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Malta News Briefing – Tuesday 22 June 2021

Updated 0850 - Newspaper Review The Times leads with the discovery of a stockpile of weapons wrapped in waterproof bags on the seabed. The police believe the stash, which includes a detonator similar to the one used in the Caruana Galizia murder, was hidden away by Tal-Maksar brothers. In-Naz...

Malta News Briefing – Monday 21 June 2021

Updated 1232 Covid-19 Update: Just one case of coronavirus was reported on Monday, with five persons recovering. This leaves just 23 active cases around the country. 1,480 swab tests were carried out yesterday. 288,195 persons are now fully vaccinated. Government in last efforts to secure pos...

PN’s leader letter to FATF takes centre stage on Sunday’s debates / Malta News Briefing – Sunday 20 June 2021

Covid-19 Update - There was new case of COVID-19 reported on Sunday and three patients recovered, bringing the number of active cases down to 27. Prime Minister Robert Abela on Sunday criticised the Opposition leader Bernard Grech accusing him of wanting Malta to be grey-listed by FATF, the anti...

80% of adults will have received one vaccine by tomorrow / Malta News Briefing – Saturday 19 June 2021

Updated 1245 Covid-19: No new cases of coronavirus were reported on Saturday, and with three persons recovering, active cases have gone down to 29. Speaking on party media, Health Minister Chris Fearne said that 80 per cent of adults will have received at least one vaccine doses by Sunday. Re...

Malta News Briefing – Friday 18 June 2021

Updated 1330 - Covid-19 Update Three new COVID-19 cases were registered on Friday with four patients recovering. Thus, active cases go down to 32. 1,965 swab tests were carried out yesterday. Newspaper Review The Independent says that over 200 lawyers are objecting to proposed law amendmen...

Malta: Energy from photovoltaics up by a fifth in 2020

Production of energy from photovoltaic installations amounted to just under 185,000 kWp in 2020, an increase of 19.6 per cent from the previous year. Data by the National Statistics Office shows that half of the total energy was produced by the commercial sector albeit accounting for only 5.5 per ce...

Malta: Industrial production eclipses EU average in April

Industrial production rose by 5.6 per cent between March and April, the second-highest rate among EU members. Figures by Eurostat show that the increase outpaced the EU average of 0.5 per cent and was behind only the rise registered in Belgium (+7.4%). Compared with April 2020, however, the gain in ...

Malta: Production grows across the board for the first time in a year

Industrial Production increased by 5.3 per cent in April compared to the previous month, registering growth across all major groupings for the first month in twelve months. The Index of Industrial Production stood at 107.4, the highest in a year according to figures published by the National Statist...

Malta: Property transactions decrease in May but total value increases

Final deeds of property sales in May surpassed a total value of €300 million for the first time since October 2018. Figures by the National Statistics Office show transactions adding up to €319.5 million, the highest total value generated in the 41 months under review since January 2018. The number...

Malta: Women score lower unemployment rate than men

The rate of unemployment among women stood at 3.7 per cent in April, the first time it fell lower than the male unemployment rate in twelve months. Unemployment among men stood at a stable 3.8 per cent for three months, while that among women fell from 4.0 per cent in February to 3.8 per cent in Mar...

Malta: Laws are being drafted to counter SLAPP

The Independent follows a webinar discussing freedom of expression in Malta and Europe. Addressing the event, MEP Roberta Metsola announced that new anti-SLAPP legislation will be binding EU-wide. Read more: https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2021-06-21/local-news/LIVE-Webinar-on-freedom-of-ex...

Malta: Finance Minister cautiously confident ahead of FATF assessment

In-Nazzjon says that Finance Minister Clyde Caruana is cautious but confident ahead of the vote on Malta’s compliance with international anti-money laundering frameworks by the members of the Financial Action Task Force on Wednesday. Read more: https://netnews.com.mt/2021/06/21/il-ministru-clyde-ca...

Malta: Cabinet rejects second pardon request by Degiorgio brothers

L-Orizzont quotes a government statement issued on Monday announcing that the Cabinet of Ministers has advised the President against a pardon requested by George and Alfred Degiorgio. The brothers are suspects in the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia. The paper speaks with the president of...

Malta: Police find hidden supply of weapons at sea

The Times leads with the discovery of a stockpile of weapons wrapped in waterproof bags on the seabed. The police believe the stash, which includes a detonator similar to the one used in the Caruana Galizia murder, was hidden away by Tal-Maksar brothers. Read more: https://timesofmalta.com/articles...

