News Update – 1230
Malta’s attractiveness starts to recover after removal from grey-list, concerns on corporate tax, skills
Malta’s attractiveness to foreign investors has started to recover following Malta’s exit from the FATF grey-list, but remains lower than it was before its inclusion. Accordin to the EY Malta Attractiveness Survey the proportion of existing foreign investors surveyed who deem Malta to be an attractive investment destination bounced back from 37% last year to 58%, though still lower the 62% who described Malta as an attractive investment destination in 2020. Among those that view Malta in a positive manner, the top reason mentioned by no less than 71% – was its corporate taxation. On the downside, 58% of foreign investors deemed international tax policy developments to be the biggest risk affecting Malta’s attractiveness to foreign investors, followed by skills shortages, with no less than 66% stating that they were unable to find the required specialised skills in Malta’s labour market.
PN MP Robert Arrigo Passes Away
Nationalist MP Robert Arrigo has died at the age of 67, a party official has confirmed. The former deputy leader of the party was diagnosed with cancer in the summer and had been undergoing chemotherapy. (Times of Malta)
Superyacht seized in Malta to fetch €150m
A judge has consented to the sale of a superyacht seized in Malta, estimated to fetch a value of €150 million. The Golden Odyssey will be sold after Deutsche Bank Luxembourg successfully seized the yacht while it was in Malta as part of its efforts to enforce its mortgage against it for an outstanding debt in excess of €116 million. Its owner, Kal Marine Limited, a Bermudan company, has obtained a loan from the bank in 2013, using the same yacht as collateral, but made no repayments.
Strong turnout for first day of Covid/flu vaccine
On the first day that flu and Omicron vaccinations began to be administered, 4,000 vaccinations were given, according to Health Minister Chris Fearne.
Health authorities have provided 132,000 flu shots – 115,000 for adults and 17,000 nasal sprays for children. The vaccine is effective against 4 types of flu including the one expected to be the most common during the coming winter, with authorities expecting a severe influenza season.
Morning Briefing
Government committed to ensure full justice on Caruana Galizia murder – PM
Government is committed to ensuring “full justice” with regard to the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, Prime Minister Robert Abela said in Parliament. Commenting on the prison sentence inflicted on the Degiorgio brothers, Abela said that this “was a sign that our country will continue to work for justice, and I want to stress government’s clear ambition to achieve that justice”. PN leader Bernard Grech took exception to the PM’s comments, saying results were only achievable after efforts by the Caruana Galizia family and civil society groups. (Maltatoday)
Meanwhile, a number of MEPs called on Government to take further action to enhance the rule of law and media freedom in Malta. More here.
Pakistani charged with rape of 15-year old Italian
A 22-year old Pakistani was charged with raping a 15-year old girl after meeting at a Paceville club last Saturday. The man denied the charge, and insisted that the encounter was consensual and that he had stopped when told so by the Italian girl, who is in Malta to study English. They both testified that following the encounter, two walked back together to Paceville and parted ways. The man was denied bail. (Times of Malta)
MFA investigating fight at kids’ game
The Malta Football Association has condemned serious incidents which erupted between parents at an Under 14 match between Valletta and San Gwann. A spokesperson for the football body said the MFA is investigating and will take disciplinary action. The public broadcaster reported that the brawl stated between two parents after the referee showed the red card to two players. They ended up insulting each other and one of them approached the other with ‘a rock’. (TVM)
