Malta News Briefing

Malta: EPP chairman promises PN leader support

In-Nazzjon says that the chairman of the European Popular Party, Manfred Weber, called PN Leader Bernard Grech to congratulate him and assure him of the group’s backing to help renew…

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Malta: UĦM proposes bills reductions

The Independent leads with pre-budget proposals by the UĦM union which is demanding a reduction in household utility bills and a bonus for front-liners in the healthcare industry in response…

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Malta: Heated court hearing involving minister and opposition MP

L-Orizzont follows a ‘rowdy’ hearing in court on Thursday in a case filed by minister Owen Bonnici against opposition MP Jason Azzopardi over Facebook comments. The minister said he can…

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Malta: Public inquiry board says it is not bound by PM’s deadline

The Times reports that the Caruana Galizia public inquiry intends to go on with the process even if it is not concluded by the December deadline imposed by the Prime…

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Malta: Professionals frustrated with slow bond listing process

Business Today reports that accountants, financial services providers, and firms are unhappy with the slow process for bond listing reviews, demanding that the MFSA listing committee meets more regularly. Another…

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Malta: Bernard Grech takes oath of office as Opposition Leader

In-Nazzjon reports on the swearing-in of Bernard Grech as Leader of the Opposition in a ceremony at San Anton Palace. Grech said that the role of the Opposition is to…

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Malta: PM meets businesses in catering industry

L-Orizzont reports on a meeting between Prime Minister Robert Abela and the association of catering establishments. ACE president Reuben Buttigieg said that the actions of the government have saved jobs…

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Malta: Unpublished deal hands Mellieħa woodlands to hunters

The Times reveals that the government is signing a contract with the hunters’ federation for the management of the woodland areas in Miżieb and L-Aħrax. Mellieħa councillors and NGOs opposing…

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Malta: New PN leader rebukes bickering MPs

The Independent quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who said that MPs misusing social media would be disciplined. He was replying to questions from the press following a feud playing out…

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Malta: MGA issues new guidelines on suspicious behaviour monitoring

The Malta Business Weekly reports on new guidelines by the Malta Gaming Authority demanding immediate reporting of suspicious betting behaviour. The new monitoring requirements will come into effect on January…

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Malta: Bernard Grech co-opted to parliament

In-Nazzjon reports on the co-option of Bernard Grech as a member of Parliament on Tuesday. In a short speech, he thanked the Speaker, Adrian Delia, and Ivan J. Bartolo who…

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Malta: Fiery first meeting between Robert Abela and Bernard Grech

Malta Today reports on the first official meeting between Robert Abela and Bernard Grech which took a combative direction despite the Prime Minister describing it as ‘cordial’. Abela told Grech…

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Malta: PL considering co-option to fill Joseph Muscat’s seat

The Times says that the Labour Party is considering co-opting an MP to replace Joseph Muscat instead of the regular casual election. The paper claims that party officials are keen…

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Malta: Economy Minister optimistic about Moneyval test

The Independent speaks to Economy Minister Silvio Schembri who said that Malta acted on the recommendations by the latest Moneyval report and the one before it and is confident that…

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Malta: Delia supporters cancel their party membership after defeat

L-Orizzont reports that more PN members have returned their membership cards following the result of the leadership election last weekend. The paper quotes a post by a party member who…

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Malta: Joseph Muscat leaves the House

The Times leads with the resignation of Joseph Muscat from parliament. The former Prime Minister announced his decision in a brief adjourned speech and said that he had not informed…

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Malta: PN executive votes to co-opt Bernard Grech to parliament

In-Nazzjon reports on the unanimous decision by the PN Executive Committee to co-opt newly elected leader Bernard Grech to parliament. Earlier, Adrian Delia handed Grech the keys to the leader’s…

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Malta: GWU proposes private emergency fund for businesses

L-Orizzont quotes General Workers Union secretary general Josef Bugeja who proposed an obligatory fund by the private sector to support employees in times of economic crises. The union celebrated its…

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Malta: Ten PN members resign following Grech’s election

The Independent speaks to PN secretary general Francis Zammit Dimech about a string of resignations from party officials following last weekend’s election results. Zammit Dimech said he received 10 resignation…

