Morning Briefing
Mobiles found in cells of two prisoners serving life sentences
Police are investigating after mobile phones were discovered in the cells of Robert Agius, known as Ta’ Maksar, and George Degiorgio, both serving life sentences in connection with the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Searches carried out in recent days uncovered two mobile phones in the cells of the two prisoners, while a third was found in another inmate’s cell. Reports also indicate that the mobile phones could have been used in a murder plot. Minister Glenn Bedingfield said the operation was co-ordinated by the police with the participation of several entities and that the two men were expected to be questioned in the following hours. He stressed that nobody would receive preferential treatment under the law. The police declined to confirm the identities of those being investigated, citing the ongoing inquiry. Agius was also convicted in connection with the murder of lawyer Carmel Chircop. (Times of Malta)
PM announces green jobs investment ahead of Budget 2027
Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced that an investment expected to create green jobs and new career opportunities will be inaugurated on October 28, two days after the government presents its Budget for 2027. Speaking at a Labour Party pre-budget event, Abela also referred to a planned investment in the hospitality sector but provided no details about the projects’ value or expected employment impact. He placed economic stability at the centre of the government’s approach, arguing that protecting households and businesses from international uncertainty was essential to improving living standards. Maintaining energy subsidies is expected to cost around €400 million next year, he said, defending the policy of shielding consumers from fluctuations in energy and fuel prices. Abela also promised further income tax reductions for working parents from January and another pension increase, while highlighting support for start-ups that he said had helped 50 businesses secure €15 million and create around 250 jobs. (Maltatoday)
Malta urged to strengthen whistleblower protection and anti-mafia laws
Malta should strengthen its whistleblower legislation and introduce anti-mafia laws to address gaps in the fight against corruption, legal and rule-of-law experts have urged. Francesca Rispoli, co-president of Italian anti-mafia organisation Libera, said political leaders needed to recognise that criminal organisations could operate in different ways and should not be associated exclusively with violence, clans or territorial control. Her comments came during events marking the ninth anniversary of the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Anna Myers, executive director of the Whistleblowing International Network, stressed that effective legal protections were essential to ensure people could report wrongdoing without putting their lives at risk. She argued that information was a powerful tool against criminal activity and that the law needed to protect those prepared to disclose it. The calls highlight concerns about whether Malta’s existing legal framework provides sufficient safeguards for whistleblowers and adequately addresses organised crime and corruption. (The Malta Independent)
PN proposes state assistance with property deposits and mortgage interest
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg has called for more effective measures to help people buy property, arguing that rising prices are putting home ownership beyond the reach of many households. Speaking during a discussion on affordable housing broadcast on NET TV as part of the party’s pre-budget consultations, Borg cited a survey by audit firm PMG which, he said, put the average apartment price in Malta at €400,000. According to the figures he quoted, a couple earning the minimum wage could afford just 2.2% of properties on the market. Borg said the problem affected not only young couples but also single people, separated individuals and older residents seeking smaller homes. The PN is proposing government assistance to finance the 10% deposit required to buy a property, support with mortgage interest payments and a one-stop shop to simplify the purchasing process. Borg argued that economic growth should translate into realistic opportunities for people to own their homes. (TVM News)
