Updated 1220
Malta Will Not Invest in Weapons, says PM Abela
Prime Minister Robert Abela reaffirmed on Friday that Malta will not invest in or borrow money for weapons, despite EU leaders agreeing to boost defence spending in response to the perceived threat from Russia. At a summit on Thursday, EU leaders approved an €800 billion plan to strengthen Europe’s defences. While Malta supported the overall plan, Abela had earlier stated that increasing arms supplies would not end the war. Following the summit, Abela clarified Malta’s position: “We will not use these funds to buy weapons or ammunition. Others may choose to invest in arms, but we have secured a guarantee that Malta will not be obliged to participate.” He added that Malta would not contribute to financing defence-related loans, instead focusing on peace efforts and humanitarian initiatives. The Maltese prime minister told the summit that while Malta recognised the challenges linked to the EU’s security, the way forward must prioritise dialogue and diplomacy. bela had joined all other EU leaders in backing the substantial defence funding plan, marking a complete reversal of his earlier stance. (Times of Malta/Newsbook)
Cabinet to consider pardon for students accused of ethical hacking
Cabinet will discuss whether three students and a lecturer accused of ethical hacking should be granted a presidential pardon. The four were charged this week for hacking Malta’s largest student app, FreeHour, over two years after reporting security flaws to the company. The students, Michael Debono (22), Giorgio Grigolo (21), and Luke Bjorn Scerri (23), are accused of unauthorized access to the app. Reporst suggest that Cabinet will consider both legal and justice aspects. Speaking on national television, the Prime Miniter highlighted the State’s responsibility in updating technology laws and expressed belief that the case should not remain in court, calling the charges unjust. The Nationalist Party had earlier called for the charges to be dropped. (The Malta Independent)
Malta to Challenge EBU’s Censorship of Eurovision Entry
The Maltese government will contest the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) decision to censor the word “kant” in Malta’s Eurovision entry. Arts Minister Owen Bonnici condemned the ruling as artistic censorship and discrimination against the Maltese language. While confirming that Malta will not withdraw from the contest, he stated that steps will be taken to challenge the decision, including an internal appeal under Eurovision’s regulations. Bonnici also said Malta’s actions will serve as a protest against artistic censorship. Bonnici reaffirmed the government’s support for Conte and her team, rejecting any form of language-based censorship. Conte won the Malta Eurovision Song Contest on 9 February through public televoting (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
PM, Metsola with contrasting views on increased EU defence spending
Increasing defence spending will only hinder peace in Ukraine, Prime Minister Robert Abela said ahead of a Brussels summit. “I do not believe weapons and ammunition will end the war. The only lasting solution is peace,” he stated, opposing increased military investment despite Ukraine being a victim of Russian aggression. Meanwhile, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola urged Europe to ramp up military spending and aid to Ukraine. “It is about damn time,” she said before EU leaders approved an €800 billion defence plan, stressing the need for Europe to “scale up, be prepared, produce, and protect.”
PN MP to provide ‘evidence’ on alleged PM criminal association
PN MP Karol Aquilina will call suspected gangster Christian Borg and two prison inmates as witnesses when he appears before parliament’s privileges committee over his remarks about the Prime Minister’s alleged ties to criminals. Speaker Anglu Farrugia ruled there was prima facie evidence for Aquilina to face the committee but gave him the chance to retract his statement. The PN MP refused, insisting he would present evidence to support his claim that Prime Minister Robert Abela has associations with criminals. Aquilina dismissed the committee as biased but said the hearing would allow the public to judge the evidence for themselves. He pledged to submit “irrefutable proof” linking top government figures, including Abela, to criminal activity. (Times of Malta)
Maltapost ordered to pay €155,000 after 19-year old dies after work vehicle overturns
MaltaPost has been ordered to pay €155,000 to the family of Elenia Briffa, a 19-year-old employee who died after her work vehicle overturned in Marsa on May 7, 2020. Her parents, John and Doris Briffa, along with their other children, Ryan and Denise, filed a case holding the company responsible. Judge Toni Abela, reviewing the evidence, noted that Briffa crashed into the pavement, causing a tire to burst. A witness confirmed she was not wearing a helmet at the time. (TVM)