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Malta: Newest Opposition MP to give up his seat for Bernard Grech

In-Nazzjon says that Opposition MP Ivan J. Bartolo announced that he will give up his seat in parliament to make way for Bernard Grech. The new PN leader is expected…

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Malta: PM says budget will focus on social equity

L-Orizzont covers an address by Prime Minister Robert Abela on Sunday who said that the upcoming budget will demonstrate the ‘social soul’ of the government, particularly with measures for pensioners.…

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Malta: Robert Arrigo will not step down from PN deputy leader

The Independent speaks to PN deputy leader Robert Arrigo about his intentions following the election of Bernard Grech on Saturday. Arrigo pledged loyalty to the new leader and said that…

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Malta: Bernard Grech sets out his mission in first speech

The Times quotes newly elected PN Leader Bernard Grech as he laid out his priorities for the party in his first address. He said that his mission is to build…

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Malta: Bernard Grech elected new PN Leader

Il-Mument quotes newly-elected PN Leader Bernard Grech who appealed to party members to unite, renew, and strengthen in order to make the party successful again. Grech was confirmed leader at…

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Malta: Bernard Grech vows to bridge party divide

Malta Today leads with the election results of the PN leadership contest, won by Bernard Grech with 69 percent of the votes. In his address to the party’s general convention,…

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Malta: US rebuffs government’s SOFA proposal

The Sunday Times reports that US defence secretary Mark Esper has rejected a watered-down SOFA deal proposed by Malta. Government and US sources both said that the government’s proposals did…

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Malta: Gozo Tourism Association predicts harsh winter season

Illum publishes an interview with the CEO of the Gozo Tourism Association, Joe Muscat, who warned of a difficult winter ahead and said that the sustainability of the tourism industry…

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Malta: Healthcare professionals demand capital investment

The Independent on Sunday speaks to representatives of health professionals ahead of the 2021 budget who said that hospital infrastructure is in urgent need of upgrading. The Midwives and Nurses…

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Malta: Families hit hard by economic impacts of Covid-19

It-Torċa says more than a hundred families are at a greater risk of poverty because of the pandemic. The paper carries an interview with a father of two who lost…

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Malta: Regeneration works on Grand Harbour facilities

Kullħadd reports on restoration works on the Grand Harbour breakwater, both on the 370-metre stretch jutting out of Valletta and the shorter part in Kalkara. The paper says the renovation…

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Malta: Keith Schembri files constitutional case against asset freeze

The Times reports that Keith Schembri and the directors of his companies have filed an application before the Constitutional Court claiming a breach of fundamental human rights after a magistrate…

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Malta: GWU wants job security for remote workers

L-Orizzont quotes General Workers Union secretary general Josef Bugeja who called for reform of the legislation that regulates home-working. The union says that security, career progression, and benefits should be…

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Malta: Elected PN leader to be announced this evening

In-Nazzjon says that the total number and percentage of paid-up members who have voted in the PN leadership election are both higher than in the 2017 contest. The party’s general…

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Malta: Justice Minister applauds former AG for doing his duty

The Independent publishes an interview with Justice Minister Edward Zammit Lewis who defended the track record of Attorney General Peter Grech. The minister said there are different interpretations of the…

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Malta: PN leader to be announced on Saturday night

In-Nazzjon reports that 51 percent of those eligible PN members have cast their votes in the party leadership race which ends on Saturday. Counting will start right after the close…

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Malta: Chief Justice calls for law course reform

The Independent follows the ceremony marking the new forensic year during which Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti suggested the law course at university to be revised to nurture new skills in…

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Malta: Sant and Gonzi express concern over SOFA

The Times says that Alfred Sant and Lawrence Gonzi warned that a Status of Forces Agreement would lead to loss of sovereignty and jurisdiction. In separate comments, the former Prime…

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Malta: Neville Gafa’ plays down comments directed at Italian journalist

L-Orizzont follows the first hearing in the case against former OPM employee Neville Gafa’, accused by Italian journalist Sebastiano Scavo of posting personal threats on Facebook. Gafa’ said his statements…

