish lifestyle funded by stolen deposits. Vella’s notarial warrant was revoked in 2019. (Newsbook)
PM refuses to publish Cabinet’s asset declearations
Prime Minister Robert Abela stated there is no obligation to publish the Cabinet’s asset declarations, despite requests from the Standards Commissioner. While past prime ministers have followed this practice, Abela has declined. He referred to a ruling by Speaker Anġlu Farrugia, which gives the PM discretion over tabling declarations. Abela also highlighted proposed reforms to improve transparency, including a uniform asset declaration for all 79 MPs. He noted that declarations have not been tabled three times since the 1990s. (The Malta Independent)
Women in care occupations earn significantly less than men
In 2023, women in care occupations earned an average of €7,622 less than men, according to data released on Thursday. This wage gap is partly due to the higher proportion of men in managerial and professional roles. In 2023, 50.5% of men in care jobs held higher-paying positions, compared to 44.4% of women. The National Statistics Office highlighted occupational hierarchies within the sector, where managerial and professional roles offer better pay than service and sales positions, such as healthcare aides and teacher assistants. Women were nearly twice as likely as men to work in these lower-paying jobs, with 37.7% of women in these roles compared to 19.1% of men. (Times of Malta)
