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MDA reports 14% increase in value of promise of sale agreements in April
The Malta DevelopersAssociation (MDA) reported a notable 14% increase in the value of promised property sales, rising from€363,153,896 in April 2023 to €415,295,353 in April 2024. This surpasses the previous high of€399,763,717 in April 2021 during the Covid pandemic. Additionally, promises of sale increased by 6%,from 1,302 to 1,385. MDA CEO Leon Chetcuti noted that 2024 is establishing new benchmarks, reflecting industry health and investor confidence. He emphasised the industry’s economic importance, generatingover 40,000 jobs and involving 82% of Maltese citizens as homeowners. While optimistic, Chetcuti stressedthe need for governance reforms to sustain growth, particularly addressing bureaucracy and enhancingsafety and quality standards. MDA is actively advocating for these changes with relevant authorities.
Malta remains second worst in EU for press freedom
Malta ranks 73rd globally and secondworst in the EU for press freedom, with only Greece performing worse. Improvement from 2023 is minimal,attributed to other countries’ declines. Concerns persist over the unresolved assassination of DaphneCaruana Galizia and media independence issues. European countries dominate the top 10 spots for pressfreedom, while authoritarian regimes occupy the lowest ranks. Reporters Without Borders warns of growingthreats to press freedom globally, including the use of AI for disinformation in elections, exemplified bydeepfake incidents like in Slovakia. Strong pressure on journalists is anticipated in upcoming elections worldwide.
New construction directorate has one basic function, architects discover
The newly announcedConstruction Directorate, despite expectations, serves merely as a bureaucratic continuity measure withinthe civil service, not addressing the construction industry’s safety issues. The Jean Paul Sofia report,advocating for a unified regulatory body, hasn’t been fully embraced. Occupational hazards persist, withover half of workplace fatalities occurring in construction. While Prime Minister Abela stressesaccountability and reforms, critics like Andre Pizzuto and Patrick Calleja argue for more stringent inquiriesand streamlined processes, expressing concerns over bureaucratic complexities and the efficacy of currentregulatory bodies like the Building and Construction Authority.
Morning Briefing
Malta expresses disappointment at veto to Palestinian UN membership
Malta has voiced its disappointment regarding the veto used within the United Nations Security Council, which blocked Palestine’s request for full UN membership. Malta’s permanent representation conveyed this sentiment to the General Assembly, particularly during discussions about the US veto on a draft resolution proposed by Algeria. This resolution suggested that the General Assembly should conduct a vote to grant Palestine full UN membership, and Malta voted in favor of this proposal. Currently, Palestine holds the status of a ‘Permanent Observer State” at the UN, enabling participation in all UN proceedings except for voting on draft resolutions and decisions in its principal organs and bodies. During the Assembly session, the Maltese representative expressed regret that the veto impeded the UNSC from reaching consensus. Malta reiterated its support for Palestine’s complete membership, highlighting that only through realising the two-state solution can there be peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine, as well as fostering stability across the broader Middle East. (Maltatoday)
PM says electorate will judge the judiciary
Robert Abela stated that he won’t file a report against the magistrate he has accused of intentionally prolonging the Vitals inquiry. Instead, he asserts that it’s the electorate’s responsibility to examine the judiciary. Abela has consistently expressed skepticism regarding the timing of the Vitals hospitals deal inquiry’s findings, just ahead of the June 8 MEP elections, viewing it as non-coincidental. “People can reach their own conclusions on whether this was intentional or not. The Commission is not the only body that scrutinises the judiciary. People will take their decision on June 8,” he said. (Times of Malta)
NGOs welcome improvements to Private Residential Leases Act
Three organisations welcomed amendments to the Bill amending the Private Residential Leases Act following agreement in the Parliamentary Committee between the Government and the Opposition. Te organisations had sounded the alarm on several anti-tenant amendments within this Bill that would have exacerbated an already dire situation for the most vulnerable in society. Solidarjetà, Moviment Graffitti and Malta Tenant Support had called for the removal of the clause that would have removed every flexibility to tenants in finding alternative accommodation during the last six months of a one-year contract. Landlords will now be limited to a renting their property to a maximum of two tenants per bedroom. (The Malta Independent)