Malta: Weapons found at sea linked to Maksar brothers, police believe

A stash of fully automatic assault rifles and bomb detonators found at sea on Sunday are believed to be linked to an organised crime group charged with complicity in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Sources told Times of Malta that the weapons, which include AK-47 machine guns and oth...

UK government working on quarantine-free travel for fully-vaccinated persons – Hancock

Quarantine-free travel to amber list countries for people who have been fully vaccinated is "absolutely something" the government is "working on", the health secretary has told Sky News. "This hasn't been clinically advised yet, we're working on it," Matt Hancock said. Britain is working on p...

Suicide bomber wounds French troops in central Mali

A suicide bomber in a car attacked a French reconnaissance mission in central Mali on Monday, wounding some of the soldiers and local residents, the French army said. The French military did not say how many were hurt, but the mayor of the town of Gos...

Business conditions turn positive, CBM report shows

In May, business conditions were positive, as the economy continued to recover from the COVID-19 economic shock. European Commission data, in fact, show that sentiment was positive across all sectors - bar the retail sector, which stood marginally negative. Overall economic sentiment edged down in ...

Germany’s conservatives promise voters ‘stability and renewal’

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives promised tax relief and tight public finances on Monday in an election manifesto they hope will propel them to victory in September's election, but critics questioned how the plans will add up. The conservatives hope the manifes...

Italy’s Draghi says Euro final shouldn’t be in London

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Monday he was in favour of holding the final of the European soccer championships in Rome rather than in London, because of Britain's rising coronavirus infections. "Yes ... I will try to stop the final being held in a country where infections are risi...

22nd June 2021

Malta: Laws are being drafted to counter SLAPP

22nd June 2021

Malta: Finance Minister cautiously confident ahead of FATF assessment

22nd June 2021

Malta: Cabinet rejects second pardon request by Degiorgio brothers

22nd June 2021

Malta: Police find hidden supply of weapons at sea

22nd June 2021

Business conditions turn positive, CBM report shows

21st June 2021

Malta: Bernard Grech says FATF assessment has broad implications

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who said that he is doing everything within his powers to restore the country’s reputation. Speaking about the upcoming FATF vote on Malta, Grech said that this is a matter of national concern. Read more: https://netnews.com.mt/2021/06/20/qed-naghmel-dak-kollu-mehtieg-biex-nerga-nikseb-lura-l-kredibbilta-l...

21st June 2021

Malta: Surge in STIs in recent months

The Times quotes figures by the GU clinic showing a rise in sexually transmitted diseases in recent months as Covid-19 restrictions were being relaxed. Valeska Padovese, the head of the clinic, said that March recorded a spike in bacterial infections. The paper reports that several companies have fallen victims to scams by fraudsters posing as ...

21st June 2021

Malta: Prime Minister defends management of Covid-19 risk

L-Orizzont quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela who said that the government is taking a cautious approach to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. While acknowledging some frustrations from certain quarters, he said that the country is minimising risk. Read more: https://www.inewsmalta.com/2021/06/dirett-intervista-mal-pm-u-mexxej-laburista-robert-...

21st June 2021

Malta: Crowdfunding campaign against Pembroke development raises €18,000

The Independent says that a crowdfunding campaign by NGOs to challenge the Planning Authority decision in favour of the City Centre development in Pembroke has raised €18,000. Local councils in the area and 11 NGO are objecting to the project. Another story reports that an application to install greenhouses and solar panels on the outskirts of ...

20th June 2021

Malta: Marsascala residents irked by MTA design competition

Il-Mument follows a press conference by activists and residents in Marsascala who raised concerns about a design competition launched by the tourism authority for sites in the locality. Residents said they were not consulted on the scheme. Read more: https://netnews.com.mt/2021/06/19/ir-residenti-slin-inwetati-dwar-il-kompetizzjoni-tad-disinn-tal-...

20th June 2021

Malta: Tourist bookings rise to a third of pre-pandemic levels

Kullħadd says that Malta is among the top five destinations for tourists in Europe along with Iceland, Albania, Serbia and Greece. The number of bookings is at around a third of those recorded in 2019. The paper reports that discrepancies in the interpretation of data on early school-leaving across Europe result in higher statistical numbers fo...

20th June 2021

Malta: Government making last-ditch bid ahead of FATF vote

Illum quotes sources assisting the government in its bid to avoid grey-listing by the Financial Action Task Force. The experts claim that influential countries including the US, Britain and Germany want to make a political point by punishing Malta. Another story quotes a report by the Faculty of Social Wellbeing which insists that solitary conf...

