Updated 1110
Abela to nominate his former chief of staff Glenn Micallef for European Commissioner
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that he will nominate his former chief of staff, Glenn Micallef, as Malta’s next European Commissioner. This decision follows Chris Fearne’s withdrawal as the initial nominee after being implicated in the hospitals concession case. Despite hoping for Fearne’s clearance, a court ruled the case could proceed. Abela praised Micallef’s expertise and technocratic skills, highlighting his role in negotiating Malta’s multi-annual financial framework and his service as Abela’s Sherpa. Although Micallef lacks a traditional political background, Abela believes his experience and competence at the European level make him a strong candidate. Micallef, an economist, will succeed Helena Dalli, who had prior ministerial experience. (Times of Malta)
Edward Scicluna to be removed from the MFSA: Prime Minister Abela announced that Edward Scicluna will no longer serve on the Malta Financial Services Authority, following the court’s decision to bring the Vitals Hospitals case to trial, in which Scicluna is implicated. Despite Scicluna’s denial of wrongdoing, he faces pressure to resign from his roles, including as governor of the Central Bank. Abela, while praising Scicluna’s integrity, suggested that he should also step down as governor. Scicluna insists on his independence under EU rules. Abela expressed hope that Scicluna would make the right decision for the country’s interests before the next Cabinet meeting. (Maltatoday)
Electric vehicles, shore-to-ship system among factors straining power grid – PM: Prime Minister Abela attributed recent power cuts to the increased demand on Malta’s power grid, primarily due to the rising number of electric vehicles and the new shore-to-ship system, which allows ships to use onshore electricity instead of their generators. In response to questions from journalist Matthew Xuereb, Abela defended Energy Minister Miriam Dalli amid criticism over the outages. He highlighted an ongoing, extensive program to upgrade the grid, with significant work completed in a short time frame. Abela emphasised that Malta has sufficient energy supply, and recent issues were due to cable failures in areas not yet updated. The upgrade programme will continue. (Newsbook)
Morning Briefing
Hundreds of TCNs have work permit applications rejected
Hundreds of third-country nationals (TCNs) seeking work as cab drivers and food app couriers are having their work permit applications denied. Government sources have confirmed to The Times of Malta that Identità has been rejecting these applications in recent days as part of a crackdown on what it considers “abusive” employers. “Applications for those renewing their work permits are being accepted, but TCNs applying from abroad or changing employers to enter this industry are being refused,” stated a source involved in the work permitting process. Industry sources have corroborated that change of employer applications are being rejected, with one cab and food delivery courier reporting around 10 rejections in the past few days. (Times of MAlta)
PN calls for urgent Parliament debate on Edward Scicluna
Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech has called for an urgent parliamentary session to address Edward Scicluna’s refusal to resign as Governor of the Central Bank of Malta. In a letter to the Speaker of the House, Grech emphasized that parliament must prioritize the national interest over individual interests. “Despite 24 hours passing since the court’s decree, [Scicluna] has not only remained in his post but informed Labour Party delegates that he will stay in the role for political reasons,” Grech stated. The PN leader requested that the Speaker inform the Leader of the House, Owen Bonnici, so the request can be forwarded to the government, noting that urgent parliamentary sessions require agreement from both sides of the House. (Maltatoday)
Malta continues to strengthen efforts against human trafficking, government says
The Foundation for Social Welfare Services’ Aġenzija Appoġġ is reinforcing its dedication to combating human trafficking through a comprehensive and holistic approach that prioritizes the well-being and support of all affected individuals, according to a statement from the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights on Thursday. On the International Day Against Human Trafficking, the Ministry highlighted that the Foundation organized a conference themed “Preventing Human Trafficking: Stopping the Abuse Before It Starts,” attended by various stakeholders to discuss effective ways to support victims. The Ministry noted that Aġenzija Appoġġ is currently assisting seventeen individuals and is conducting sessions for both professionals and victims. The goal is to raise awareness, create a safer environment for everyone, and prevent future trafficking cases. (The Malta Independent)
