Abela Defends Passport Scheme Amid EU Court Ruling
Prime Minister Robert Abela pledged to continue defending Malta’s interests after a European Court ruling against the golden passport scheme. Speaking at Labour’s May Day rally, he criticized Opposition figures for celebrating the verdict and accused them of endangering jobs by prioritizing personal ambition over the national good. Abela highlighted that funds from the scheme supported local charities like Puttinu Cares and the Hospice Movement, as well as band clubs facing eviction. “We reinvested that money into the people,” he said, claiming the Opposition undermined these efforts. He also announced that €500 million in investment projects would be completed by next year, with companies such as ST Micro Electronics, Lufthansa Technik, and James Caterers expanding their operations. (Times of Malta)
PN Promises Tax Cuts for Part-Time and Overtime Work
Opposition Leader Bernard Grech announced that a future Nationalist government would exempt the first €10,000 earned from part-time and overtime work from tax. Speaking on Workers’ Day, Grech said workers should be supported, not penalized, for taking on extra work amid the rising cost of living. He criticized the current government for failing to offer relief to those struggling to make ends meet. Grech also marked the 21st anniversary of Malta’s EU membership, calling it a historic move that expanded rights and opportunities for Maltese citizens. He credited the Nationalist Party for leading that effort and emphasized the need for Malta to remain part of a fairer and more competitive Europe. (The Malta Independent)
Theuma Testifies on Caruana Galizia Murder Plot
Melvin Theuma, the self-confessed middleman in the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, testified that he was ordered to warn the ‘Maksars’ about police interest in their Żebbuġ garage. Speaking in court against Robert Agius and Jamie Vella—accused of supplying the bomb—Theuma described his role as the link between alleged mastermind Yorgen Fenech and the hitmen. He said Fenech gave him €150,000 in cash to pay the Degiorgio brothers for the murder, with the final go-ahead given shortly after the 2017 general election. Theuma claimed he paid €30,000 upfront and delivered the rest later, including €5,000 from his own pocket. (Maltatoday)
