Updated 11.55am
Abela Announces €1.3bn Intermediate Care Hospital at San Vinċenz: Robert Abela announced plans for a new 300-bed intermediate care hospital at San Vinċenz de Paul Residence, to be named after Sir Temi Zammit. The project builds on a successful pilot expanded from 16 to 40 beds and forms part of a €1.3bn investment in healthcare. Abela highlighted rising spending, improved facilities, and stronger workforce conditions, alongside public-private partnerships. Minister Jo Etienne Abela said the hospital will bridge home and acute care, enhancing recovery and support for elderly patients. (The Malta Independent)
Malta Seeks EU Aid After €128m Storm Harry Damage: Malta has submitted a bid to the European Commission for support from the European Union Solidarity Fund after Storm Harry caused an estimated €128m in damage, just above the eligibility threshold. The January 2026 storm hit infrastructure, coasts, agriculture and services nationwide. Authorities will now assess the claim before any aid is granted. The response sparked controversy, with Robert Abela revising compensation rules after criticism over payouts to illegal structures. (Newsbook)
Passport Billionaire in Legal Battle to Recover Funds from Pilatus Bank: Christopher Chandler has filed a lawsuit to recover €33,000 held at Pilatus Bank, targeting its administrators, PwC and the Malta Financial Services Authority. Chandler claims failures in duty after funds were frozen since 2018 amid money-laundering investigations linked to former owner Ali Sadr. PwC argues it cannot release funds due to ongoing MFSA directives. Chandler is seeking repayment with interest through the courts. (Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Fearne tells court Ernst dealt directly with Mizzi on hospital deal
Former health minister Chris Fearne told a court that the head of the Vitals and Steward Healthcare consortium made it clear he negotiated directly with then minister Konrad Mizzi, not with him. Testifying in criminal proceedings, Fearne denied ever favouring the concessionaire and described being sidelined on key decisions. He said he was only informed about the wider hospital concession after plans had already been set in motion, including the inclusion of St Luke’s and Karin Grech hospitals in a Gozo project. Fearne insisted he was not involved in selecting Vitals and only saw the contracts after they were signed. He said the government paid €51 million in the first year under a lump sum arrangement, later deemed “fair” by an independent auditor. He also recalled calls for greater transparency, including a requested audit that was ultimately refused. (Times of Malta)
Saharan dust cloud blankets Malta, pushing air pollution to high levels
A Saharan dust cloud swept across Malta, creating hazy skies and driving air pollution to elevated levels across the islands. Monitoring stations recorded extremely high PM10 readings overnight, indicating a surge in coarse airborne particles, while PM2.5 levels were also detected in several localities. Visibility was reduced as strong southerly winds carried dust from North Africa into the central Mediterranean. The event, linked to a weather system stretching from Sardinia to Libya, highlights a recurring phenomenon in the region. While expected to clear in the coming days, the dust has raised health concerns, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as those with respiratory conditions. Experts warn that fine particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, aggravating asthma and other illnesses. Temperatures remain mild, but authorities are urging caution until air quality improves. (The Malta Independent)
NGO warns new law weakens Malta’s fight against financial crime
The Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation has criticised a new law allowing criminal charges to be dropped if individuals reach settlements with tax authorities, warning it undermines efforts to tackle corruption and financial crime. The organisation said the legislation risks eroding accountability by enabling defendants to avoid prosecution through financial agreements. According to the foundation, the law lacks a clear public purpose and was rushed through parliament, raising concerns about its intent. It argued that such settlements can proceed without prosecutors’ consent, potentially weakening judicial independence and limiting the ability to pursue complex financial cases. The NGO also warned that the measure could set a troubling precedent, allowing serious offences linked to tax evasion and money laundering to be resolved administratively rather than through the courts, ultimately weakening deterrence and public trust in the justice system. (Maltatoday)
