Briefings

Insights

Headlines

World

59-year old man dies after five-storey fall – Malta News Briefing – Friday 16 April 2021

Update 1830 - A 59 year old man from Zejtun died after falling from a height of five storeys while doing work in a block of an apartments in Triq John Dalli - Żabbar. This is the second incident of its kind this week. On Wednesday, a 38-year-old worker fell to his death on a construction site in M...

Four new judges announced – Malta News Briefing – Thursday 15 April 2021 – UPDATED

Latest Update- News Portal Briefing Times of Malta reports that Malta recorded the biggest slump in retail volume within the EU in February while most other member states made a recovery, according to Eurostat. MaltaToday reports that Labour Party President Ramona Attard says commenting ...

No J&J jabs for the time being – Prof Gauci / Malta News Briefing – Wednesday 14 April 2021

Updated 1600 - No J&J jabs for the time being - Prof Gauci Malta will not be using the J&J vaccine for the time being, Health Superintendent Prof Charmaine Gauci revealed today during an interview on The Times of Malta. She explained that in doing so, health authorities were observing th...

59 new Covid-19 cases in past 24 hrs / Malta News Briefing – Tuesday 13 April 2021

Updated 1400 - Covid-19 UpdateToday, 59 new cases were recorded as 50 people recovered. These new cases were foundfrom 1,758 swab tests taken over the previous 24 hours.There are now 561 active cases. One person, a 68 year old woman died while Covid-19positive. Newspaper Review The Independen...

42 new Covid-19 cases / Malta News Briefing – Monday 12 April 2021

Updated 1745- News Portal Briefing Times of Malta reports that tourism authorities have not given the go-ahead to any mass events, Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo has said after a series of large-scale festivals set dates for late summer. MaltaToday reports that Enforcement authorities ...

Malta: Passengers between the islands decrease by a third

The number of passengers crossing between Malta and Gozo in the first quarter this year decreased by 31.5 percent compared with the same period in 2020. Figures by the National Statistics Office show that a total of 710,749 persons travelled between Malta and Gozo in the first three months of 2021. ...

Malta: Nine students for every teacher in schools

The overall ratio between teachers and the student population stood at 9.2 in the academic year 2018-2019. Data by the National Statistics Office shows that the ratio was lowest in state schools with 8.3 students per teacher. It rose to 11.2 in church schools and 12.4 in private schools. The total ...

Malta: Retail sector registers sharpest drop in the EU

The volume of retail trade fell for a second consecutive month in February, decreasing by 1.5 percent from January. Data by Eurostat shows that the drop in Malta was the highest among EU members, followed by France and Hungary (both -1.2%). The retail sector in the EU27 registered a 2.9 percent mont...

Malta: Fewer tourists but longer stays in February

Inbound tourism in February dropped nearly 94 percent compared with the same month last year, with a total of 9,151 visitors. Figures by the National Statistics Office, however, show that the average length of stay more than doubled from 5.8 nights in 2020 to 12.4 nights this year. Almost nine in e...

Malta: January accounted for a fifth of language students in 2020

The number of students enrolled in English as a Foreign Language courses last year was just under 14,500, a drop of more than two-thirds from 83,610 registered in 2019. Data by the National Statistics Office shows that January emerged as the strongest month, with 3,480 students in language schools a...

Malta: Police investigating reports about a couple which is asking for money for towing

After a number of people were defrauded by a couple which was asking them for money to supposedly tow their car, the Police have confirmed with TVM that it has received other similar reports and the case is being investigated. The man and woman were caught on video asking a man for mon...

Malta: Koħħu says only Chris Cardona could provide intelligence on Daphne Caruana Galizia

Self-confessed Daphne Caruana Galizia hitman Vincent Muscat told George and Alfred Degiorgio, accused of the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, that former Labour deputy leader and economy minister Chris Cardona was best placed to provide information on the journalist. “If not Chris Cardona, then...

Malta: Unions using patients as ‘pawns’ to pressure authorities, health commissioner warns

The Commissioner for Health at the Office of the Ombudsman says unions must not use patients to pressure authorities, but also insists ministries must act swiftly when faced with complaints Source: MaltaToday Updated: 1745

Malta: PN Leader reiterates commitment to make party younger

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who said that decisions need to be made to revitalise the party and open it to more young people. Grech said it is his responsibility to make the difficult decisions that. Another report publishes a statement by the Nationalist Party calling on the Prime...

Malta: Seven in ten vaccinations are Pfizer doses

The Independent says that nearly 70 percent of vaccinations administered in Malta so far were Pfizer-BioNTech doses. The AstraZeneca vaccine made 28 percent of all jabs while four percent received the Moderna vaccine. The paper speaks to the Dean of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, Andrew Azzop...

