Updated 1300
Government offers €25,000 grant to drivers who give up cars for 5 years in traffic reduction push: Within the next three months, car licence holders in Malta can voluntarily surrender their licence and vehicles for five years in exchange for a €25,000 grant, paid in €5,000 yearly instalments. Opting out early requires repaying the unused balance. This is part of a broader strategy by Transport Minister Chris Bonett to reduce traffic and shift commuting habits. Other upcoming measures include new park-and-ride services, public transport route expansions, incentives for using scooters and motorcycles, and parking reforms. Public services like road marking and waste collection will be rescheduled outside peak hours. Additionally, a national parking policy and a 24-hour economy plan are being developed to further reduce congestion and promote sustainable transport. (The Malta Independent)
€16.5m tender to lease building for rehabilitation hospital: The government has issued a €16.5 million tender to lease a self-contained building to temporarily house Karin Grech Rehabilitation Hospital. This move is part of a broader plan to reduce pressure on Mater Dei Hospital by transforming the Guardamangia area, which includes Karin Grech and St Luke’s, into a “health village.” Staff and patients from Karin Grech will be relocated to this interim site before moving to a permanent facility likely located within St Vincent De Paul elderly home. These hospitals were previously tied to a controversial €200 million refurbishment contract awarded to Vitals Global Healthcare in 2014, later transferred to Steward Health Care and annulled due to fraud. (Times of Malta)
MCA reports improved mobile services but identifies areas for further enhancement: The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has found that mobile operators Epic, GO, and Melita have improved service quality and compliance with consumer protection regulations. Over two years, MCA conducted a mystery shopping exercise, discreetly subscribing to services to assess the customer experience. As a result, operators addressed key issues, such as ensuring contracts are fully explained and accessible before sign-up. One provider also introduced a remote cancellation option following MCA recommendations. While overall service improved, concerns remain over directory listing practices and personal data verification. Operators are now boosting staff training to ensure consistent and accurate customer support. (TVM)
Morning Briefing
Malta gets most migrants per capita in EU
Malta received about 75% more migrants per capita than any other EU country in 2023, according to recent Eurostat data. That year, 76 migrants per 1,000 residents moved to Malta, far exceeding other member states. Cyprus ranked second with 43 per 1,000, followed by Luxembourg (40 per 1,000), while Spain and Ireland each reported 26 per 1,000. Slovakia, France, and Italy had the lowest immigration rates. The report, which included provisional data for some countries, clarified that certain figures excluded asylum seekers or Ukrainian refugees—though this did not apply to Malta. (Times of Malta)
Government to expand equity sharing scheme
Government has announced that it will expand the Housing Authority’s equity sharing scheme to include individuals aged 25 and over, aiming to help more young people become homeowners. Currently, the scheme is available for those aged 30 and above. Speaking on Freedom Day, PM Robert Abela also revealed plans to launch several affordable housing projects in the coming days. (The Malta Independent)
Children targeted by deepdake apps
Children as young as 12 have been targeted by deepfake apps that create fake nude images by digitally altering their photos. The Be Smart Online project received its first report six months ago and has since handled three more cases. In one instance, a girl’s photo from a school assembly was used to generate a fake nude image. Victims ranged from 12 to 20 years old, with parents reporting all but one case. The manipulated images were shared on messaging apps to humiliate or blackmail victims, often as revenge after rejection or breakups. Many parents hesitate to report cases due to justice system delays and fear of traumatizing their children during police questioning.
