Morning Briefing

Ministers say Muscat should have resigned earlier: The Headlines – Malta Today

Malta Today speaks to an unnamed senior PL MP who said that Cabinet ministers felt ‘used and deceived’ by Joseph Muscat when revelations about Keith Schembri came out in November.…

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Deputy Police Commissioner took holiday with Yorgen Fenech: The Headline – The Times

The Sunday Times reveals that former deputy Police Commissioner Silvio Valletta went away on holiday with Yorgen Fenech in September 2018, when the businessman had already been identified as a…

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Planning Minister to register all meetings with lobbyists: The Headlines – The Independent on Sunday

The Independent on Sunday says that the new Minister for the Environment and Planning Aaron Farrugia vowed to publish all meetings he holds with stakeholders in the Transparency Register. He…

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Justine Caruana resisted Education Ministry: The Headlines – Illum

Illum claims that new Prime Minister Robert Abela wanted to hand Justyne Caruana the education portfolio in his Cabinet but accepted to keep her as Minister for Gozo after ‘long…

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Neil Harrison touted as new Police Commissioner: The Headlines – It-Torċa

It-Torċa claims that Neil Harrison has been consistently named as a possible new Police Commissioner. Harrison served as Assistant Commissioner and led the anti-drug trafficking squad. The paper also carries…

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Opinion leaders impressed by new Prime Minister: The Headlines – Kullħadd

Kullħadd speaks to academics and political commentators about the first week in office of the new Prime Minister. The paper says that they were impressed by the ‘strong start’ to…

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Opposition Leader calls for two-thirds vote on Police Commissioner: The Headlines – Il-Mument

Il-Mument quotes Opposition Leader Adrian Delia who said that the new Police Commissioner should be appointed by a two-thirds majority in parliament to ‘rebuild trust’ in the police corps. Your…

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Police Commissioner resigns: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent reports that Police Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar resigned on Friday. Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri accepted the resignation and Carmelo Magri is temporarily replacing Cutajar as Acting Police Commissioner.…

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Prime Minister hints at police corps reform: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont says that the government welcomes the resignation of Police Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar and quotes the Prime Minister who said that this is the beginning of a wider reform that…

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Cabinet to discuss new method for appointment of Police Commissioners: The Headlines – The Times

The Times quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela who said that the Cabinet will next week discuss a ‘transparent and serious’ proposal on how Police Commissioners are elected. Meanwhile, Abela said…

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Lawrence Cutajar had interference from OPM: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says Lawrence Cutajar was the fifth Police Commissioner of the ‘Muscat-Schembri era’. The paper says that people close to the Cutajar lamented the fact that he was unable to…

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David Gatt denies involvement in the Caruana Galizia murder: The Headlines – The Times

The Times speaks to criminal lawyer David Gatt after a leaked letter allegedly authored by Keith Schembri accused him of coordinating the Caruana Galizia murder for then Economy Minister Chris…

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Teachers welcome new Education Minister Owen Bonnici: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont reports that the unions representing teachers have both welcomed the appointment of Owen Bonnici as Education Minister. The MUT and the UPE agreed that the government needs to address…

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David Thake eyeing Simon Busuttil’s seat: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent speaks to David Thake who confirmed that he will contest the by-election for the parliamentary seat that will be vacated by Simon Busuttil. Thake noted that the PN…

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State broadcaster now falls under Prime Minister’s office: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon reports that the Public Broadcasting Services will now fall under the responsibility of Minister Carmelo Abela who will be posted at the OPM. The paper says that the new…

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New Economy Minister relishes Air Malta challenge: The Headlines – Business Today

Business Today speaks to new Economy Minister Silvio Schembri about his new responsibilities, including Air Malta. Schembri said that he is looking forward to meeting the challenge of the national…

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UK-based company obtains MGA licence: The Headlines – The Malta Business Weekly

The Malta Business Weekly reports that UK software company 1X2 Network has obtained a B2B supplier licence from the Malta Gaming Authority, in line with its strategy to establish itself…

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No clues yet on the future of the Police Commissioner: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent says that Robert Abela has not given any indication as to whether he will retain or remove the current Police Commissioner and Attorney General. He said, however, that…