Italy to ease COVID-19 curbs in many regions as of April 26, PM Draghi says

ROME, April 16 (Reuters/ANSA) - Italy will ease coronavirus restrictions in many areas as of April 26, Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Friday, slightly bringing forward the easing of restrictions originally set for the start of May. "The government is taking a reasonable risk based on data t...

Pfizer CEO says people will likely need a third booster dose of COVID-19 vaccines within 12 months

Pfizer Inc Chief Executive Albert Bourla said people will 'likely' need a third booster dose of COVID-19 vaccines within 12 months and could need annual shots, CNBC reported based on his comments from April 1, which were made public on Thursday. Initial data has shown that vaccines from Moderna...

UK scientists find higher risk of brain clots from COVID-19 compared with vaccines

There is a much higher risk of brain blood clots from COVID-19 infection than there is from vaccines against the disease, British researchers said on Thursday, after the rollout of inoculations was disrupted by reports of rare clots. AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson have both seen very ...

Turkey says not picking a side in Ukraine-Russia conflict, Baltic foreign ministers visiting Ukraine ‘to express support’

Turkey is not picking a side in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday in an interview on broadcaster NTV. President Tayyip Erdogan called at the weekend for an end to “worrying” developments in eastern Ukraine’s Donbass region aft...

No let down in tension between Russia and Ukraine

Russia and Ukraine held simultaneous military drills on Wednesday as NATO foreign and defence ministers began emergency discussions on a massing of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border. Washington and NATO have been alarmed by the large build-up of Russian troops near Ukraine and in Crim...

16th April 2021

Malta’s deputy Perm Rep to UN to serve as vice-chair of UN’s CPC

Malta’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations has been elected to serve as vice-chair of one of the organisation’s key committees. The Times of Malta reports that Giovanni Buttigieg will serve in that role at the UN’s Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC), which is responsible for planning, programming and coordin...

16th April 2021

59-year old man dies after five-storey fall – Malta News Briefing – Friday 16 April 2021

16th April 2021

Air Malta announces May operating schedule

As Air Malta prepares to shortly announce its increased Summer flying programme, the Airline has announced its May schedule. The Parisian airport of Orly is the latest addition to the airline’s flight schedule which will now increase to 26 weekly flights across 11 destinations. Commenting on this announcement Roy Kinnear, Air Malta’s Chief Comm...

16th April 2021

Malta – 19% of catering establishments close in first year of pandemic – ACE

In a study conducted by the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE) in collaboration with a number of suppliers it transpires that between March 2020 and March 2021 approximately 19 percent of establishments closed down . This staggering figure confirms the studies that the ACE had done in 2020 whereby 24 percent of the establishments declar...

16th April 2021

Ms. Joanne Bondin is the new president of the Malta Employers’ Association

Following its Annual General Meeting, Ms. Joanne Bondin has been appointed as the President of the Malta Employers’Association. Ms. Bondin has served on the Council of the MEA for a number of years, and has 15 years of experience in providing consultancy services to a variety of companies. She advises small, medium and large enterprises on cha...

16th April 2021

Malta: PN Leader reiterates commitment to make party younger

16th April 2021

Malta: Seven in ten vaccinations are Pfizer doses

16th April 2021

Malta: Animals Commissioner demands upgrade of pet-friendly bays

L-Orizzont speaks with Animal Welfare Commissioner Alison Bezzina who said that the dog-friendly bays that are currently available are less than acceptable. She said that many of these bays are inaccessible and not well-kept. Another story reports that a police officer won over €10,000 in compensation after he was accidentally shot by another o...

16th April 2021

Malta: Restaurants could reopen within a month

The Times says that the government is planning to reopen restaurants by mid-May, but no dates have been set for bars and clubs. Businesses in the catering industry are warning that they are on the brink. The paper carries an interview with Phyllis Stewart, whose husband Tom disappeared five years ago after breaking out of Mount Carmel hospital....

15th April 2021

Four new judges announced – Malta News Briefing – Thursday 15 April 2021 – UPDATED

15th April 2021

Maltese Editors Perspectives

The Times of Malta reacts to the latest restructuring plan submitted by Air Malta which is seeking to convince the EU competition regulators that it has a viable future if only it is granted yet another big injection of taxpayers’ money. The Editor argues that it will be about how credible the new restructuring plan will be to stem financial losse...

15th April 2021

MEA finds PN’s energy proposals as positive and constructive

The Malta Employers’ Association described the document – A New Energy Future for Malta presented by the Partit Nazzjonalista as encouraging, and with a vision to transform the country to achieve renewable targets and goals that translate into a greener economy with more efficient energy generation from which businesses and households may benefit....

