Updated 1215
Malta has only two palliative care specialists when it needs 12, MAM says: Malta’s palliative care system falls short of international standards, with only two appointed specialists instead of the WHO-recommended 12 for its population. The Medical Association of Malta (MAM) urges the country to go beyond the WHO’s minimal essential medicine list, noting that countries like the UK and France use over 50 medications for comprehensive palliative care. MAM highlights three key access issues: limitations for cancer patients, hospital-only availability, and lack of trained specialists. Many patients with non-cancer conditions and those at home are left without adequate care. MAM stresses the need for expanded access, more specialists, and community-based services to ensure Malta delivers dignified, modern end-of-life care before debating policies like euthanasia.
Swiss authorities deny Malta’s request for bank details in Vitals investigation: Swiss authorities have refused Malta’s request for judicial assistance in the criminal case against former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Keith Schembri, Konrad Mizzi, and others over the Vitals hospitals deal. The Swiss Federal Office of Justice said the request lacked key details required by Swiss law, such as specific facts, names, bank account data, and evidence of illicit activity. They dismissed the request as a “fishing expedition” and urged Malta to submit a compliant application. The case involves alleged misappropriation, fraud, and money laundering linked to hospital privatisation. Accutor AG, a Swiss firm linked to suspected bribes and money laundering, is central to the probe. Proceedings resume in September.
Brother of Sliema Murder Victim: ‘Life Sentence Won’t Bring Him Back’: Joseph Pandolfino, brother of murder victim Christian Pandolfino, welcomed the life sentence given to Daniel Muka for the 2020 killings of Christian and his partner Ivor Maciejowski, though he acknowledged it could never bring them back. The families were satisfied with the outcome, calling it the most they could expect from the justice system. Muka was found guilty of murder, while accomplice Victor Dragomanski received a 40-year sentence. A third man, Jesper Kristiansen, had already admitted his role and is also serving 40 years. The trio targeted the victims’ Sliema home in a botched robbery, believing they had valuables. Kristiansen testified that the plan unravelled when Muka shot the victims after a confrontation.
Morning Briefing
PM defends reappointment of man charged in Sofia case
Prime Minister Robert Abela has defended the reappointment of Kurt Buhagiar to the Lands Authority, saying he is now “carrying out the duties he is paid to do” after being suspended with pay. Buhagiar, a driver at the Authority, is one of five people charged with the involuntary homicide of Jean Paul Sofia, who died in a construction site collapse in Corradino in December 2022. The decision to reinstate him has drawn criticism from Sofia’s mother, Isabelle Bonnici, while former minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi has distanced himself from the move, which occurred during his tenure. Abela said the decision was taken by the Authority’s executive board and that Buhagiar had remained on the payroll throughout his suspension. (Times of Malta)
260 affordable homes to be sold at below-market prices
At least 260 affordable housing units will be developed across four localities through a collaboration between the Archdiocese and the Government of Malta. The units, to be offered at 30% below market value, will mainly target the “stretched middle class” — those who don’t qualify for social housing but cannot afford private market prices. The Foundation for Affordable Housing (FAH) announced the plans on Monday, noting the number of units could rise depending on contractor designs. Residents will have the option to become homeowners after 20 years through a perpetual emphyteusis scheme. Most units will be built in Fgura (117), with others in Ta’ Giorni (79), Ħal Kirkop (55), and Marsascala (9). The Fgura site alone spans 4,200 square metres. (The Malta Independent)
Malta posts €7.7m budget surplus despite debt rise
Malta recorded a budget surplus of €7.7 million in the first quarter of 2025, according to data published by the National Statistics Office (NSO), marking a notable shift from recent deficits. The surplus comes despite earlier warnings from the Malta Fiscal Advisory Council (MFAC) over rising government spending. Revenue for January to March totalled €1.98 billion, a 17.1% increase year-on-year, driven mainly by a €212 million rise in income and wealth taxes. Expenditure also rose, though more moderately, reaching €1.97 billion—a 9.1% increase. Despite the surplus, government debt rose to €10.94 billion, or 48.1% of GDP. MFAC warned that although the 2024 overspend may not repeat this year, it will still impact Malta’s fiscal performance under new EU rules taking effect in 2026. (Newsbook)
