Updated 1230
PN appoints first CEO as Borg pushes for more women in politics
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg has announced four new appointments, including the first-ever CEO. Property and commercial lawyer Sabine Agius Cabourdin will take on the role, reporting to the party’s general secretary. Borg said he wanted a woman in the post after observing a lack of female presence in politics. Agius Cabourdin, who founded the Fidem Foundation and serves as president of the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation, said fixing the party’s finances would be her top priority. Engineer Simon Mizzi was named chairperson of the newly created Delivery Office, while Munxar Mayor Damien Spiteri was appointed head of secretariat. Simon Vella Gregory, a former PN communications coordinator, will serve as campaign manager ahead of the next election. (Maltatoday)
BNF spent over €1m fixing banking system meltdown
BNF Bank spent more than €1 million to stabilise services after a disastrous system upgrade last March, CEO David Power confirmed. Customers faced widespread disruption, with some locked out of accounts or reporting missing funds. Malta’s regulator, the MFSA, intervened, demanding corrective action. Power admitted the upgrade, which replaced every core system and switched card providers from Visa to Mastercard, was far tougher than expected. Despite 18 months of testing, problems spiralled when a key service provider went offline on launch day, triggering a cascade of failures. Although many issues were swiftly fixed, social media backlash intensified. Nearly six months later, Power acknowledged the ordeal was “massive”, but said the investment was necessary to modernise operations and improve customer experience. (Times of Malta)
Former Steward Malta CEO pleads not guilty to fraud charges
Former Steward Malta chief executive Armin Ernst has pleaded not guilty to a string of charges linked to the fraudulent hospitals concession. The 63-year-old German national is accused of money laundering, bribery, trading in influence and misappropriation, both personally and as a representative of Steward-related firms. Appearing before Magistrate Rachel Montebello, Ernst was tried separately from other accused, including disgraced former prime minister Joseph Muscat. Prosecutors requested, and were granted, a €20 million freezing order on Ernst’s assets, while he was also bound by €70,000 bail security. Defence lawyer Matthew Xuereb noted Ernst is no longer Steward’s legal representative. The inquiry was launched following a complaint by anti-corruption NGO Repubblika. The case forms part of the broader probe into Malta’s annulled hospitals deal. (Newsbook)
Morning Briefing
Lawyer seeks to extinguish tax evasion charges under new law
Lawyer Aron Mifsud Bonnici has informed a court that he will seek to make use of recent legal amendments that could extinguish tax evasion proceedings against him once a fine is paid. The 51-year-old lawyer, a former close associate of ex-minister Konrad Mizzi, denies charges of money laundering, tax evasion and false declarations to the Malta Tax and Customs Administration. Police inspector Matthew Grech previously testified that the case began following confidential information received on 23 August 2021, while later testimony suggested information about the probe may have been leaked to Mifsud Bonnici. On Wednesday, AG lawyer Stephanie Harris confirmed that a European Investigation Order has been sent to Hungary, while a rogatory letter was also dispatched to Singapore as part of the inquiry. (Times of Malta)
Tourism minister vows to end party funding
Tourism minister Ian Borg has pledged to stop Malta Tourism Authority sponsorship of large summer parties, promising instead to use the funds to attract different types of tourists. Speaking in Parliament, Borg said the money would be used to “aggressively” market Malta as a culture and arts destination. The MTA has regularly sponsored events such as the Summer Daze festival, whose Ta’ Qali venue has faced criticism over damage to soil caused by gravel laid to accommodate large crowds. Concerns have also grown about tourists visiting Malta primarily to party, with residents in Swieqi and other areas complaining of noise and disruption. While Borg’s move may help reposition Malta’s image, nightlife and boat parties are expected to continue drawing such tourists regardless of MTA support. (Maltatoday)
Government to prioritise arts and culture in Budget 2026
Government will be fully prioritising the arts, culture and entertainment sectors in Budget 2026, the Prime Minister has revealed. Speaking at a consultation meeting with the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association, he stressed that Malta Vision 2050 gives “absolute priority” to national identity, culture, language and local talent. Abela pointed to initiatives such as the Arts Support Scheme, the Malta Investment in Cultural Organisations and Access Support, which provide multi-year assistance. He also noted that fiscal measures now allow artists earning up to €50,000 to pay a reduced 7.5% tax. Alongside existing spaces such as Spazju Kreattiv and the Valletta Design Cluster, government is planning a new Culture Hub in Marsa. (TVM)
