Morning Briefing

Malta: Probe into potential revolving doors situation

Malta Today says that an inquiry has been launched by the Justice Ministry to investigate the case of a lawyer who left the AG’s office to join Yorgen Fenech’s defence…

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Blood from Maltese patients used in European coronavirus study: The Headline – The Independent

The Independent reveals that plasma containing antibodies from patients who have recovered from Covid-19 will be used as treatment for other patients. Malta is taking part in a European study…

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Malta: Financial services watchdog doubles down on breaches

L-Orizzont says that the Financial Services Authority issued 12 administrative sanctions since the start of the year, more than were delivered over an entire year in 2019. The watchdog says…

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Malta: Air Malta deciding on flights on day at a time

The Times speaks to an Air Malta spokesperson who confirms that the carrier is making day-by-day decisions about flights beyond the end of May. Until now, the airline was cancelling…

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Malta: Tourism sector worried about economic outlook

In-Nazzjon quotes the Hotels and Restaurants Association which expressed concerns over the state of the economy. The association said that members are unable to keep paying salaries for much longer.…

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Malta: MFSA focusing on anti-money laundering

The Independent quotes the 2019 annual report of the financial services watchdog which prioritises the fight against money laundering and financial crimes. The paper says the sector represents five percent…

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Malta: Four candidates for Police Commissioner

L-Orizzont says that the applicants for the role of Police Commissioner have a background in the force and law. The paper names Herman Mula, May Muscat, Frankie Sammut and Sandro…

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Malta: Boats keeping migrants cost €3,000 daily

The Times quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela who told parliament that the tourist boats holding migrants at sea cost a total €6,000 daily. A Captain Morgan boat was sent out…

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Malta: Government silent on Standards Commissioner report

In-Nazzjon says that the government has not reacted to a report by the Commissioner of Standards in Public Life showing that ministers have used public funds to boost content on…

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Malta: Chamber of Commerce calls for further support to business

The Times quotes the president of the Chamber of Commerce David Xuereb who urged government to extend financial aid to all business sectors. Xuereb said that the main priority was…

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Malta: Prime Minister says country exiting pandemic

L-Orizzont quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela who declared that the country is coming out of the coronavirus emergency. He praised authorities for their work throughout the pandemic and said the…

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Malta: Maltese letters permitted for names but not surnames

The Independent speaks to a spokesperson from the parliamentary secretariat for citizenship who confirmed that Maltese characters will soon be allowed for registration of names. However, letters cannot be used…

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Malta: Adrian Delia says mothers are an example to society

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who said that the nation should take the example of mothers to build a genuinely caring society. The party held a special conference to…

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Malta: EU states surprised by Malta’s Operation Irini veto

Malta Today says that members of the EU’s Politico-Military Group were stunned by Malta’s withdrawal from Operation Irini, launched a few months ago to enforce an arms embargo in Libya.…

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Malta: Airport grounds expansion project

The Sunday Times speaks to Malta Airport CEO Alan Borg who said that a €100 million investment to revamp the airport has been put on hold after the disruption in…

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Malta: Banks are halting home loans

Illum says that banks are reviewing sanction letters for the sale of properties and rolling back loans because of a depression in salaries and unemployment. Notaries told the paper that,…

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Malta: Chamber of SMEs pitching new proposals

The Independent on Sunday says that the Chamber of SMEs is in talks with the government over fresh support measures for businesses. CEO Abigail Mamo said that more businesses are…

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Malta: Government to reopen compensation scheme for pre-1979 corps

Kullħadd announces the renewal of a government scheme to pay arrears to members of public corps established before 1979, including port handlers and the police force. The paper says that…

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Malta: Adrian Delia criticises PM for seeking Joseph Muscat’s advice

Il-Mument quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who said that, in consulting Joseph Muscat on the economy, Prime Minister Robert Abela is sending a message that he will not turn the…

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Malta: State rescue package sevenfold of world average

