Updated 1730 – Newsportal Review
The Times of Malta reports that Malta has been exempted from an EU plan to slash peak-hour power consumption, agreed upon by member states on Friday in an effort to bring down sky-high energy prices.
Maltatoday says that NGO Repubblika submits authenticated copies of international and European arrest warrants for high-ranking Pilatus Bank officials signed by a magistrate last year that were never executed by the Malta police.
TVM follows a press conference by the Opposition during which the PN called for the Attorney General’s resignation.
The Malta Independent says that according to the Media Reform Initiative, the draft legislation purported by government to strengthen media freedom fails to bring about the required change and to establish an enabling environment for free (or independent) journalism.
Updated 1300
War in Ukraine, climate change key challenges to financial sector – CBM: A financial stability report by the Central Bank of Malta argues that although the exposures of the domestic financial system towards Ukraine and Russia small and limited, nevertheless, the indirect effects from such developments could impact domestic financial institutions. The CBM said that climate change also poses additional risks on the balance sheets of stakeholders and market players in the financial sector. The Bank said that the economic recovery enabled the Maltese banking sector’s profitability to improve, while on aggregate, liquidity remained ample and capital levels strengthened further. Banks’ solvency and liquidity positions remained resilient, as also confirmed through stress tests and sensitivity analyses.
Bail rescinded for Qormi man after drug arrest: A man has had bail rescinded after being found in possession of drugs, which media reports suggest is likely to be cocaine, and around €26,000 in cash. Terence Cini, a 37-year-old Qormi resident, who was out on bail no less than six times, was arrested after suspected involvement in a drug transaction. Cini, who answered not guilty, is also facing money-laundering charges.
Carmen selected as Malta’s submission for the Academy Awards: Following last month’s National open call, The Malta Academy Selection Committee has announced that the film selected as Malta’s submission for the 95th edition of the Oscars under the section ‘International Feature Film’ is “Carmen”, written and directed by Valerie Buhagiar. Carmen is an official treaty co-production between Malta and Canada. The Maltese producers are Pierre Ellul and Anika Psaila Savona of Falkun Films.
Morning Briefing
Government not seeking huge tourism influx – Tourism Minister
Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo said that Malta cannot handle the number of tourists (estimated at 4.7m) which the MHRA said are needed to maintain 80% hotel occupancy. “Malta cannot handle that number of tourists and neither is the government trying to attract those numbers,” Bartolo said. The same thought was expressed by Malta Chamber President Marisa Xuereb earlier this week who made it clear that this was not a number Malta should pursue. (Times of Malta)
PN urges public to turn anger into protest
PN leader Bernard Grech called on people to protest on Sunday, insisting that government failed to keep its electoral promises by warning that it must ‘tighten its belt’ and be more frugal with public spending. Speaking on PN media, Grech lambasted government for cutting expenditure in key areas which affected the public, including education, but then spent €140,000 to take a 30-person delegation with him to the UN’s General Assembly in New York. Grech said that the PN is giving people a chance to turn their anger into action by attending a national protest organised by the party next Sunday in Valletta. (Maltatoday)
Ombusdman suggests President should propose successor
Outgoing ombudsman Anthony Mifsud suggested that if no consensus can be achieved on his successor by the parties represented in Parliament, the President should resolve the deadlock. Mifsud’s term expired 18 months ago but so far no agreement has been reached between Government and the Opposition. Mifsud also called for more transparency, suggesting an open call for those eligible and qualified for the position should be made, similar to the manner in which members of the judiciary are now selected. (Newsbook)
