Updated 1300
Government sold Malta Air stake for €25,000 under 2019 deal: The Maltese government sold its golden share in Malta Air to Ryanair for €25,000, as part of a 2019 agreement signed under then-Minister Konrad Mizzi. The deal gave Ryanair the right to acquire the share after five years, a clause undisclosed to the public at the time. The golden share had no economic value but allowed limited oversight, including veto rights over company name changes or sales. Ryanair exercised this right in 2024, completing full ownership. Mizzi defended the agreement as a strategic success, citing job creation, investment, and increased traffic. Despite minimal control, he said the deal ensured Malta Air remained rooted in Malta and drove significant economic benefits. (Ttimes of Malta)
Attard says government committed to sustainable development, high standards in construction: Minister Jonathan Attard reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable development and higher standards in Malta’s construction and property sector during the Property Malta Foundation’s AGM. He praised the foundation’s efforts and highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and quality. Key reform pillars include closer cooperation with regulators, stronger legislation, and a culture of integrity. Attard also noted the foundation’s growing international influence, referencing a successful visit to Saudi Arabia, and emphasised the importance of the National Property Conference for sectoral dialogue. He commended the foundation’s role in establishing the Property Market Agency, aiming for a competitive, stable, and innovation-driven market. Chairman Sandro Chetcuti thanked the ministry for its strong support. (Maltatoday)
Government budget for FSWS increases sixfold to almost €42 million: Government funding to the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) has increased sixfold to nearly €42 million to support vulnerable children, Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon announced at a European seminar on the European Social Fund. Malta is hosting a major conference by the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation, focused on implementing the European Child Guarantee. FSWS CEO Alfred Grixti said the foundation is leading this initiative in Malta, offering vital services to at-risk children and families. Falzon emphasised Malta’s commitment to protecting children’s rights, highlighting the implementation of 115 measures under the Child Guarantee, covering social protection, education, healthcare, and housing, and stressing the need to provide both rights and opportunities for children.
Morning Briefing
Estimates show 5.4% economic growth in Q1
Provisional figures show that Malta’s economy grew by 5.4% in nominal terms during the first quarter of 2025, with GDP reaching €5.5 billion—an increase of €283.5 million compared to the same period in 2024. In real terms, the National Statistics Office reported a 3.0% year-on-year GDP growth. The GDP deflator, which reflects price changes in the economy, rose by 2.4% compared to the first quarter of 2024—down from a 2.9% increase recorded in the previous quarter. Gross fixed capital formation increased by 3.2%. Exports and imports of goods and services rose by 2.7%. (The Malta Independent)
Maltese happy with the economy, concerned about inflation
A Eurobarometer survey published by the European Commission shows that most Maltese view the country’s economic situation positively. Around 72% said the economy is in good shape—10 percentage points above the EU average—with three in four expecting further improvement in the next year. Despite this optimism, concerns remain high around inflation (35%), followed by immigration (20%), and the environment (18%). The survey also reveals a widespread understanding of the global economic effects of tariffs. 86% of Maltese agree that increasing tariffs harms the global economy, but 80% also support introducing tariffs to counter those imposed by other countries. (Maltatoday)
Chris Cardona sat out cabinet meetings on Caruana Galizia murder pardons
Former minister Chris Cardona told a court he did not take part in cabinet discussions on pardons related to Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder due to allegations linking him to a failed earlier plot to kill her. Cardona said he contacted police after a journalist informed him that Vince Muscat had named him in connection with the plot. He gave a statement denying all claims, calling the allegations “pure evil fiction.” He said he didn’t sue Muscat because the claims were based on hearsay. Muscat, known as il-Koħħu, testified that years before the 2017 murder, he was approached to kill Caruana Galizia in a plot allegedly involving Cardona and his associate David Gatt. The attempt was dropped when payment wasn’t made. Muscat is a key witness in the trial of four men accused of her murder and of killing solicitor Carmel Chircop. All deny the charges. (Times of Malta)