It-Torċa quotes a study by the Centre for Economic Policy Research which says that Malta’s financial response to the coronavirus is seven times higher that the world average. The paper…

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Malta: Hoteliers recommend safe Malta-Sicily travel area

The Times says that the hotels and restaurants association is proposing a controlled travel zone between Malta and Sicily to boost tourism in both islands. Association president, Tony Zahra, said…

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Malta: Attorney General irked by employee’s change of jobs

The Independent speaks to Attorney General Peter Grech who said that the overnight move of one of the staff members, Charles Mercieca, to the legal team of Yorgen Fenech created…

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Malta: Biggest Covid-19 rescue package globally

L-Orizzont reports on a study by Columbia University which says that Malta offered the highest spending package to fight the coronavirus in relation to its economy. The report estimates the…

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Malta: Adrian Delia expects public broadcaster’s impartiality

In-Nazzjon covers a courtesy visit to the Public Broadcasting Services by a Nationalist Party delegation. PN Leader Adrian Delia said that public funds raise expectations on public broadcasting to be…

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Malta: Justice Ministry critical of AG lawyer’s sudden change of employers

The Times quotes a statement by the Justice Ministry calling a lawyer’s decision to leave the Attorney General’s office to join businessman Yorgen Fenech’s defence team ‘insensitive’ but assured that…

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Malta: Teachers demand hygiene regime in schools

The Independent speaks to the union of teachers which says that most teachers do not feel prepared to go back to school unless a strategic plan for hygiene measures is…

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Malta: Teenage postal worker dies in traffic accident

In-Nazzjon reports on a traffic accident on Thursday morning that claimed the life of a 19-year-old postwoman. Elenia Briffa died in Marsa when the company vehicle she was driving overturned,…

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Malta: Court hearings to be ramped up after Covid-19 restrictions

L-Orizzont says that court hearings are set to increase in the coming days after many of the cases were suspended to observe social distancing rules and because the police force…

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Malta: AG office lawyer to join Yorgen Fenech legal team

The Times reveals that lawyer Charles Mercieca has resigned from the office of the attorney general and is expected to join Yorgen Fenech’s defence team. The former member of the…

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Malta: Grim outlook for EU economy

The Malta Business Weekly quotes the latest economic forecast by the European Commission which is bracing itself for the biggest recession “since the Great Depression”. Malta is predicted to suffer…

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Malta: Economy expected to recover within a year

L-Orizzont also cites the EC Spring Economic Forecast which projects a growth of six percent in Malta’s economic performance in 2021. The paper says that, in comparison, the economy grew…

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Malta: VAT on facemasks reduced to five percent

The Independent reports that VAT on face masks and visors will be revised down to five percent from the standard 18 percent. Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said that importers will,…

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Malta: EPP holds e-summit on migration

In-Nazzjon follows a virtual conference for leaders of the European People’s Party focusing on immigration. PN Leader Adrian Delia said that collaboration is necessary to prevent a humanitarian crisis. Another…

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Malta: Prime Minister Abela seeks advice from predecessor Muscat

The Times reveals that former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is advising his successor on economic recovery plans. Muscat was seen emerging from Castille after an “hours-long” meeting on Monday night.…

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Malta: Forthcoming construction authority can suspend contractors

The Independent speaks to the Infrastructure Ministry about the Building and Construction Authority that is still in the process of being set up. A spokesperson said that the body will…

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Malta: Elderly man dies from Covid-19

Malta Today leads with the death of an 81-year-old man who tested positive to Covid-19 on Monday. The patient, who was being treated at Karin Grech Hospital, is the fifth…

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Malta: PN proposes €2 billion package for tourism industry

In-Nazzjon quotes PN spokesperson for tourism Robert Arrigo who proposed a €2 billion fund over the next 18 months to help the tourism industry back on its feet. Arrigo argued…

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Malta: Restaurants whetting appetite for business

L-Orizzont says that restaurants are planning to start reopening shortly, although with a restricted seating capacity. The paper says that Covid-19 trends in Malta reflect those of most countries in…

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Malta: Opposition leader declares no savings for third year