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Robert Abela presents new Cabinet after reshuffle: The Headlines – The Times

The Times covers the unveiling of a new Cabinet of 17 ministers and eight parliamentary secretaries. Among the new faces, Byron Camilleri was appointed Home Affairs Minister and Silvio Schembri…

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Glenn Bedingfield likely to be appointed government Whip: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont says that, from a Cabinet of 25, only seven retained their roles in the major ministerial reshuffle announced by Robert Abela on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the paper is informed that…

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New Cabinet to cost €50 million: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says that the new Cabinet is the largest in Malta’s history and is estimated to cost €50 million. The paper says that while Chris Fearne was re-appointed Health Minister…

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Chris Cardona set to lose Economy Ministry: The Headlines – The Times

The Times reveals that Chris Cardona, who served as Economy Minister in the Muscat administration, will likely not form part of Robert Abela’s Cabinet after turning down an offer to…

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Simon Busuttil nominated EPP secretary general: The Headlines – Malta Today

Malta Today announces that PN MP Simon Busuttil was appointed secretary general of the European People’s Party. The former Opposition Leader will resign from parliament, leading to a by-election in…

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Robert Abela’s Cabinet to be installed this week: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont reports the coming and going of several Labour MPs in Castille as Robert Abela started forming his Cabinet on Tuesday. The paper says that the new line-up of ministers…

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Police Commissioner testifies in court case: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent follows the sitting in the case by Yorgen Fenech against Inspector Keith Arnaud on Tuesday where Police Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar confirmed that former chief of staff Keith Schembri…

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Keith Schembri’s phone back online during first PL parliamentary group meeting: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says that the police have not issued any statement since Keith Schembri’s ‘lost’ phone line was reactivated on Monday. The paper says that Schembri’s phone went live during Robert…

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Robert Abela takes oath of office: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent follows the swearing in ceremony of Prime Minister Robert Abela officiated by President George Vella. Shortly after taking the oath of office, Abela held his first parliamentary group…

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New Prime Minister promises unity: The Headlines – The Times

The Times covers a televised address by new Prime Minister Robert Abela who pledged to unite the nation. Abela said that he will continue to implement the 2017 PL electoral…

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GWU urges Robert Abela to put workers first: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont carries a statement by the General Workers Union congratulating Robert Abela on his appointment as Prime Minister. The union urged Abela to prioritise the interests of workers and the…

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Neville Gafa’ attends Robert Abela swearing-in: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says that Chris Fearne failed to attend the swearing in ceremony of Robert Abela on Monday. The paper notes that, on the other hand, people close to Joseph Muscat,…

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New PL Leader determined to bring change: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont carries the inaugural speech of elected Labour Leader Robert Abela on Sunday in Paola. He told the party faithful that he is determined to carry out all the changes…

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Adrian Delia calls for removal of the Attorney General and Konrad Mizzi: The Headlines – IN-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who said that the country deserves institutions that are free to operate and a serious government that is free from criminality. Delia said that…

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Chris Fearne does not attend first event by new PL Leader: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent covers the first speech of Robert Abela as Labour Party leader in which he said that the PL emerged united from the election process. The paper observes the…

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Robert Abela pledges return to PL principles: The Headlines – The Times

The Times quotes new PL Leader Robert Abela who told supporters that ‘the best is yet to come’ promising a return to the party’s principles. Abela told members that his…

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Labour Party elects Robert Abela new Leader: The Headlines – Malta Today

Malta Today leads with the election of Robert Abela as new Labour Party Leader and Prime Minister. The paper says that the staff of Joseph Muscat ‘evidently’ favoured Abela over…

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Strong lead by Abela at halfway mark: The Headlines – The Times

The Sunday Times says that by halfway mark of counting, Robert Abela was well ahead of Chris Fearne with 58 percent of the vote. The Labour Party said that around…

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Older PL members keener to vote: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent on Sunday quotes PL sources who said that older members of the party were more enthusiastic about voting in the leadership election than younger ones, likely feeling somewhat…

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Abela to take oath of office on Monday: The Headlines – Kullħadd

Kullħadd announces a strong turnout by Labour Party members in the PL Leader election. The paper says that Robert Abela will deliver a speech at the party’s Congress today before…

