Updated 1000
Valletta Retail in Retreat as High Rents and Nightlife Push Out Traditional Shops: The impending closure of the Energy complex on Republic Street underscores deeper problems facing Valletta’s retail industry, as soaring rents, slow footfall conversion and the dominance of catering and nightlife squeeze out traditional shops. Long-established retailers say the capital is no longer viable for high-street commerce, with daily rents reaching unsustainable levels and shopping shifting to large malls outside the city. Franks CEO, Lauro Abela, says Valletta is increasingly losing its commercial balance, evolving into an entertainment hub at the expense of long-term retail activity. (Times of Malta)
UM Academics Escalate Industrial Action, Withhold Final Exam Marks: The University of Malta Academic Staff Association has intensified its industrial action by instructing members to withhold final examination marks from university administration with immediate effect. While exams and dissertations must still be assessed, grades are not to be submitted until further notice. UMASA said talks with the university, government and the education minister have failed to yield an acceptable offer. The dispute stems from a collective agreement that expired nearly two years ago, with additional measures already in place restricting academics’ participation in administrative and management meetings. (Newsbook)
€30m Restoration Scheme Launched to Protect Malta and Gozo’s Village Heritage: The Planning Authority has launched a new €30 million edition of the Irrestawra Darek u l-Villaġġ scheme to restore traditional façades and historic buildings in Urban Conservation Areas across Malta and Gozo. Homeowners, tenants, NGOs and, for the first time, churches are eligible for grants, with funding of up to €15,000 for UCA properties, €50,000 for Grade 2 and €100,000 for Grade 1 buildings. Funds are allocated by region, with €4.5 million earmarked for the Western Region. Applications will be rolled out region by region over six months. (TVM News)
Morning Briefing
AI must serve people, Church warns in ethics call
Artificial intelligence risks sidelining workers and widening social inequalities unless its rapid rollout is anchored in strong ethical standards that place people at the centre, the Archdiocese of Malta has warned. In a position paper on the ethical adoption of AI, the Church argues that the technology will reshape almost all aspects of labour and the economy, urging policymakers to ensure that innovation does not replace people or leave vulnerable communities behind. Authored by Fr Jean Gové, the paper examines the impact of AI on education, the economy and culture, and calls on the state to introduce incentives for businesses to retrain and redeploy workers affected by automation. (Times of Malta)
Teen found dead after days-long sea search identified
The 13-year-old girl swept out to sea at Ċirkewwa and found dead following a multi-day search operation has been identified as Oliwia Wojnowska. Her lifeless body was discovered on Wednesday morning at around 10:30am by two divers, Civil Protection Department spokesperson Mark Zammit said. The body was brought aboard a CPD dinghy and police later confirmed her identity. Zammit added that family members were informed before the news was made public. (Maltatoday)
Harbinson surrenders warrant as firms enter liquidation amid Vitals case
An expert involved in ongoing criminal proceedings in Malta has surrendered his warrant and begun liquidating his companies, a court was told on Wednesday. The development emerged as proceedings continued against several individuals, including former prime minister Joseph Muscat, in the case linked to the Vitals hospitals concession. The case relies heavily on financial analysis prepared by forensic accountant Harbinson, whose firm Harbinson Forensics Ltd began liquidation proceedings in October and has appointed a liquidator to dispose of its assets. Defence lawyers argued delays were causing irreparable harm to the accused, while prosecutors insisted their position remained unchanged as the court ordered further documentation to be presented. (Newsbook)