20th June 2021

Malta: Blockchain island generates €60 billion in crypto transactions

The Sunday Times says that around €60 billion in cryptocurrency moved through Malta while the country was branding itself a blockchain island. Analysts said that lax legislation on virtual assets raised concerns among international anti-money laundering bodies. Rad more: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/crypto-billions-moved-through-malta-am...

20th June 2021

Malta: Gżira mayor warns about rising temperatures in urban centres

It-Torċa speaks with Gżira mayor Conrad Borg Manché who said that higher buildings and increased traffic are raising temperatures in urban centres. He warned that, unless the situation is addressed, this phenomenon will cause health challenges. The paper speaks to organic farming specialist Mark Salerno who said the problem with the scattering ...

20th June 2021

Malta: Environment Minister wants aesthetics policy

The Independent on Sunday speaks with Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia who said that he was to introduce an aesthetics policy for urban environments as a matter of priority. He said the government is committed to sustainable development. Another story quotes research findings showing an increase in the number of admissions in Mount Carmel ho...

20th June 2021

Malta: PN leader pushes to replace deputies

View the latest edition of CorporateDispatchPro Malta Today says that PN Leader Bernard Grech is urging his two deputies David Agius and Robert Arrigo to step down in a bid to shake up the party’s image ahead of a general council due to convene in July. Read more: https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/110370/bernard_grech_wants_metsol...

19th June 2021

“Diplomacy remains the best tool for resolving conflicts” – Minister Evarist Bartolo

"A lot of issues today can't be solved by one country alone whoever the country is. So, whether we like it or not, we are condemned to working together." Malta's Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo, was speaking to Turkish News Agency Anadolu, prior to the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on the Eastern Mediterranean. The Antal...

19th June 2021

Malta: Tony Zahra appointed GWU pensioners’ association

L-Orizzont reports that former General Workers Union head Tony Zahra has been appointed secretary of the union’s pensioners’ association. Zahra said that he was delighted to serve the union in the new role. Read more: https://www.inewsmalta.com/2021/06/filmat-il-gwu-assigurat-is-sahha-u-s-sigurta-tal-haddiema-fil-pandemija/ Another story quotes...

19th June 2021

Malta: PN Leader says good governance is vital to economic success

In-Nazzjon follows an address by PN Leader Bernard Grech during a conference by the employers’ association. He said that good governance is fundamental to the country’s economic performance. Read more: https://netnews.com.mt/2021/06/18/huwa-krucjali-li-pajjizna-jkollu-governanza-tajba-bernard-grech/ In-Nazzjon says that Energy Minister Miriam D...

19th June 2021

Malta: Scientist raises concerns about air quality

The Times quotes atmospheric scientist Noel Aquilina who warned that construction and traffic are contributing to a rise in airborne toxic particles. He said that air quality is not being adequately monitored. Read more: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/construction-and-traffic-adding-toxic-particles-to-the-air-scientist.880472 Another st...

19th June 2021

Malta: Asylum requests dropped by 40 per cent last year

The Independent says that applications for international protection decreased by 40 per cent last year. With almost 2,500 requests for asylum, Malta registered the second-highest rate of applications per one million inhabitants in the EU. Read more: https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2021-06-18/local-news/33-decline-in-number-of-migrants-arri...

18th June 2021

Malta’s economic growth and well-being are shared objectives which can be reconciled

To ensure a sustainable future and react to emerging environmental, demographic and social issues, we have to go beyond measuring basic material needs and production. Addressing a National Conference focusing on the need to Balance Sustainable Economic Growth with Quality of Life, Mr Joseph Farrugia, MEA Director General highlighted the need t...

18th June 2021

Malta: PN calls for excellence in mental health

In-Nazzjon covers a meeting between the PN and Richmond Foundation discussing the party’s proposals on mental wellbeing. PN Leader Bernard Grech said that Malta has to aim for excellence in mental health services. Read more: https://netnews.com.mt/2021/06/17/il-pn-jemen-li-l-isfidi-fis-sahha-mentali-jistghu-jinghelbu-jekk-ikunu-indirizzati-mill-gh...

18th June 2021

Malta: Planning Authority chastised for preferential treatment

The Times reports that the Planning Authority was ordered to compensate the original owners of a site in Luqa pointing to preferential treatment when their application for a garden centre was rejected only to later allow a supermarket to be built on the land. Read more: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/pa-no-to-garden-centre-yes-to-caqnu-sup...

18th June 2021

Malta: Ryanair subsidiary upgrades fleet

L-Orizzont announces that Ryanair subsidiary Malta Air has invested in six new Boeing 737 Max plans that will help the company to access new markets. Industry sources said that the new aircraft will reduce fuel and operational costs for the airline. The paper quotes Eurobarometer survey results indicating that seven in ten EU citizens have eith...

