Updated 1300
Multi-National Companies with Over €750 Million in Turnover to Pay Higher Taxes – Abela: Malta will introduce a 15% minimum tax rate on foreign-owned companies with annual global turnover above €750 million, replacing the effective 5% they currently pay. Prime Minister Robert Abela said the reform, affecting around 10 firms, aligns with OECD rules and ensures the tax is collected in Malta. Abela also confirmed that energy subsidies, introduced in 2022, will remain despite criticism from the EU, opposition, and Central Bank over rising debt, which recently exceeded €11 billion. He defended the subsidies as necessary to offset Malta’s disadvantages. Looking ahead to Budget 2026, Abela promised pension increases and more support for students, workers, and businesses. On road safety, he announced new laws enabling drug-driving tests, harsher penalties for driving under the influence, and mandatory minimum prison terms for fatal cases. He rejected calls to raise Malta’s legal drinking age, instead stressing education, enforcement, and deterrence. (The Malta Independent)
Central Business Centres Given More Time to Repay €3.2m Bond: Central Business Centres plc has been granted a six-month extension to repay a €3.2 million bond originally due on August 31, following bondholder approval last week. The repayment date is now set for February 28. The company said delays in securing a long-term financing plan—intended to cover property acquisitions, debts, and a new promise-of-sale agreement—prevented timely repayment. CBC, which owns six commercial properties valued at €75 million, including the Savoy Arcade in Valletta and a Żebbuġ site housing Lidl, also faces a €3 million bond maturity in December. A spokesperson said the company is confident it will secure financing to meet that obligation. (Maltatoday)
Protest Against Excessive Tourism in Swieqi: Professor Arnold Cassola, as a Swieqi resident, led a protest against rubbish, noise, and vandalism in the locality. Residents, including David Fenech from the Swieqi Pressure Group, urged stronger law enforcement, proposing on-the-spot fines for improper rubbish disposal, inspections of short-let apartments, and an improved waste collection system. Protesters also complained about noise from revellers and entertainment venues.
Morning Briefing
Malta’s MEPs Oppose ‘Chat Control’ Law Over Privacy Concerns
Several of Malta’s MEPs have voiced opposition to a proposed EU law aimed at tackling child abuse online, warning it risks mass surveillance and undermines encryption. The so-called ‘chat control’ bill, revived by Denmark under its EU presidency, would oblige platforms to scan private messages, including encrypted chats, once ordered by a judge, to detect child abuse material and grooming attempts. Supporters argue this is vital to protect children and prevent criminals exploiting encryption, but privacy activists say it threatens citizens’ rights. Malta’s government remains cautious, saying it supports stronger safeguards but seeks a balance between child protection and privacy. Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba and PN MEPs Peter Agius and David Casa all agree the bill goes too far, warning that weakening encryption would endanger security without effectively tackling abuse. (Times of Maltta)
Caritas Malta Urges Higher Legal Drinking Age
Caritas Malta has urged government to raise the legal drinking age from 17 to 21, warning that current laws are failing to protect young people from the long-term consequences of alcohol misuse. The organisation stressed that teenage binge drinking is now deeply ingrained in Maltese youth culture, with social gatherings and peer pressure normalising early alcohol use. Caritas argued that delaying the onset of drinking could significantly reduce dependency and health risks later in life, noting that adolescence is a critical stage of brain and social development. Alcohol consumption at this age, it said, can impair decision-making, mental health and behaviour, with consequences extending beyond youth. However, Caritas emphasised that a legal change alone would be insufficient. It called for cultural reform, strong enforcement and widespread education to reshape attitudes that treat alcohol as a social necessity. Families, schools and community organisations, it added, must work together to raise awareness and foster responsible behaviour, ensuring prevention remains at the heart of reform. (The Malta Independent)
MCESD Appoints First Chief Executive Officer
The Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) now has a chief executive officer, following legislative changes aimed at strengthening the council’s operations and administrative structure. The role has been taken up by Brendan Zerafa, who has also served as executive secretary and will continue acting in that capacity. Zerafa, a former aide to parliamentary secretary for social dialogue Andy Ellul, will oversee the council’s work in bringing together employers, trade unions and other social partners. Set up by law in 2001, the MCESD serves as the country’s main advisory body on social and economic matters. Ellul said the changes are designed to further reinforce social dialogue in Malta, with the creation of the CEO post ensuring greater efficiency and leadership within the council. He also pointed to the establishment of a Young Shapers Forum, which will involve secondary school students in discussions on social dialogue, encouraging youth participation in policymaking. (Newsbook)
