Chief Justice urges political agreement on successor
Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti has urged political leaders to agree on his successor, while warning that delays, staff shortages and limited capacity continue to put pressure on Malta’s justice system. Speaking at the opening of the forensic year, Chetcuti said he would remain in office until Parliament agrees on a replacement, despite having reached retirement age in February. His appointment was initially due to end then, but no successor has secured the two-thirds parliamentary majority required. Chetcuti said cooperation between political leaders and institutions was essential and called for a solution that served the judiciary and the public. He also highlighted shortages of judges, court delays and infrastructure needs, particularly in the criminal courts. Two new judges were appointed this week. Chetcuti also suggested that some less serious cases could be handled by tribunals to reduce pressure on magistrates. (The Times of Malta)
Family firms report growth but squeezed profits
More than a third of Maltese family businesses increased their turnover between 2022 and 2025 but recorded lower profits, according to the Malta Chamber Family Business Survey 2026. The survey, covering 154 businesses, found that 57 firms, or 37%, experienced this “profitless growth”, while an identical proportion reported both higher turnover and higher profits. Overall, 92% of respondents recorded rising turnover. The report found a strong link between formal planning and financial performance. Among businesses with regularly reviewed written strategic plans, 41.5% reported higher turnover and higher profits, compared with 26.2% that experienced higher turnover but lower profits. By contrast, almost half of businesses that had no strategic plan but said they needed one reported profitless growth. The report said expansion had placed particular pressure on mid-sized companies and firms involved in importation and distribution, highlighting the need for stronger governance and organisational structures. (The Malta Independent)
Yorgen Fenech trial jurors will not face charges
Jurors who were investigated by police over suspected perjury in connection with the Yorgen Fenech trial are not expected to face criminal charges, according to reports. The jurors were questioned on September 17 over public statements they had allegedly made on social media before the trial, which had not been disclosed during the jury selection process. Police had specifically asked whether they had previously spoken publicly about the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Lawyers representing several of the jurors have confirmed that their clients were informed that they would not be charged. All the jurors had been released on police bail while investigations continued, with the bail period expiring on Thursday. It remains unclear whether any other people investigated as part of the inquiry will face charges. Fenech was acquitted by an eight-to-one jury verdict of charges relating to conspiracy and association in Caruana Galizia’s murder. (Newsbook)
