Morning Briefing

PN to join Saturday demonstration against corruption: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says that the Nationalist Party is calling for people to join a national protest on Saturday calling for action by the government which remains ‘idle’ before corruption. The demonstration…

Read More Here

Over 500 people reported missing this year: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent quotes Home Affairs Minister Michael Farrugia who said that 565 people were reported missing this year, with 51 of them still not found. The minister was answering to…

Read More Here

GWU Secretary General supports Gozo-Malta tunnel: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont quotes General Worker Union secretary general Josef Bugeja who said that the disruptions in the ferry service this week demonstrate the importance of the Gozo-Malta tunnel. He said that…

Read More Here

IIP regulator clears legal firm of wrongdoing: The Headlines – Malta Today

Another article carries a speech in parliament by opposition MP Simon Busuttil on Tuesday who said that Keith Schembri’s dropping of a libel case against him was proof that the…

Read More Here

Prime Minister’s chief of staff defends libel withdrawal: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent speaks to Chief of Staff Keith Schembri about his withdrawal of the libel case against former Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil. Schembri said that he wants the truth to…

Read More Here

Konrad Mizzi gives press event a miss: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says that Minister Konrad Mizzi skipped a press conference at the last minute on Tuesday ‘to avoid questions’ from journalists. The paper said that the conference was addressed by…

Read More Here

Nurses’ demand for occupational insurance accepted: The Headlines – The Times

The Times says that the government has agreed to offer insurance for nurses working in high-risk environments such as the Emergency Department. The nurses’ union was threatening actions unless its…

Read More Here

New insulin product for people with diabetes: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont says that a new type of insulin will be provided free of charge to people with diabetes. Health Minister Chris Fearne announced that around 2,000 people will benefit from…

Read More Here

Sex worker argues against the Nordic Model: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent speaks to an unnamed sex worker and activist who does not agree with the Nordic model to prostitution laws. She argues that not all sex workers are victims…

Read More Here

Cases of Huntington Disease higher in Malta than region average: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont speaks to genetics consultant Professor Christian Scerri who said that Malta’s rate of Huntington disease is more than double the average observed in the Mediterranean region, affecting 12 people…

Read More Here

Keith Schembri drops court case to dodge cross-examination: The Headlines – The Times

The Times leads with the withdrawal of a libel case by the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Keith Schembri after the court ordered him to face cross-examination about 17 Black.…

Read More Here

PN Leader calls for Keith Schembri’s removal: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon covers a PN press conference in reaction to Keith Schembri’s refusal to answer questions about 17 Black in the witness stand. PN Leader Adrian Delia called on the Prime…

Read More Here

Nurses’ Union orders action at Emergency Department: The Headlines – The Times

The Times leads with actions by nurses at the Mater Dei emergency department and Mount Carmel hospital amid demands for occupational insurance. The instruction by the nurses’ union follow am…

Read More Here

Keith Schembri to witness in court today: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says that the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Keith Schembri is today expected to take the witness stand in the case about 17 Black. The paper says that Schembri…

Read More Here

Hotel group objects to Paceville road plans: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent says that International Hotel Investments ‘strongly objects’ to the proposed road and tunnel network in Paceville. The company, which operates three hotels in the area, argued the plans…

Read More Here

Libyan Dinars passing through Malta were not authorised: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont speaks to sources close to the Libyan government after reports of containers heading to Libya carrying Dinars were seized by the Customs Department in Malta. The paper says the…

Read More Here

Neville Gafa’ involved in secret AFM-Libya deal: The Headlines – The Sunday Times

The Sunday Times claims that a secret agreement between the Armed Forces and the Libyan Coast Guard was brokered by OPM official Neville Gafa’ to intercept migrant boats headed towards…

Read More Here

Missing person had business links to Caruana Galizia murder suspects: The Headlines – Malta Today

Malta Today says that a man who has been missing since 2012 after having just disposed of the shares he owned in business with two brothers from Żebbuġ who were…

Read More Here

Man wanted in Sweden accused of pilfering funds to Malta: The Headlines – The Independent on Sunday

The Independent on Sunday reports on a Swedish investigation into a head of a school in Gothenburg thought to have been funnelling state funds to Malta and Saudi Arabia. The…

