Malta News Briefing

Malta: Restaurants can relax rules on certain conditions

The Times quotes Health Minister Chris Fearne that catering establishments will be allowed to relax certain Covid-19 restrictions such as opening hours and distance between tables if they limit the…

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Malta: Public Life Commissioner sets out two-year plan

The Independent says that the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life launched a two-year project to raise the quality of administration. The initiative includes reviewing the code of ethics for…

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Malta: Internet speeds among world’s top performers

Business Today quotes an international study that places broadband speed in Malta as the 21st-fastest in the world, ahead of other EU members such as Germany and Italy. Jersey ranks…

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Malta: Maritime sector urges exploration of untapped potential

The Malta Business Weekly speaks with the CEO of the Malta Maritime Forum, Kevin J. Borg, who said that the sector is not given enough attention by policymakers. The body…

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Malta: Budget to give priority to the environment and pensioners

L-Orizzont leads with the opening of the pre-budget consultation period by the government. Speaking at the launch, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana said that the 2022 Budget prioritises the environment and…

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Malta: At least €120 million lost to VAT evasion every year

The Times says that the government plans to target tax evaders in the upcoming budget. Conservative estimates by the Finance Ministry calculate that the country loses between €120 and €150…

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Malta: PN pledges parliamentary scrutiny on ODZ applications

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech promising to introduce laws requiring a two-thirds majority in parliament before any development of ODZ land is approved. The party said that the environment…

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Malta: Transport Minister says PL holds firm on Gozo tunnel

The Independent asks Transport Minister Ian Borg whether he would consider a referendum on the proposed Gozo-Malta tunnel. He said that the PL stands by its promise to develop the…

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Malta: New quarantine requirements to be unveiled today

Malta Today says that changes to travel restrictions and quarantine requirements are expected to be announced today. Health Minister Chris Fearne said that the current regime has been reviewed in…

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Malta: Public approval of Covid-19 management eclipses EU average

L-Orizzont quotes the latest Eurobarometer survey findings showing that 69 per cent of people in Malta approve of the Covid-19 measures adopted by the government. The average rate in the…

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Malta: PN pledges free cancer treatment in EU hospitals

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech that new a new government led by him would fund all cancer treatment given at EU hospitals outside of Malta. Grech said that patients…

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Malta: President visits Daphne Caruana Galizia murder site

The Independent reports that President George Vella visited the site of Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination in Bidnija, laying a wreath and condemning the killing. The Office of the President said…

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Malta: International consortium shortlisted for Gozo tunnel project

The Times says that Infrastructure Malta has shortlisted the sole bidder that made it through the initial tendering process of the Gozo-Malta tunnel project. The international consortium was one of…

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Malta: PN calls for investment in Gozo Channel fleet

In-Nazzjon says that the PN is proposing two new vessels for Gozo Channel, one of which is to be used exclusively for cargo shipments. In a statement, the party said…

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Malta: Former prison employee says support services are underreported

L-Orizzont speaks with a former employee at Corradino Correctional Facility who said that news reports give prominence to suicide attempts in prison but do not report on support offered to…

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Malta: Campaign raises awareness about suicide

The Independent says that a suicide awareness campaign was launched by Crisis Resolution Malta in collaboration with Transport Malta. The non-profit organisation said it received four requests for assistance within…

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Malta: Roberta Metsola considering EP Presidency

The Times says that MEP Roberta Metsola is assessing support for a potential bid for President of the European Parliament. She currently serves as First Vice President and the current…

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Malta: Notarial Council seeking greater assurance for public

The Malta Business Weekly publishes an interview with the president of the Notarial Council, Clinton Bellizzi, who said that the body is holding talks with the state advocate to increase…

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Malta: Corinthia withdraws from Dubai project

Business Today reveals that Corinthia has pulled out of a luxury hotel project in Dubai after its partner sold its interest to another investor. The development in Meydan Beach would…

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Malta: School activities permissible with some restrictions

The Times says that classroom activities including fieldwork, physical education, and lessons in science labs will be permissible with certain restrictions from the new scholastic year. Parents and guardians will…

