Morning Briefing
Presidential pardon for persons claiming disability benefits fraudulently
The government has announced that individuals who fraudulently obtained disability benefits they were not entitled to will receive a presidential pardon under certain conditions. Their criminal record will be cleared if they fulfill requirements such as repaying all unlawfully acquired money, either in full or through a repayment plan, and agreeing to testify in court against any accomplices involved in the scheme. However, the pardon does not extend to those accused of orchestrating the fraud. This decision, which was discussed and approved by the cabinet and signed by President Myriam Spiteri Debono, means that hundreds of people who falsely claimed severe disabilities to receive monthly benefits of around €450 will now be eligible for the presidential pardon. (Times of Malta)
National convergence needed on health – PM
Prime Minister Robert Abela has called for “national convergence” in all discussions concerning healthcare in Malta, especially with input from experts. During a discussion with journalists, Abela highlighted that significant healthcare initiatives should receive approval from the medical community to ensure effectiveness. He stressed the futility of pursuing a direction that lacks consensus, particularly among experts. When questioned about former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s view on the sustainability of Malta’s healthcare system, Abela disagreed with the notion and asserted that the government would not proceed with proposals that contradict the advice of the medical community. (The Malta Independent)
Pembroke Deputy Mayor arrested after threatening mother
Pembroke’s deputy mayor was detained on Thursday, accused of threatening and intimidating his mother during what the court heard described as a drug-induced outburst. Omar Elaref Arab, 32, from Pembroke, denied charges related to an incident at his mother’s residence, where he also lived. According to Police Inspector Omar Zammit, the defendant’s mother contacted the police on April 24, expressing fear due to her son’s drug problem. Despite residing with his mother, Arab was discovered by the police at his girlfriend’s residence in Valletta. Arab, who claimed to work as a “business consultant,” informed the court that he was presently unemployed. (Maltatoday)
