Updated 1245
Blacklisted adviser linked to ‘suspect’ payments in roads, bus service deals: A joint investigation has linked blacklisted adviser Shiv Nair and former Transport Malta CEO James Piscopo to suspicious payments tied to Malta’s €35M Kappara junction and public transport contracts. Nair, banned by the World Bank for corruption, was connected to millions in questionable transfers from Spanish-linked companies involved in the projects. Piscopo, under investigation for corruption, received €30,000 in suspect consultancy fees in 2015 and had ties to accountant Robert Borg, also facing fraud charges. While no direct financial link was proven between Nair and Piscopo, investigators traced funds through Spanish and international accounts tied to both. Nair and Piscopo deny any wrongdoing. (Tmes of Malta)
HSBC says there is ‘no preferred offeror’ in takeover talks: HSBC Bank Malta announced that no preferred bidder has been selected for its potential sale, and the process remains in early stages. Following a February shareholder decision, the bank is sharing confidential information with HSBC Continental Europe and other potential offerors under confidentiality agreements. Any deal would require regulatory approval from the MFSA and European Central Bank, which could take months. HSBC Holdings confirmed its ongoing support for the bank, its customers, and staff. Although APS Bank has been in talks to acquire HSBC Malta, discussions are ongoing and not finalised. Archbishop Charles Scicluna previously stated that a deal between APS and HSBC Malta is “far from being a done deal.” (Maltatoday)
98% of Maltese believe EU Member States should be more united to face current global challenges: According to the Winter 2025 Eurobarometer, 98% of Maltese respondents believe EU Member States should unite more to face global challenges, one of the highest rates in the EU. Furthermore, 82% think the EU’s protective role should grow in future crises. Maltese respondents prioritised democracy, education, climate action, and human rights as EU focus areas. Inflation, healthcare, and migration remain top concerns. 92% believe Malta benefits from EU membership, also the highest in the EU. Most view the EU and European Parliament positively and want the latter to have a stronger role. Interest in EU affairs is high, especially in MEP activity and budget decisions. Social media is Malta’s primary news source, followed by online platforms and TV. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
National debt approaches €11 billion mark
Malta’s government debt has reached nearly €11 billion by the end of February 2025, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO). Central Government debt stood at €10,935.2 million, reflecting an increase of €859.1 million compared to the previous year. The primary contributor to this rise was Malta Government Stocks, which increased by €842.5 million, along with higher debt from Treasury Bills (€73.9 million) and Euro coins issued in the Treasury’s name (€4.0 million). This was partially offset by decreases in the 62+ Malta Government Savings Bond (€25.7 million) and Foreign Loans (€0.1 million). The report also noted that increased holdings by government funds in Malta Government Stocks reduced the overall debt by €35.4 million. By the end of February, the Government’s Consolidated Fund recorded a deficit of €95.0 million, marking a significant deterioration in public finances. (Times of Malta)
Individual connected with AFM heist denied bail
Liam Stewart, one of six individuals charged in connection with last month’s drug heist from an Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) barracks, has been denied bail. A magistrate ruled on Monday that there is sufficient evidence for the 23-year-old to stand trial. Stewart is pleading not guilty to handling cannabis resin stolen from the barracks, where it was being stored as evidence. He also faces additional charges of trafficking cannabis and cocaine, possessing drugs not for personal use, and trafficking near areas frequented by youths. In previous hearings, the court heard that police, acting on a tip-off, arrested Stewart in Ħamrun after he attempted to flee and crashed into a van. Despite arguments for his release, the court upheld the prosecution’s request to keep him in custody due to the seriousness of the charges and ongoing investigations.(Maltatoday)
Opposition says PM should not control public proucrement
The Nationalist Party has called for the repeal of a legal amendment that grants the prime minister increased control over public procurement processes. In a motion submitted to parliament, the PN argued that these changes undermine good governance, transparency, and impartiality. The party criticised the amendment for giving the prime minister the authority to influence appeals related to public contract awards, which they claim are often granted to individuals with ties to the Labour Party. The PN highlighted concerns over the prime minister’s power to appoint members to the Public Contracts Review Board (PCRB), citing the recent appointment of Richard Matrenza—an individual allegedly linked to the Labour Party—as an example of political interference. The party maintains that such measures erode public trust and called for immediate action to restore independence and fairness in the public procurement process. (The Malta Independent)
