Updated 1300
Duo rake in half a million euros from jobless scheme run by GWU
Two individuals closely associatedwith the General Workers Union, namely former GWU lawyer Aron Mifsud Bonnici and the union’sfinancial consultant Robert Borg, have reportedly gained significant financial benefits from acontentious program aimed at facilitating minimum wage employment for the unemployed. Financialrecords examined by Times of Malta reveal that Mifsud Bonnici and Borg collectively received overhalf a million euros in dividends and directors’ fees from two companies participating in the publiclyfunded community work initiative. The program, originally managed by JobsPlus, the government’s jobplacement agency, was outsourced in 2016 to a purportedly “non-profit” foundation established by theGWU. Additionally, Mifsud Bonnici and Borg hold shares in District Operations through another entitynamed District One. (Times of MAlta)
Pilatus case will not be heard behind closed doors, court rules
Repubblika, a rule of law group,expressed satisfaction on Monday with an appeals court ruling that rejected requests from theAttorney General and the State Advocate to conduct court proceedings related to Pilatus Bank inprivate. Repubblika chairman Robert Aquilina highlighted during a press conference that the AttorneyGeneral and the State Advocate had argued for closed-door proceedings citing Malta’s internationalobligations and international arbitration rules. The case, initiated by Repubblika 18 months ago,contested the Attorney General’s decision not to pursue legal action against certain bank officialsdespite a magistrate’s recommendation in an inquiry into financial misconduct. (Maltatoday)
Cardinal Mario Grech favourite ‘European’ to become pope – Irish Times
Cardinal Mario Grech isidentified as the leading European contender for the position of pope, as per an article in the IrishTimes. The piece emphasises Cardinal Grech’s pivotal role as the secretary general of the Synod ofBishops, actively contributing to the ongoing synodal process initiated by Pope Francis. The articlealso mentions other favourites from various continents, such as Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana asthe primary African candidate and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines as a prominentfigure from Asia. Currently, out of 241 cardinals, only 136, who are under 80 years old, possess votingrights in the papal election. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Chamber, Government disagree on price fixing of essential products
The Chamber of Commerce has lamented government pressure on retailers for food price cuts, urging a focus on systematic anti-inflation measures. Prime Minister Abela acknowledged food inflation challenges and pledged government efforts for sector stability. Reports last week had indicated that supermarket owners face up to 15% price reduction pressure amid ongoing inflation, with concerns raised about the government’s approach. The Chamber described the government’s actions as price control that was reminiscent of decades ago when consumer protection came at the expense of consumer choice, and the government controlled the market instead of promoting competition through proper monitoring and regulation. Later on Sunday, Abela said the government would not give up and wanted to ensure that in this sector too it could guarantee stability. Efforts to this end would continue in the coming days and weeks in line with the people’s pleas. (Times of Malta)
Free harbour crossings start today
Commencing Monday, ferry rides in the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett will be complimentary for all Tal-Linja cardholders, with authorities seeking to provide a more advantageous transportation option for the public. This was announced by Prime Minister Robert Abela on Sunday. Presently, there is a regular ferry service operating every 30 minutes between the three cities and Valletta, as well as between the capital city and Sliema. The service extends until midnight in the summer and 7:30 pm in the winter. (Maltatoday)
Reshuffle will enhance Opposition’s effectiveness – Grech
Opposition Leader Bernard Grech said that the reshuffling of MPs’ responsibilities aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Opposition parliamentary group. Among the key changes, the health portfolio went to Adrian Delia while Darren Carabott was elevated to the position of home affairs spokesperson. Jerome Caruana Cilia took over the economy portfolio, but kept financial services, which he previously shadowed as finance spokesperson, a post now occupied by Graham Bencini.