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Malta gets A+ rating by Fitch: The Headlines – It-Torċa

It-Torċa reports that credit rating agency Fitch awarded Malta an A+ rating. In its report, the agency said that despite the change in Prime Minister the country’s economy is expected…

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Abela’s election is a vote against government ministers: The Headlines – Il-Mument

Il-Mument says that the election of Robert Abela is a vote against the Cabinet of Ministers, who were largely backing Chris Fearne, by the Labour Party’s delegates. The paper says…

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Challenges ahead of Malta’s new PM: The Headlines – Illum

Illum says that the real challenge of the eight Prime Minister since Independence starts now that the PL Leadership race is over. The paper lists a series of issues that…

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Joseph Muscat remains ‘The Undefeated’: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont carries a special feature on the premiership of Joseph Muscat. The paper describes Muscat as ‘invictus’ and says that his political career was ‘from beginning to end’ without defeat.

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PN dismisses Muscat’s jobs record claim: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon quotes a PN statement in reaction to Joseph Muscat’s farewell speech on Friday accusing the Prime Minister of ‘hypocrisy’. The party said that Muscat claimed to have created better…

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Fearne removes chief of staff: The Headlines – The Times

The Times reports that PL leadership candidate Chris Fearne has dismissed his chief of staff Carmen Sammut as a sign of ‘good governance’ in response to a conflict of interest…

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Muscat stepped down for the sake of unity: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent covers the opening of the PL Congress on Friday in which outgoing leader Joseph Muscat delivered his final speech. He said he made the decision to resign to…

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Muscat concedes lack of judgement with MEPs: The Headlines – The Times

The Times publishes the report on the visit by the MEP delegation to Malta in December which quotes Prime Minister Joseph Muscat saying that he resigned because of mistrust in…

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Former Police Commissioner upheld Caruana Galizia security orders: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent quotes Peter Paul Zammit, police commissioner between 2013 and 2014, who told the Caruana Galizia public inquiry board that he had never reversed any order for frequent patrols…

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Police were probing Keith Schembri four years ago: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon quotes former police commissioner Michael Cassar who revealed that an investigation into Keith Schembri was launched four years ago after the FIAU flagged suspicious financial activity relating to the…

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PL Congress begins this evening: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont announces the opening of the PL Congress this evening that will start the process to elect a new party leader. Joseph Muscat will deliver his final address as Prime…

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Malta up 7 places in world start-up rankings: The Headlines – The Malta Business Weekly

The Malta Business Weekly quotes a report by StartupBlink which ranks Malta at 89th place in the world for start-ups, climbing 7 positions since 2017. The prominent sectors in Malta…

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Finance Minister defends tax system after comments by Robert Abela: The Headlines – Business Today

Business Today leads with reactions by Finance Minister Edward Scicluna to PL leadership hopeful Robert Abela who proposed the removal of tax benefits for foreign companies in Malta. Scicluna said…

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Keith Schembri’s phone went off grid just before arrest: The Headlines – The Times

The Times reveals that Keith Schembri’s personal phone was switched off the last time around an hour and a half before he was arrested in November. Sources said that the…

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Survey ship delivers footage of interconnector damage: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent reports that footage from a survey ship outside Ragusa in Sicily confirmed suspicions that the interconnector was damaged by a ship’s anchor dragging across the seabed. Enemalta is…

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Adrian Delia calls for investigation of Dubai holiday by the Muscats: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon reports that PN Leader Adrian Delia formally requested the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life to investigate a holiday to Dubai taken by outgoing Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in…

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Fire breaks out at Marsa migrant centre: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont says that the police are investigating the cause of fires at the Marsa migrant centre on Wednesday, which broke out in the dormitories. The paper says that the police…

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Anglu Farrugia did not endorse Joseph Muscat as PL leader: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent quotes House Speaker Anglu Farrugia who said that he never supported Joseph Muscat’s leadership while he was an MP and Labour Party Deputy Leader. Farrugia told the Caruana…

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Former police commissioner says all cases were investigated: The Headlines – The Times

The Times follows the Caruana Galizia public inquiry session on Tuesday during which John Rizzo, removed from police commissioner in 2013, said that he never discussed ongoing criminal probes with…

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