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Malta: PN says school protocols long overdue but ease concerns

In-Nazzjon says that the Nationalist Party welcomes new protocols for schools announced by the government on Tuesday. PN spokesperson for Education Clyde Puli said the delay in guidelines was creating…

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Malta: Yorgen Fenech to answer money-laundering charges

The Independent says that Yorgen Fenech has been indicted on money laundering charges after the court found sufficient prima facie evidence. The businessman’s uncle, Ray Fenech, and business associate, Nicholas…

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Malta: Special safety recommendations for kindergarten teachers and LSEs

L-Orizzont says that education authorities are recommending that kindergarten teachers and LSEs wear both a facemask and a visor in class when schools reopen at the end of the month.…

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Malta: Facemask rule in schools remains in place

Malta Today says that a decision by the Education Ministry to require facemasks in schools was taken to avoid discriminating between vaccinated and unvaccinated persons. Almost three-fourths of children aged…

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Malta: PN expresses concern about de-scaling by businesses

In-Nazzjon follows a PN press conference which said that at least 24 companies ceased operations in Malta have renounced the Maltese license since the FATF grey-listing. The party called for…

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Malta: Money-laundering case against Yorgen Fenech begins

The Independent reports on the hearing of a money-laundering case brought against Yorgen Fenech. The prosecution presented chat exchanges between the businessman and his associates, discussing transfer of monies. Read…

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Malta: Former EU Commissioner to face charges

The Times leads with the criminal charges filed against former EU Commissioner John Dalli over allegations that his aide at the time requested a €60 million bribe from a Swedish…

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Malta: Fewer people sought shelter at Dar il-Hena in 2020

L-Orizzont quotes a report by Dar il-Hena foundation indicating that the number of persons who stayed at its shelters decreased by almost two-thirds during 2020, compared with the previous year. …

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Malta: Mayor pleads with MPs to grant bay protection status

The Independent says that the mayor of Qala, Paul Buttigieg, is seeking parliamentary intervention for Ħondoq ir-Rummien Bay, insisting that the location should be granted public domain status to protect…

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Malta: PN proposes 400-bed hospital in Gozo

In-Nazzjon says that the PN is proposing a new 400-bed hospital in Gozo. The party said the facility is part of a range of investments in the island’s healthcare system…

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Malta: Commissioner for Persons with Disability endorses home-loan guarantee scheme

L-Orizzont speaks with the Commissioner for Persons with Disability, Samantha Pace, about the New Hope Scheme offering guarantees for persons with health conditions seeking home loans. Pace welcomed the initiative…

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Malta: Company associated with PL offered consultancy services to Yorgen Fenech

The Times reveals that B.E.D. Limited, a company linked with the Labour Party, has invoiced Tumas Group at least twice in 2018. A draft three-year agreement for consultancy services was…

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Malta: Bernard Grech decries Marsascala marina plans

Il-Mument quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech denouncing a yacht marina project in Marsascala during an event in the town. He said that the proposed plans are unacceptable and called for…

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Malta: GWU rebuffs criticism by educators’ union

It-Torċa speaks with a representative of the education section within the General Workers Union who called on teachers’ unions to work together. His comments follow criticism by the Union of…

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Malta: Papal visit may thwart election plans

The Independent on Sunday says that a planned visit by Pope Francis in November may delay the general election. The legislature has officially begun its final 12 months, but government…

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Malta: Party stations owe the taxman €5 million

The Sunday Times reveals that tax authorities have written to the media companies of the PL and the PN advising them to start settling their VAT bills. One and Media.Link…

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Malta: University professor recommends psychometric test for prison management

Illum publishes an interview with Prof. Andrew Azzopardi criticising prison director Alexander Dalli’s management. He denounced the military model employed in prison and suggested that senior officials at Corradino take…

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Malta: Six in ten children prone to emotional problems

Malta Today reports on a nationwide study concluding that 62 per cent of children and adolescents are likely to develop emotional problems. Led by the Association for Child and Adolescent…

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Malta: Pilatus Bank boss lamented with Keith Schembri about FIAU questioning

