Updated 1215
Corruption perception increases significantly: An EU survey revealed that 92% of Maltese individuals believe that corruption is prevalent in the country, suggesting a growing perception that the issue is worsening. Furthermore, the survey highlighted that Malta ranked highest among countries where citizens feel personally impacted by corruption in their daily lives. According to the annual Eurobarometer poll conducted between April and May of this year, 92% of the 514 Maltese respondents expressed the belief that corruption is widespread on the island, reflecting a notable increase of 13% compared to 2022. (Times of Malta)
Family blames states for acquittal of alleged murderers: Following the recent acquittal of two men, Anthony Bugeja and Piero Di Bartolo, who had previously confessed to the murder of Albert Brian Rosso, his widow and daughter have taken legal action to hold the authorities accountable for their failure. The two women lodged a judicial protest yesterday, three weeks after the men were acquitted by a jury. Rosso, a 48-year-old resident of Marsaxlokk, is believed to have been shot dead on October 10, 2005, outside a house belonging to Anthony Bugeja, one of the murder suspects. Prosecutors argued that Rosso’s killing was linked to a dispute over a fishing vessel co-owned by Rosso and Bugeja, with Di Bartolo also involved in the vessel’s operations. Two men were acquitted of committing the burden. (Maltatoday)
Strong summer season for Gozo forecasted: Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri forecasted a prosperous summer tourism season in Gozo. However, he expressed belief that the island has now transformed into a year-round destination beyond the summer season. He attributed this achievement to ongoing efforts to promote the island throughout the year and the establishment of a diverse calendar of cultural activities. As a result, the number of people crossing the channel to the sister island has significantly increased. For instance, during the period between last Christmas and the beginning of 2023, there were 340,000 passengers who made the journey to Gozo, highlighting this positive trend. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Govt MPs resist PN calls for Sofia inquiry, want faster conclusion by Magistrate
The opposition’s request for a public inquiry into the death of Jean Paul Sofia has been met with resistance from the government, which has instead suggested an amendment advocating for a faster magisterial inquiry. The Chamber debated a motion put forth by the Nationalist Party, seeking an independent inquiry into the events surrounding the 20-year-old’s demise in a construction accident in Corradino last December. Jean Paul Sofia’s mother, Isabelle Bonnici, father, John Sofia, and other relatives were present. However, the proposed government amendment, presented by government whip Andy Ellul, removes any mention of a public inquiry and instead urges the investigating magistrate, Marsanne Farrugia, to expedite her inquiry and reach a conclusion as swiftly as possible. A vote is expected next week.
Finance Minister says Malta’s workforce should aim to emulate Dutch standards
Finance Minister Clyde Caruana, highlighted the need for Malta’s workforce to strive for standards similar to those in the Netherlands. He pointed out that in the Netherlands, the average working hours are just over 20 per week, and the salaries are twice as high as the Maltese average. Caruana made these remarks while addressing various questions in the House regarding workforce skills, free childcare, the labour market, and foreign workers in Malta. Caruana attributed this success to the high skills possessed by Dutch workers. He also announced that a skills survey, initially conducted among 90,000 Maltese workers, would soon be extended to the entire population. The objective is to identify the necessary skills for Malta’s future workforce. Caruana described this survey as unprecedented in Malta and Europe, and a significant step towards Malta’s industrial development. (Maltatoday)
Education strategy launched
The conference launching the National Strategy for Education 2024-2030 commenced with Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima saying that education holds the key to shaping the dreams of children and guiding the direction of the country, emphasizing the collective effort required to achieve significant results. On the process of developing the strategy, approximately 150 consultation meetings were conducted with educators, who actively contributed their opinions and recommendations. Recognizing the necessity for alignment between the educational sector and the real world, including its challenges and advancements, the Minister highlighted the crucial role of social partners and educators in leading the educational sector’s transformation and development.
