Malta News Briefing

Malta: Foreign Affairs Minister says country merits FATF approval

The Times quotes Foreign Affairs Minister Evarist Bartolo who said that Malta does not deserve to be grey-listed by Financial Action Task Force. His comments came ahead of a final…

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Malta: Public sector engineers and architects demand agreement review

The Malta Business Weekly publishes an interview with the union representing architects and engineers in the public sector. David Spiteri said that the government is showing unwillingness to review ten-year-old…

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Malta: Developers hold talks with government about dumping sites

Business Today reports that the developers’ association and the government are in talks about the prices of dumping sites for construction material. Most road works have been halted because of…

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Malta: Government launches consultation document on decarbonisation

The Independent says that the Low Carbon Development Strategy unveiled by the government on Monday aims to incentivise the electrification of mobility and resource-efficient buildings in the next 30 years.…

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Malta: Scores of people falling victim to parcel delivery scam

The Times says that the police are receiving an average of 20 new reports every day about a scheme by international scammers posing as parcel delivery companies. Victims of the…

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Malta: Hundreds of speeding fines issued in three weeks

L-Orizzont says that over 1,600 speeding fines have been issued in the three weeks since new speed cameras were installed in the Coast Road. The highest recorded speed was 105…

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Malta: Performers and entertainment artists to protest restrictions

In-Nazzjon says that the association representing artists and the entertainment sector is calling a protest next week to voice disagreement with restrictions on events. Representatives said that event organisers are…

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Malta: PN MP says energy consumption from interconnector reduced to a fifth of capacity

In-Nazzjon quotes PN spokesperson for Energy Ryan Callus who said that supply from the interconnector with Sicily fell by more than half since 2015. Last year, just over a fifth…

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Malta: Health Minister unconcerned by Cabinet members spotted at local feast

The Independent reports that Health Minister Chris Fearne defended the presence of several Cabinet ministers who were seen at the Żebbuġ parish feast last weekend. He said that they have…

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Malta: A third admit to seeking personal favours for public services

The Times quotes study results by Transparency International which found that a third of people in Malta have leaned on their personal connections to access public services such as social…

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Malta: Commissioner raises alarm about domestic abuse on elderly

L-Orizzont speaks with Commissioner for the Elderly Mary Vella who said that abuse on the elderly is a growing problem, both in terms of incidence and complexity. Dr Vella said…

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Malta: PN leader says mental health should be given same priority as physical health

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who said that the health system should treat physical wellbeing and mental wellbeing equally. He pledged that a PN government would fight the stigma…

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Malta: Developers suggest eight-hour day for heavy machinery

L-Orizzont reveals that the developers’ association is demanding a review of the hours during which heavy construction equipment is allowed to operate. The lobby is proposing a time window between…

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Malta: Diabetic minors to be provided with monitoring service after test project

The Independent reports that a pilot project providing continuous monitoring to minors living with type 1 diabetes will be extended. The project measures the glucose levels of patients and is…

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Malta: Interconnector used at around a fifth of its capacity last year

The Times says that the supply of energy from the interconnector fell from 78 per cent when it first started operating in 2015 to 22 per cent last year. The…

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Malta: Bernard Grech lashes out at Joseph Muscat payout

Il-Mument quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who said that the reported €120,000 termination package paid to former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was unacceptable in a ‘normal country’. He criticised the…

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Malta: Catering sector enduring staffing crisis

The Independent on Sunday speaks with the CEO of the Hotels and Restaurants Association, Andrew Agius Muscat, who warned that shortness of employees in the sector is turning into an…

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Malta: Retired superintendent to face corruption charges

The Sunday Times reveals that the former head of the police anti-money laundering unit, Ray Aquilina, will face charges for corruption and tax evasion. Investigations into leaks from the Caruana…

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Malta: Farmers raise alarm about microplastics in the food chain

It-Torċa speaks with agricultural workers who raised concerns about the threat of microplastics to food production. They said that there are currently no rules to control the disintegration of plastics…

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Malta: Three-fourths want reopening of entertainment venues

Illum publishes survey results showing that 74 per cent of the population agrees that clubs and entertainment establishments should open for fully vaccinated people. A fifth of respondents said it…

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Malta: Government mulling ratification of EU sports betting convention

Malta Today says that Malta’s veto on a sports betting convention is complicating assessment by the Financial Action Task Force. A government official told the paper that the country may…

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Malta: PN Leader calls for new corporate tax regime

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who said that the party is developing a new tax system that supports local businesses. His comments came during a visit to a furniture…

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Malta: Health Minister says pandemic brought under control

L-Orizzont quotes Health Minister Chris Fearne who said that the Covid-19 situation in Malta is now under control but warned that the pandemic is still raging in most countries and…

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Malta: Marsa murder suspect arrested

The Independent says that a police investigation into a murder led to an arrest of a suspect. The 25-year-old man tried to flee through the roof of his residence when…

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Malta: Mass events return for vaccinated persons

The Times says that seated mass events can resume for fully vaccinated persons from July 5. Attendance will be limited to 100 people at first and expected to increase to…

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Malta: PN proposes international cargo hub

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who proposed an international intermodal hub for cargo logistics. Visiting the Valletta Cruise Port in Valletta, Grech said that the maritime sector should play…

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Government launches ten-year economic vision: The Headline – The Independent

The Independent reports on the publication of a consultation document by the government on Malta economic priorities in the next decade. Addressing the launch event, Prime Minister Robert Abela stressed…

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Planning Authority approves Pembroke megadevelopment: The Headline – The Times

The Times leads with the approval of the City Centre project in Pembroke by the Planning Authority Board on Thursday. Four members voted in favour and three against while five…