The Times reveals contents of an email from Pilatus Bank owner Ali Sadr to then OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri complaining about concerns raised by the FIAU that were…

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Dark-web weapons case to be heard behind closed doors

L-Orizzont reports that Magistrate Nadine Lia granted a request by the prosecution to hear the case against Yorgen Fenech, accused of buying weapons and ammunition on the dark web, behind…

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Malta: Appeals court clears former minister’s husband of wrongdoing

The Independent follows a judgement by the Court of Appeals ruling that allegations brought against Anthony Debono in 2015 were not credible. Debono was accused of fraud and misappropriation when…

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Malta: PN unveils proposals for open-spaces policy

In-Nazzjon reports on proposals by the PN to protect and promote green open spaces in the countryside and along the coast. The recommendations include the creation of a tree-map and…

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Malta: Two Covid-19 clusters identified in nursing homes

L-Orizzont quote Health Minister Chris Fearne that booster jabs for the Covid-19 vaccines for elderly people in nursing homes will be administered earlier after separate clusters reported positive in two…

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Malta: Over 70s to start receiving booster jabs in October

The Independent reports that people over 70 living in the community will be offered Covid-19 vaccine booster shots from October. Health authorities are assessing the situation before extending the programme…

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Malta: PN unveils new website

In-Nazzjon says that Pilatus Bank has been formally charged with money laundering activities following a magisterial inquiry into the bank’s operations. The court ordered the bank’s assets to be frozen.…

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Malta: Charges filed against Pilatus Bank MLRO

The Times reports that the police have pressed charges against the former head of legal at Pilatus Bank, Claude-Anne Sant Fournier, who also served as money laundering reporting officer. A…

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Malta: PN working group assessing injustice claims in public sector

In-Nazzjon says that a PN working group is reviewing claims of injustice in the public sector, promising redress to victims if the party is elected to government. The group is…

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Malta: Police open probe into spoofing onslaught

The Independent says that a police investigation into a series of spoofing attacks on newsrooms has been launched. A police spokesperson said the probe relies on the collaboration of foreign…

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Malta: Gozo Tourism Authority proposes airstrip

The Malta Business Weekly carries an interview with the CEO of the Gozo Tourism Authority, Joe Muscat, who said an airlink is essential to the island. The GTA is proposing…

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Malta: MFSA suspends listed company over unpublished reports

Business Today reports that the Financial Services Authority has suspended the listing of Melite Finance’s bonds for 10 days for failing to publish unaudited financial reports for the first six…

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Malta: Pilatus officials expected to be charged imminently

The Times says that the police are drafting arrest warrants for former senior officials at the now-shuttered Pilatus Bank. Sources told the paper that the police did not have an…

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Malta: Housing Authority introduces scheme for persons with past health conditions

L-Orizzont reports the launch of a Housing Authority scheme offering bank guarantees to people ineligible for home loans because of past health conditions. Announcing the project, Prime Minister Abela said…

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Malta: Marsa footpaths project to be inaugurated soon

L-Orizzont says that the first pedestrian paths are now complete and will be opened to the public this week. Infrastructure Malta designed a series of safe passages and block an…

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Malta: PN sets up green policy working group

In-Nazzjon reposts that the PN established a new working group to focus on environmental policy. Headed by electoral candidate Janice Chetcuti, the group will seek the input of different stakeholders…

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Malta: MCESD proposes trial for four-day working week

The Independent says that social partners have submitted a pre-budget document containing over 200 recommendations. The proposals include introducing a four-day-week pilot and reopening of trade schools. Read more: https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2021-08-31/local-news/Pilot-four-day-week-projects-reopening-trade-schools-frontliner-bonus-among-MCESD-budget-proposals-6736236360…

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Malta: Pope may visit Malta in November

Malta Today says that Pope Francis may visit Malta towards the end of November, though no plans are confirmed. Sources told the paper that the pontiff could combine the trip…

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Malta: Pilatus Bank slapped with multimillion fine

The Times reports that the FIAU imposed a €4.9 million fine on Pilatus Bank for systemic neglect of anti-money laundering procedures. A statement by the unit said that the now-shuttered…

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