Updated 1300
Yearly deficit tops €100m mark: The government deficit has reached €103.5 million by the end of May, the NSO reported today. During the same timeframe, Government has shelled out some €82.9 million in debt servicing costs, an increase of €12.8 million when compared to the previous year. At the end of May 2023, Central Government debt stood at €9,083.6 million, an increase of €673.8 million when compared to 2022.
Govt considering ban on e-scooters in pedestrian areas: The government is considering mandatory helmets, lower speed limits, and a ban on e-scooters in pedestrian areas to address safety concerns. Reports suggest that Transport Malta will consult with e-scooter companies and the Malta Insurance Association for their input. If significant changes do not happen soon, the government may implement harsher measures, potentially including an outright ban on e-scooters.
US report notes Malta inaction on human trafficking: Malta is categorised as a ‘tier 2’ country by the United States for not meeting the minimum standards to eliminate human trafficking. Despite notable efforts in 2022, such as intensified investigations and prosecutions of suspected traffickers, increased funding for victim support, and a comprehensive week-long trafficking awareness campaign, Malta did not secure any convictions for trafficking. The US Department of State’s annual Trafficking In Persons report highlights the presence of ongoing gaps in victim identification, with the Maltese government not reporting any identification of Maltese citizens, children, asylum seekers, or undocumented migrants as trafficking victims.
Morning Briefing
Speaker blocks report condemning Ministers’ misuse of public funds
Speaker Anglu Farrugia used his deciding vote against adopting a report that found 18 ministers in breach of ethical standards for taxpayer-funded advertisements praising themselves. Former Commissioner for Standards in Public Life, George Hyzler, recommended reimbursement of the €16,700 spent on the campaign. The Speaker justified his decision by stating that the guidelines referred to were not legally binding and favored delaying a decision until majority support is achieved. Reacting, the PN said that the Speaker’s vote reflects a continuation of a culture of impunity. (Times of Malta)
Nurses, Government nearing collective agreement
Negotiations for a collective agreement between the government and the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) are in their final stages. Despite earlier complications involving union strikes, political criticisms, and mutual allegations, the talks appear to be approaching a resolution. However, the finalization of the agreement now depends on the completion of another collective agreement for ECG technicians, which the MUMN aims to finalize. MUMN President Paul Pace stated that the nurses’ sectoral agreement has not yet been presented to union members, as they are awaiting the conclusion of the sectoral agreement for electrocardiogram (ECG) technicians. (Maltatoday)
Target 50% renewable energy – Greens
The Green Party is proposing that the government should aim for 50% renewable energy by 2030. The party said that Malta’s renewable energy until 2021 was a miserable 12.2%. They said that Malta should also stop issuing licenses for oil exploration and instead focus on increasing technical skills and the capacity for renewable energies generated in the country itself. The ADPD described the recent investment in battery storage of 60 MWh for renewable energy as a very positive development. It added that the government needs to take immediate action to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix. (TVM)