Read More Here

Equality laws in Malta will be a European first: The Headlines – It-Torċa

It-Torċa speaks to Equality Minister Edward Zammit Lewis who said that Malta will become the first EU state to elevate equality to the status of human right. Parliament this week…

Read More Here

Investigations into Charlene Farrugia case ongoing: The Headlines – Illum

Illum follows the case of Charlene Farrugia whose remains were discovered by the police in Valletta four months ago. The paper says that investigators have not found enough evidence against…

Read More Here

A million a month for exceptional medicines: The Headlines – Kulħadd

Kulħadd says that the government spends around a million euros every month on medicinal products considered ‘exceptional’. The Committee that evaluates demands for these types of products received some 2,500…

Read More Here

PN Leader raises alarm about capture of institutions: The Headlines – Il-Mument

Il-Mument covers an interview with PN Leader Adrian Delia who said that the institutions that were set up to protect the interests of the public have been transformed to protect…

Read More Here

Illegally made concrete used for public roadworks: The Headlines – The Times

The Times claims that the Gozo Ministry procured concrete for road repairs in Nadur from a batching plant that has been operating illegally and in defiance of a PA enforcement…

Read More Here

Brexit would hit manufacturing the hardest: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont quotes the director of International Affairs at the Customs Department who said that the effects of Brexit will impact the manufacturing sector most because prime material imports from the…

Read More Here

Infrastructure Malta defends Wied Qirda project: The Headlines – The Malta Independent

The Independent speaks to Infrastructure Malta after the Żebbuġ local council spoke out against the building of a country road in Wied Qirda. The state agency said that the council…

Read More Here

Magħtab waste complex in ‘dire state’: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says that the Wastserv site in Magħtab is in a ‘disastrous state’ and that the government is attempting to keep the situation under wraps. The paper says that Environment…

Read More Here

NGOs lose appeal against Central Link: The Headlines – The Malta Independent

The Independent leads with a vote in the Environment and Planning Tribunal against the Central Link appeal filed jointly by several NGOs. The lawyer representing the applicants, Claire Bonello, said…

Read More Here

Gozo Innovation Hub inaugurated: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont reports on the inauguration of the Gozo Innovation Hub, a ‘prestigious address’ for business in the technology sector. The €9 million project is expected to create around 120 jobs…

Read More Here

Illegal batching plant ignores enforcement order: The Headlines – The Times

The Times says that an illegal batching plant in Gozo has been connected to the power grid and is in full 24-hour operation. The Planning Authority had imposed an enforcement…

Read More Here

PN does not support recent nominations at MGA, MCA: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon announces that the Nationalist Party will vote against the nominations of the acting chairpersons at the Gaming Authority and the Communications Authority. The party said that these roles must…

Read More Here

Cyprus to rescind citizenships of passport buyers: The Headlines – Business Today

Business Today leads with steps by Cyprus to revoke the citizenship of 26 individuals who have obtained passports via the country’s investment scheme. The Cypriot citizen scheme came under scrutiny…

Read More Here

Malta pursuing MICE tourism strategy: The Headlines – The Malta Business Weekly

The Malta Business Weekly publishes an interview with Conventions Malta Director Christophe Berger who said that the country wants to carve a niche in MICE tourism. Berger referred to the…

Read More Here

Criminal investigation into Vitals deal to include government ministers: The Headlines – The Malta Independent

The Independent says that the court upheld a request by civil society group Repubblika for fresh claims involving three ministers to be included in an ongoing inquiry into the government’s…

Read More Here

Amnesty for illegal buildings considered: The Headlines – The Times

The Times reveals that a panel tasked with the ODZ planning reform stalled over a debate about the introduction of an ‘amnesty’ for illegal constructions erected in the countryside. The…

Read More Here

ODZ construction policy out ‘within weeks’: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont reveals that a new policy regulating construction in ODZ has been handed to the Laws Faculty Dean for review. Minister Ian Borg said he expects the bill to be…

Read More Here

Minister shows support for rural policy: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon quotes Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg who defended the 2014 Rural Policy which allowed the Planning Authority to approve the Qala development. The Minister said that the policy helps agricultural…

Read More Here

Minister had no hand in Qala project renunciation: The Headlines – Malta Today

Malta Today quotes Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg who denied claims of involvement in a decision by developers to withdraw a controversial project in Qala. Meanwhile, Borg complained about a delay…