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Malta: Some cultural events to be allowed from next month

L-Orizzont said that the government will announce new protocols allowing vaccinated people to join cultural events from July. Culture Minister Jose Herrera is expected to give out the details today.…

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Malta: PN unveils mental health reform proposals

In-Nazzjon reports the launch of a nine-point plan for mental health by the Nationalist Party. The reform envisages the building of a new dedicated hospital and expanding community services. Read…

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Malta: Over 70,000 visited Gozo over the long weekend

L-Orizzont says that more than 70,000 people crossed to Gozo over the long weekend, most of them on the Sette Giugno national holiday. Compared with the same period last year,…

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Malta: Diving schools fear slow recovery

The Malta Business Weekly carries an interview with the chairman of the professional diving schools association, Simon Sciberras, who warned that the industry in Malta will take years to recover…

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Malta: Prime Minister wants to dialogue with EU Commission

Business Today quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela who declared that Malta wants an open dialogue with the European Commission about the golden passport scheme. He said, however, that the government…

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Malta: Government defends passport scheme

The Independent quotes a government statement insisting that citizenship is the competence of national governments in the EU. Malta was reacting to a formal letter of notice by the European…

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Malta: EU Commission takes first step against citizenship programme

The Times reports that the European Commission sent Malta a letter of formal notice over its Individual Investor Programme arguing that acquisition of nationality in member states should respect EU…

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Malta: Government yet to present recovery strategy to EU

In-Nazzjon says that the government has not submitted its economic recovery plan to the EU, one of the only member states left to present their proposals. The paper said that…

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Malta: European Commission directs Degiorgrio brothers to Europol

The Times says that the European Commission advised suspected killers Alfred and George Degiorgio to share any relevant information with Europol. The brothers wrote to the Commission last month protesting…

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Malta: Police seize record-breaking 740kg cocaine at the Freeport

L-Orizzont says that the police have intercepted 740 kilograms of cocaine at the Freeport with a market value of up to €100 million. The substance was hidden in a container…

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Malta: Eight in ten believe legalised prostitution increases violence

The Independent quotes survey results indicating that 80 per cent of the population are concerned that the legalisation of prostitution would lead to higher violence in society. The study was…

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Malta: Government plans second interconnector by 2025

Malta Today leads with a statement by Energy Minister Miriam Dalli announcing a second interconnector cable expected to be completed by 2025. The project will link with Ragusa in Sicily…

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Malta: PN raises €240,500 in Sette Giugno telethon

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who said that the party is renewing itself and growing into an alternative government. He was speaking during a political fundraising marathon that collected…

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Malta: Increase in filed rape reports

L-Orizzont says that there were six reported cases of rape in the first months this year, a rise when compared to the same period last year. In 2020, the police…

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Malta: First day without new Covid-19 cases in 11 months

The Independent reports that no new Covid-19 cases were registered on Monday, the first time since July last year. Meanwhile, two more patients recovered bringing the number of active cases…

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Malta: Ombudsman slams Armed Forces promotions

The Times quotes a report by the Ombudsman which concludes that the quick promotions of four Armed Forces officers soon after the 2013 elections were done behind the back of…

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Malta: Government and public entity clash over proposed CEO

The Times says that the process to appoint a CEO at the Asset Recovery Bureau has stalled as the government expressed reservations over the person nominated by the body. The…

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Malta: Prime Minister welcomes Fitch report

L-Orizzont quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela who welcomed the positive predictions by credit agency Fitch Ratings. Abela said that the government is credible and delivers what it promises. The paper…

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Malta: PN pledges to close Mount Carmel hospital

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who said that a PN government would shut down Mount Carmel hospital and open a new hospital. He said that mental health needs to…

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Malta: Popular Sliema establishment to set tables on shore

The Independent says that the tourism authority has granted Paradise Exiles in Sliema a permit to set up tables on the shore, just opposite the establishment. The authority said that…

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Malta: PN reiterates promise to make Gozo coastal area public

Il-Mument follows a press event addressed by PN spokesperson for the environment Robert Cutajar who promised that a Nationalist government would bay private land in Ħondoq ir-Rummien and give it…

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Malta: Positive results from reopening of tourism season

Kullħadd says that the tourism sector has been encouraged by the first arrivals since the reopening of the tourist season on Tuesday. The biggest markets were France, Germany, the Netherlands,…

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Malta: Anti-money laundering committee lists expectations ahead of test

The Sunday Times reports that the Financial Action Task Force is urging the Finance Ministry to enact series of reforms ahead of a decision on Malta’s compliance with international anti-money…

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Malta: Ħondoq ir-Rummien property owners float expropriation deal

Malta Today says that the owners of land in Ħondoq ir-Rummien told the government that they would consider selling the area for €17 million. The site is earmarked for a…

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Malta: Fitch warns about consequences of global tax arrangements

It-Torċa quotes a report by credit agency Fitch which warns that a proposed global minimum tax of 15 per cent could have a negative impact on Malta’s economy. The recommendation…

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Malta: Most in favour of Eurovision participation

Illum publishes survey results showing that half the population wants Malta to keep participating in the Eurovision song contest. Asked whether the country should enter with a song in Maltese,…

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Malta: New financial watchdog CEO set to be appointed next month

The Independent on Sunday reveals that the Financial Services Authority has received more than 62 applications for the post of CEO. The majority of the candidates are from overseas and…

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Malta: PN leader calls for national unity

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who called for a radical change in politics to build unity in the country. Grech was addressing the national conference of the state of…

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Malta: Majority say they are not comfortable mixing with other cultures

The Independent quotes survey findings published by the Office of the President on the state of the nation. The results find that six in ten people are satisfied with their…

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