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Malta: Neville Gafa’ plays down comments directed at Italian journalist

L-Orizzont follows the first hearing in the case against former OPM employee Neville Gafa’, accused by Italian journalist Sebastiano Scavo of posting personal threats on Facebook. Gafa’ said his statements…

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Malta: EU Commission report warns about system corruption

In-Nazzjon quotes a rule of law report by the EU Commission which says that the government failed to investigate systemic corruption at the highest levels. The murder of Daphne Caruana…

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Malta: GWU says pandemic demonstrates role of unions

L-Orizzont quotes General Workers Union secretary general Josef Bugeja who warned against abuse by employers as a result of the coronavirus. Bugeja argued that the pandemic shows the need for…

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Malta: Police tipped off about weapons order from US

The Times leads with the testimony of the head of the anti-terrorist unit, George Cremona, who told the Caruana Galizia public inquiry that the police had been tipped off about…

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Malta: Ryanair to resume flights to Milano, Nis

The Malta Business Weekly says that Ryanair will resume flights between Malta and Nis airport in Serbia from this month. Flights between Malta and Milano Bergamo will also be reintroduced…

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Malta: Steps by Accountancy Board against Nexia started last week

The Independent follows the Caruana Galizia public inquiry, during which the chairperson of the Accountancy Board, Peter Baldacchino, said that proceedings against Nexia BT and Brian Tonna started last week.…

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Malta: Economy Minister says domestic tourism is crucial for businesses

Business Today publishes an interview with Economy Minister Silvio Schembri who said that the budget will include new measures to support businesses. The minister said that domestic tourism has grown…

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Malta: Foreign Affairs Minister brushes off SOFA reports

The Independent says that the Foreign Affairs Ministry denied reports that Malta has agreed to a Status of Forces Agreement with the US or NATO. Prime Minister Robert Abela said…

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Malta: Employees more likely to be contacted after-hours than EU average

L-Orizzont publishes findings in a Eurostat report showing that almost half of employees in Malta receive work-related calls or messages in their leisure time. The rate of work-related contact is…

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Malta: AUM and cultural heritage watchdog met at OPM in 2018

The Times reveals that a meeting was held in Castille in 2018 between the Cultural Heritage Superintendent and the architect behind the American University of Malta’s proposal to convert an…

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Malta: Covid-19 casualties reach 34

In-Nazzjon reports that a 79-year-old woman died of Covid-19 on Monday, becoming the 34th victim of the disease in Malta. The woman had tested negative for the virus just two…

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Malta: US defence secretary starts visit

Malta Today leads with the expected visit in Malta of US defence secretary Mark Esper today. The paper says that the government is under pressure to sign a Status of…

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Malta: Sci-fi horror film being shot in Malta

The Seed, a €2 million production being produced by UK company Ingenious Group with local collaboration, is currently being shot at two locations in Malta. The horror/sci-fiction production is being…

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Malta: Under half of young people for abortion

L-Orizzont publishes survey findings showing that 46 percent of people between 16 and 25 years are in favour of legalising abortion. Nationally, 82 percent are against abortion and 18 are…

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Malta: Vince Muscat hints at political links to Caruana Galizia murder

The Times says that Vince Muscat, one of the three suspects in the Caruana Galizia murder, accused police inspectors of playing for time not to expose involvement by politicians and…

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Malta: Two more Covid-19 victims on Monday

In-Nazzjon reports that two elderly people infected with Covid-19 died on Monday aged 91 and 86. Both victims were residents in nursing homes, bringing the total number of casualties in…

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Malta: EC to vet new citizenship scheme

The Independent reveals that the European Commission is set to examine Malta’s revamped citizenship by investment scheme. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticised the sale of EU passports in…

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Malta: Education Minister says school infections cannot realistically be ruled out

In-Nazzjon quotes Education Minister Owen Bonnici who said that it is impossible to say there will not be Covid-19 cases in schools and appealed for the parents’ help to contain the…

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Malta: Employees affected by asset freeze order demand salaries

L-Orizzont reports that employees of companies owned by Keith Schembri filed a judicial protest demanding their salaries to be paid after the courts ordered a freeze on all transactions. The…

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