Read More Here

Opposition will not nominate a new PA board representative: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent leads with the decision by the Nationalist Party not to appoint a new representative on the Planning Authority board after MP Marthese Portelli withdrew from it. In a…

Read More Here

Opposition withdraws from Lands Authority board: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says that the Opposition’s representative on the Lands Authority board, MP Ryan Callus, has stepped down. Opposition Leader Adrian Delia said that the opposition will not be complicit in…

Read More Here

No state compensation for wrongly jailed man: The Headlines – The Times

The Times reports that the courts have turned down a request for state compensation by a man who was wrongly charged and imprisoned for sexually abusing his daughter. Mr Justice…

Read More Here

LESA employees get new collective agreement: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont announces a new collective agreement signed by the General Workers Union for the employees of the Local Enforcement System Agency. GWU head of section Theo Vella said the agreement…

Read More Here

Judiciary-appointment method referred to European Courts of Justice: The Headlines – The Times

The Times leads with a Court decree by Mr Justice Mark Chetcuti who referred a case against the method of selection of the judiciary in Malta to the European Court…

Read More Here

Allied Rainbow Community condemns attack on transgender woman: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent speaks to Allied Rainbow Community manager Clayton Mercieca after an offensive attack on a transgender woman. Mercieca said that Malta’s laws are among the most inclusive, but that…

Read More Here

Malta starts receiving license applications from blockchain operators: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont says that 34 operators in the blockchain industry have submitted applications for a license in Malta. The paper quotes the CEO of a company in the fintech sector who…

Read More Here

PN calls for overhaul in judiciary selection method: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon publishes a statement by the Nationalist Party urging the government to implement changes that allow the independent appointment of the judiciary. The party added that, for the sake of…

Read More Here

Malta Gaming Authority goes four months without board: The Headlines – The Times

The Times reveals that the Gaming Authority has been operating without a board of governors since June, when the term of the last members expired. The paper says that relations…

Read More Here

Teachers’ concern over possible change in conditions: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont reports unease among state teachers following comments by former Teachers Union president, John Bencini, that plans are underway to transfer teachers from the public service to another entity. The…

Read More Here

Increase in reported cases of domestic violence: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent says that Aġenzija Appoġġ received 665 reports of domestic violence in 2018, more than a 150 increase over the previous year. The agency says that new laws and…

Read More Here

Opposition Leader backs representative’s resignation from PA board: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon reports that the opposition representative on the Planning Authority board, Marthese Portelli, has resigned in protest with recent decisions. Opposition Leader Adrian Delia agrees with and supports Portelli’s resignation.…

Read More Here

Caruana Galizia bomb device points to links with Balkan mobs: The Headlines – The Sunday Times

The Sunday Times says that investigators in the Caruana Galizia murder case believe that the bomb used in her car was assembled by two brothers known in the criminal world…

Read More Here

Candidates for top PA post emerge: The Headlines – Il-Mument

Il-Mument says that Ian Castaldi Paris or Charlon Gouder are the frontrunners for the post of CEO at the Planning Authority. The paper says that outgoing Johann Buttigieg was removed…

Read More Here

Qala project abandoned by developer: The Headlines – Malta Today

Malta Today says that developer Joseph Portelli announced he will not go ahead with the construction of a planned villa in Qala, days after it was approved by the Planning…

Read More Here

New equality commission to be established: The Headlines – Kulħadd

Kulħadd announces plans for the establishment of a Commission for Human Rights and Equality, with members nominated by parliament. The paper says the commission will ensure equality in every sector.…

Read More Here

New body to regulate bouncers to be set up: The Headlines – The Malta Independent

The Independent on Sunday speaks to the Home Affairs Ministry about the setting up of a body to regulate club bouncers announced in 2017. The Ministry said that the drafting…

Read More Here

Migrants suffer torture in Libya: The Headlines – It-Torċa

It-Torċa publishes an interview with a doctor aboard the Ocean Viking clinic who said that every patient had a story of violence at the hands of people asking them for…

Read More Here

Identity Malta tender withdrawn: The Headlines – Illum

Illum reports that Identity Malta revoked a tender for auditing services after the newspaper highlighted a possible conflict of interest by the company that was awarded the contract. Illum says…

Read More Here