Flu, Covid vaccines available for over 55s today / Malta News Briefing – Monday 17 October 2022

Updated 1115

Government agency opposing Lombard share sale

The National Development and Social Fund (NDSF), the government’s entity which is responsible for handling monies generated from Malta’s passport programme is objecting to share issue plans by Lombard Bank. The NSDF owns a 49% in the Bank. Four years ago, the agency had acquired a 49% equity in the private Lombard Bank – valued at just over €51 million – to facilitate the exit of the now-defunct Cyprus Popular Bank. However, the Government has yet to sell of this investment. (Maltatoday)

Flu, Covid vaccines available for over 55s today

People aged over 55, pregnant women, healthcare workers and those suffering from chronic conditions can get vaccinated against the flu and COVID from today. All health centres and community centres are offering these jabs with authorities warning of a severe influenza season. Both vaccines could be taken at the same time, on different arms, and people can also opt to take just one. The anti-influenza jab will become available to all persons aged over six months by the end of this month. (Times of Malta)

Government says 77% of budget plans implemented

Government has claimed that some 324 initiatives announced in Budget 2022 have been implemented, amounting to some 77%. Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana said that this is the highest-ever rate since such information was collated. He also quoted an Economic Policy Department study which has shown that Malta’s economy has grown 10% in the post-pandemic phase, roughly twice EU-levels. (TVM)

Morning Briefing

Daphne Caruana Galizia remembered throughout Sunday

Hundreds of people attended a silent gathering remembering the fifth anniversary from the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s children. Her three sons, Paul, Andrew and Matthew were present. Notable attendees included European Parliament president Roberta Metsola and anti-mafia activist Maria Falcone, ex-PN leader Simon Busuttil, MEP David Casa and PN general secretary Michael Piccinino. Later in the evening, Anti-corruption NGO Repubblika held a protest attended by thousands. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said Daphne Caruana Galizia was always led by the principle “of doing what is right.” (Times of Malta / Maltatoday)

Government needs to learn further from Daphne’s murder – PM

Prime Minister Robert Abela said the country should continue to learn from the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia five years ago. Speaking to party activists in Żebbuġ, Abela said that last week’s Court sentence is another step towards justice, with three persons sentenced and another three waiting to stand trial by jury. The PM added that Government as a legislator wanting to send a clear message it wants effective and strong justice, and mentioned a number of reforms carried out during the last two and a half years. (TVM)

Government has learnt nothing from Daphne’s murder – PN’s Grech

Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech insisted that the government had yet to learn any lessons from the “traumatic” assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and remained intent on silencing its critics, including journalists. Grech referred to the planned media reform as proof of this. He insisted that the sentencing of the Degiorgio brothers was just a first step towards justice. The Opposition leader insisted that the PN will remain the party to fight for justice and liberty (Newsbook).