15th April 2021

Malta: Malta Air considering action against state support for national airline

Business Today asks the CEO of Ryanair’s subsidiary Malta Air whether the company would object to the government’s request to inject €290 million in Air Malta. David O’Brien said that the company was seeking legal advice on the matter. The paper quotes Chamber of Commerce President Marisa Xuereb who said that the Chamber is holding talks with t...

15th April 2021

MaltaPost CEO reflects on rapid transformations in a year: The Headline – The Malta Business Weekly

The Malta Business Weekly carries an interview with MaltaPost CEO Joseph Gafa who said that the pandemic and Brexit meant that the postal service had to adapt to a changing scenario quickly. The paper quotes a statement by the federation of English language schools warning that the industry is facing an uncertain future. Designate CEO Caroline ...

15th April 2021

Malta: Brian Tonna refuses to answer parliamentary committee questions

The Independent follows the appearance of Nexia BT partner Brian Tonna before the parliamentary accounts committee on Wednesday where he was questioned about the Electrogas deal. Tonna chose to remain silent during the grilling. Another story quotes Deputy Attorney General Philip Galea Farrugia who told court that Yorgen Fenech requested an urg...

15th April 2021

Malta: Melvin Theuma confided in family members

L-Orizzont follows the testimony in court of state witness Melvin Theuma who said that he had opened up with members of his family about his involvement in the Caruana Galizia murder because he could no longer keep the secret. The paper says that the appearance of former PN Leader Simon Busuttil is piling pressure on current leader Bernard Grec...

15th April 2021

Malta: President Emeritus criticises fundraising legal notice

In-Nazzjon quotes former President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca who said that a new legal notice regulating fundraising unfairly targets NGOs. Speaking during a discussion by the Faculty of Social Wellbeing, she said NGOs need support. The paper says that the Broadcasting Authority upheld a complaint by the Nationalist Party of political imbalanc...

15th April 2021

Malta: Yorgen Fenech was planning on leaving the country

The Times follows the case in court against Yorgen Fenech who prosecutors believe had a plan to flee Malta to avoid arrest. A text message by his uncle in 2019 advised him to leave while he was still in time. Another story reports that 54 local councils that applied for an EU programme to fund free internet points in public spaces may miss out ...

14th April 2021

Malta: Passengers between the islands decrease by a third

14th April 2021

Photo Story – Malta Air Boeing 737 Max closer to take off

Woodys AeroImages has revealed new photos of Ryanair's subsidiary airline 9H-VUA Malta Air's Boeing 737 Max with engine cages in place indicating that either 1st engine start is imminent or has already occurred. https://twitter.com/AeroimagesChris/status/1382175658286063616

14th April 2021

Malta: Police investigating illegal party

The Independent speaks to the police about reports of an illegal party held in a private villa last week. A spokesperson said that the police have launched a joint investigation with the Malta Tourism Authority. Another report says that Magistrate Donatello Frendo Dimech confirmed a freezing order on all assets owned by restaurant manager Flore...

14th April 2021

Malta: Police find thousands in cash at woman’s house – Updated

In-Nazzjon reports that a money-laundering investigation led the police to discover €52,000 in cash and other items of high value at the home of 29-year-old Floren Sultana. The restaurateur starred in a PL electoral advert in 2013. The step-daughter of Darren Debono, who faces charges of money laundering in Malta over an oil smuggling operation...

14th April 2021

Malta: Government exploring common travel certificate with UK

Malta Today quotes Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo who said that Malta is holding talks with the UK on a Covid-19 digital certificate to allow safer travel between the two countries. The minister said the certificate will indicate the vaccination dates. Another story reports money-laundering charges against a seafood restaurant manager and a f...

14th April 2021

Malta: Government submits Air Malta state aid plan

The Times says that the government is seeking permission from Brussels to inject €290 million into Air Malta as part of a five-year restructuring plan. Discussions with the EU Commission are expected to begin this month. The paper says that an error in the registration of donations to L-Istrina, Caritas, and Dar tal-Providenza has bloated telet...

14th April 2021

Malta: Mandatory reporting for abuse against minors

L-Orizzont reports that suspected cases of child abuse will now require mandatory reporting by professionals. Family Minister Michael Falzon said that the new regulation will fast-track the process of investigation. Another story says that Air Malta and Czech Airlines will start operating flights to Malta from this summer. The number of routes ...

14th April 2021

No J&J jabs for the time being – Prof Gauci / Malta News Briefing – Wednesday 14 April 2021

13th April 2021

Automatic adjustment of utility bills following the birth of a child or loss of a family member

An agreement reached between ARMS Ltd and Identity Malta Agency will allow families to automatically ajdust their utility bills following the birth of a child or the death of a family member. A memorandum of understanding signed between Identity Malta Agency and ARMS Ltd will allow for the entities to work more efficiently, saving time and eff...