The Times reports on the financial filings submitted in parliament by Opposition Leader Adrian Delia. Delia is declaring that he has no savings in local or overseas banks but said…

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Malta: Pharmacists reach deal with government over price of facemasks

The Independent says that the Chamber of Pharmacists reached an agreement with the government over the price caps imposed on facemasks and visors. Pharmacies will be compensated for losses incurred…

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Malta: Asymptomatic Covid-19 carriers pose a lower risk

L-Orizzont quotes Public Health Commissioner Charmaine Gauci who said that asymptomatic carriers have a lower probability of spreading the virus, but the risk is still present and appealed for the…

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Malta: Home Affairs Minister not perturbed by Alfred Sant disapproval

In-Nazzjon says that Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri played down criticism by PL MEP Alfred Sant about the method of appointing a Police Commissioner proposed by the government. The minister…

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Malta: Three in four businesses do not expect full recovery within a year

The Times carries a survey conducted by the Chamber of Commerce showing that 85 percent of businesses registered a decline in sales and exports, but only a quarter are confident…

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Malta: Sarraflu freshwater pool severely damaged by act of vandalism

The Independent reports that the freshwater pool in Kerċem known as l-Għadira ta’ Sarraflu was vandalised by dumping oil and fuel. The site is a protected area under the Environment…

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Malta: Institute of Journalists calls for Prime Minister’s question time

In-Nazzjon quotes a statement by the institute of journalists which said that the Opposition Leader’s invitation for interviews by independent media was a step in the right direction. The institute…

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Malta: Priest living in prison says disease has greater impact on vulnerable

L-Orizzont publishes an interview with Fr Hayden Williams, who is living in at the Corradino Correctional Facility. He said that, although no one is immune to the Covid-19, the most…

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Malta: Government turns to Turkey to pressure Libya on traffickers

Malta Today reveals that Malta is seeking Turkey’s help to stem the flow of migration from Libya. Turkey is backing the Government of National Accord in the war-torn country and…

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Malta: Acting Police Commissioner let down by officers’ misconduct

The Independent on Sunday publishes an interview with Acting Police Commissioner Carmel Magri who admitted that he felt betrayed by the traffic police scandal. He said that measures have been…

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Malta: Two-fifths want airport to wait for vaccine before reopening

The Sunday Times publishes survey results which find that three in four think that reopening the airport prematurely would be unwise. Only 13 percent says that the airport should be…

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Malta: Angelo Gafa’ is frontrunner for police top job

Illum claims that Angelo Gafa’ is favourite to become the new Police Commissioner. He declined the paper’s offer for an interview and did not offer any comments to questions about…

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Malta: Over €20 billion bank deposits in March

It-Torċa reports that bank deposits in Malta grew by 1.3 percent from February to March. A record €20.7 billion were deposited, registering a 5.6 percent jump compared with the same…

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Malta: Covid-19 active cases fall to 85

Kullħadd quotes Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci who said that the number of active cases has fallen to 85 from a total of 468 reported infections. Another story says that…

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Malta: Europe calls for global fund to fight coronavirus

Il-Mument reports that the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Council, and four European Leaders are appealing for a global fund of €7.5 billion to initiate…

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Malta: Face masks and controlled number of shoppers as ‘new normal’ begins

The Times says that face masks must be worn on public transportation and shops as the government announced a gradual return to a “new normal”. The number of customers permitted…

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Malta: Acting Police Commissioner upbeat about Moneyval objectives

The Independent speaks to acting Police Commissioner Carmelo Magri who said that the force is making substantial investment in the financial crimes unit to reach anti-money laundering targets set out…

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Malta: More Covid-19 measures will be eased after Monday

L-Orizzont quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela who said that the decisions to roll back some of the Covid-19 restrictions are based on medical evidence. He expects more measures to be…

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Malta: Adrian Delia predicts a significant shift to self-employment

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who said that the pandemic will accelerate a transformation of work and predicts that the majority of people will be self-employed by the end…

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