Chamber Warns Against Blanket Judgements on Maltese Businesses The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry has reacted to recent comments by the Finance Minister, who stated that around 70% of active Maltese companies declare no profits and therefore pay no income tax. The Chamber cautioned that it would be misleading to assume that all such businesses are evading tax. Many are struggling with rising operational costs, labour shortages, bureaucracy and increased competition, which are squeezing profit margins. It stressed the importance of fairness and balance in national discussions on taxation, noting that compliant businesses should not be unfairly labelled. The Chamber reaffirmed its support for targeted action against tax evasion, saying effective enforcement would strengthen competitiveness and promote a fairer economic environment for all. (Times of Malta)
Opposition Leader Refuses to Accept Salary Increase Opposition Leader Alex Borg has announced he will reject a recent parliamentary salary increase, saying he was not consulted about the decision. The rise, part of a collective agreement signed last year, grants ministers a €1,700 raise and MPs €1,500, while citizens received a cost-of-living adjustment of just €4.66 per week. Borg criticised the discrepancy, saying it was unacceptable when ordinary people face rising costs and taxes. He urged the Prime Minister to withdraw the salary increase for ministers and parliamentary secretaries. I(The Malta Independent)
New Building to House Specialised Commercial Court in Valletta A building in Melita Street, Valletta, at the corner with Triq id-Dejqa, has been formally transferred to the Court Services Agency to serve as the seat of the Commercial Court. Located just steps from the main Courts of Justice, the property will strengthen the administration of justice by providing a dedicated space for commercial cases. The move marks another important step in the modernisation of Malta’s judicial infrastructure and the re-establishment of a specialised commercial jurisdiction. A Commercial Section within the Civil Court was first created in 2018 to handle company-related matters, filling a gap left since the original Commercial Court was abolished in 1995. The new premises now offer the necessary physical base for its continued development. (TVM News)
Hospitality industry calls for Cultural Shift Towards Non-EU Workers Hospitality industry stakeholders have urged Maltese society to embrace a cultural shift in attitude towards third-country national workers, highlighting the need for greater acceptance and integration. Addressing a recent event on the industry, speakers emphasised that instead of resisting the presence of non-EU workers in hotels and restaurants, the focus should be on fostering inclusion. Hilton Malta director Annika Galea said society must move past prejudices and support cultural integration to help foreign workers feel accepted. Industry leaders noted that many locals left hospitality during the pandemic and have not returned, leaving skill gaps filled by foreign workers. While this has presented language and training challenges, it remains vital for sustaining Malta’s tourism industry. (Times of Malta)