13th April 2021

BOV launches new 3D Secure App

Bank of Valletta has launched its new BOV 3D Secure App, an app that introduces a stronger security process for online purchases. This new App replaces the current method whereby a one-time passcode is sent to the cardholders via SMS to authenticate their online shopping and service payments. The BOV 3D Secure App will help protect online shop...

13th April 2021

59 new Covid-19 cases in past 24 hrs / Malta News Briefing – Tuesday 13 April 2021

13th April 2021

Malta: Nine students for every teacher in schools

13th April 2021

Maltese Editors Perspectives

The Times discusses Malta's role in helping Libya continue on its path to stability, a development from which Malta seeks to benefit if this brings ontrol of migration to Europe. The Editor adds that Malta’s efforts to support Libya will have a better chance of success if made in the context of the United Nations and the EU’s crisis response strat...

13th April 2021

Malta: PN Leader sees hope in survey results

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who said that recent surveys show the party has reduced the gap with the Labour Party by half over the last six months. Grech promised to take the necessary decisions to continue strengthening the party. The paper says the Education Minister Justyne Caruana is refusing to say whether she had approved a ...

13th April 2021

Malta: Surveys indicate 35,000 gap between parties

L-Orizzont says that surveys published on Sunday show that the Labour Party enjoys a substantial lead over the Nationalist Party, projecting a difference of around 32,000 votes were elections to be held right now. Another story follows the case of a man charged with presenting falsified Covid-19 certificates at the airport. Magistrate Joe Mifsu...

13th April 2021

Malta: Nationalist MP claims conspiracy against him

The Times quotes PN MP Toni Bezzina who told reporters at the end of a police interrogation that he was the victim of a “political frame-up”. The investigations follow claims that Bezzina dispatched government workers to carry out works on a PN club in 2012. The paper follows a hearing in the courts on Monday during which Planning Authority rep...

13th April 2021

Malta: Tourism levels expected to reach 40 percent of 2019

The Independent speaks to the president of the association of travel agents, Iain Tonna, who warned that operators cannot risk another summer of inactivity. Tonna said indications suggest that the volume of tourism could rise up to 40 percent of 2019 levels. Another story quotes Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci who confirmed two ins...

13th April 2021

Maltese business’ uptake of AI second highest in EU

Maltese companies have stated to proactively embrace the revolution of Artificial Intelligence as an area of strategic importance and a key driver of economic development, data released by Eurostat has shown. In 2020, 7% of enterprises in the EU with at least 10 people employed used AI applications. While 2% of the enterprises used machine lear...

12th April 2021

Malta: Retail sector registers sharpest drop in the EU

12th April 2021

42 new Covid-19 cases / Malta News Briefing – Monday 12 April 2021

12th April 2021

Malta: Fewer tourists but longer stays in February

12th April 2021

Malta: PN Leader calls for balanced immigration decisions

In-Nazzjon follows an interview with PN Leader Bernard Grech who said that immigration policy should place the national interest first without trampling on the dignity of individuals. Grech said that decisions must be taken seriously. The paper quotes separate surveys published in the Sunday papers showing a “positive trend” for the Natio...

Turkey says not picking a side in Ukraine-Russia conflict, Baltic foreign ministers visiting Ukraine ‘to express support’

Turkey is not picking a side in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Turkish Foreign Minist...

No let down in tension between Russia and Ukraine

Russia and Ukraine held simultaneous military drills on Wednesday as NATO foreign and defence m...

Study shows Brazil’s P1 coronavirus variant mutating, may become more dangerous

Brazil’s P1 coronavirus variant, behind a deadly COVID-19 surge in the Latin American country t...

Malta’s deputy Perm Rep to UN to serve as vice-chair of UN’s CPC

Malta’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations has been elected to serve as vice-cha...
Spain’s Iberia asks public to pick summer destination

MADRID, April 16 (Reuters) - Spanish airline Iberia will let social media users choose an additiona...
59-year old man dies after five-storey fall – Malta News Briefing – Friday 16 April 2021

Update 1830 - A 59 year old man from Zejtun died after falling from a height of five storeys while...
Malta: Police investigating reports about a couple which is asking for money for towing

After a number of people were defrauded by a couple which was asking them for money to su...
Malta: Koħħu says only Chris Cardona could provide intelligence on Daphne Caruana Galizia

Self-confessed Daphne Caruana Galizia hitman Vincent Muscat told George and Alfred Degiorgio, accus...