Morning Briefing
Transport Malta officer says he was threatened over maritime fines
A Transport Malta enforcement officer has told a court he was threatened and subjected to workplace harassment after resisting pressure from a senior official to cancel maritime fines. Massimo Galea testified that Kenneth Spiteri, a former assistant manager in the authority’s Maritime Enforcement Unit, repeatedly contacted him seeking the cancellation of contraventions or to prevent them from being issued, including in cases involving relatives and acquaintances. Galea recalled Spiteri telling him: “If you don’t sort it out, I’ll make you pay for it,” during an incident involving a vehicle parked in a disabled parking space near Għnejna Bay. Spiteri, 40, from Għaxaq, has pleaded not guilty to three charges, including trading in influence and offences allegedly committed in breach of his public duties. The case follows an investigation into suspected corruption involving the cancellation of maritime fines in exchange for payments. (Maltatoday)
Medical professionals to support students with healthcare needs in schools
Students with medical conditions or physical disabilities who do not have learning difficulties may receive support from specialised medical professionals instead of Learning Support Educators (LSEs), under changes approved by Cabinet. Education Minister Byron Camilleri said the measure would apply where medical assistance was considered more beneficial, including cases involving diabetes, allergies and physical disabilities. The aim is to allow LSEs to concentrate on their primary role of supporting students with learning difficulties, while ensuring other children receive assistance suited to their needs. The changes will apply to newly identified cases, while students already receiving LSE support will not see an immediate change. Families may request a review of their child’s support. Medical professionals will be recruited under specific requirements and trained for school settings. (The Malta Independent)
Labour and PN voters divided over Budget 2027 satisfaction, survey finds
Labour and Nationalist Party voters remain sharply divided over their overall satisfaction with Budget 2027, although they share similar views on its most and least popular measures, an Esprimi survey has found. The third instalment of the Budget Barometer, based on 400 adults surveyed between October 29 and November 2, found satisfaction among Labour voters exceeded dissatisfaction by 61 percentage points. Among PN voters, dissatisfaction was 33 points higher than satisfaction. Both groups ranked the expansion of Mater Dei Hospital’s emergency department and the continuation of energy subsidies among their preferred measures, while an increase in the eco-contribution was least popular. Almost 70% of Labour voters considered measures targeting non-EU workers fair and necessary, compared with 36% of PN voters. However, 51% of PN voters supported reducing reliance on non-EU workers, against 42% of Labour voters. (Times of Malta)