Parliament backs new ‘merit-based’ Citizenship law
Parliament has unanimously approved a bill replacing the controversial sale of Maltese passports with a new “merit-based citizenship” system, even as the Nationalist Party raised concerns about ministerial control. The law follows an EU court ruling which found Malta’s previous Individual Investor Programme (IIP) unlawful, as citizenship cannot be sold as a commercial product. While the PN argued that the president should decide on citizenship grants, that amendment was rejected. The IIP, launched in 2014, had allowed applicants to gain citizenship with minimal links to Malta, often by renting properties they rarely used. The new law broadens eligibility beyond investment, but retains centralised government control. (Newsbook)
NAO audit finds better governance, but gaps remain
Government offices across ten ministries have significantly improved governance, with 80% of past recommendations by the National Audit Office (NAO) now implemented. This finding comes from a follow-up audit report tabled in parliament, which reviewed progress on shortcomings highlighted in earlier audits. Transport Malta and the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability stood out, implementing 100% and 92% of recommendations respectively. Meanwhile, the Ministry for Gozo and Planning lagged behind, with only half of the recommendations fully or partially addressed. The report underscores notable progress but stresses the importance of ongoing vigilance in public sector governance. The NAO acts as a key watchdog in monitoring public accountability, and this review covered ten follow-up audits stemming from its 2021 report on public accounts. (Times of Malta)
Helena Dalli tipped for Acting President role Former EU Commissioner Helena Dalli is expected to be appointed Malta’s acting President, following the death of Francis Zammit Dimech. Dalli, once considered for the Presidency itself, had been sidelined in favour of Myriam Spiteri Debono earlier this year. The Opposition, however, is objecting to her latest appointment, citing a public inquiry that held her partly responsible for a culture of impunity tied to journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination. It also reminded that Zammit Dimech’s original appointment was made with the understanding that the acting role would go to a nominee from the Opposition. Unlike the full presidency, an acting president does not require a two-thirds parliamentary vote. (Maltatoday)