18th June 2021

Malta: Lawyers slam proposed amendments to warrant rules

The Independent says that over 200 lawyers are objecting to proposed law amendments that would limit the warrant of advocates to professionals doing court-related work. The Chamber of Advocates is opposing the government’s proposal. Read more: https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2021-06-17/local-news/Over-200-lawyers-back-opposition-to-propose...

17th June 2021

Maltese Editors Perspectives

The Times of Malta says that the country' educational system has been underperforming for decades. There has been no shortage of strategic reforms aiming at reducing the endemic problem of early school-leaving. The Editor argues that a good place to start would be a reform of the education profession: good teaching has to be the foundation for any...

17th June 2021

Malta: Accommodation scheme provides housing for 330 families

L-Orizzont says that a government accommodation scheme is providing housing to 330 families. The Housing Authority is leasing empty property on ten-year contracts, offering minimum risk to owners while increasing its stock. Read more: https://www.inewsmalta.com/2021/06/330-proprjeta-allokati-lil-familji-fil-bzonn-bl-iskema-nikru-biex-nassistu/ ...

17th June 2021

Malta: PN vows to cancel Gozo hospital deal

The Independent reports on a pledge by the PN to revoke the deal with Steward Health Care if elected to government and invest the money in new specialised health services in Gozo for both residents and medical tourists. Read more: https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2021-06-16/local-news/PN-pledges-to-rescind-Steward-contract-use-concession-mo...

17th June 2021

Malta: PN Leader writes to international anti-money laundering body

In-Nazzjon leads with an open letter by PN Leader Bernard Grech to the Financial Action Task Force, assuring delegates that an alternative government would rebuild Malta’s reputation as a top financial services centre. Read more: https://netnews.com.mt/2021/06/16/ll-pn-se-jibqa-jiddefendi-l-interessi-ta-malta-bernard-grech/ Another report cover...

17th June 2021

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 vote on the county’s compliance with anti-money laundering standards. Read more: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/we-have-done-our-utmost-not-to-be-greylisted-evar...

17th June 2021

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 sectorial agreements with the union’s members. The paper quotes the director-general of the employers’ association, Joseph Farrugia, wh...

17th June 2021

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 a lack of available space. Read more: https://www.businesstoday.com.mt/business/business/1503/crippling_construction_waste_dumping_costs_behind_road_works_s...

17th June 2021

Chamber of Advocates warn of action to stop proposed legislation that limits need for warrant to give legal advice

At an urgent meeting called by the Chamber of Advocates which was held Wednesday pursuant to the presentation of Bill No:217 currently being debated in Parliament, members of the legal profession expressed their strong support to the opposition being made by the Council to the enactment of the said Bill and unanimously resolved to unconditiona...

16th June 2021

Malta: Energy from photovoltaics up by a fifth in 2020

16th June 2021

UK High Commissioner urges Brits in Malta to apply for residency by 30 June

UK High Commissioner to Malta Cathy Ward today warned UK Nationals that if they do not apply for residency in the next two weeks, they risk losing the right to live in Malta. The deadline for submitting an application for a new Withdrawal Agreement residency card in Malta is 30 June 2021. More than 9,000 applications have been made since the Ma...

16th June 2021

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. Read more: https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2021-06-15/local-news/Electrification-of-vehicles-efficient-buildings-part-of-strategy-for-c...

16th June 2021

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 malicious messages are being defrauded anywhere between €800 and €1,800. Another story quotes Caroline Tissot from the Language Schools federation who said that the indu...

16th June 2021

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 km/h, exceeding the maximum limit by 35 km/h. Another story reports on a consultation process on a government strategy towards a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. Launchin...

16th June 2021

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 still in the dark about their futures. Read more: https://netnews.com.mt/2021/06/15/l-artisti-se-jwasslu-l-messagg-li-daqshekk-siekta...

Israel urges vaccination for all teens, citing Delta varian

Israel recommended that all 12-15 year-olds be vaccinated against COVID-19, citing new outbreaks at...
England’s Chilwell, Mount in isolation after contact with Gilmour

England players Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount are self-isolating after coming into contact with Scot...
EU farming policy failing to fight climate change, auditors say

The European Union's huge subsidy programme for agriculture is failing to rein in greenho...
Malta: Laws are being drafted to counter SLAPP

The Independent follows a webinar discussing freedom of expression in Malta and Europe. Addressing ...
Malta News Briefing – Tuesday 22 June 2021

Updated 0850 - Newspaper Review The Times leads with the discovery of a stockpile of weapons wra...