Updated 1050
More than one-third of groundwater extracted freely by commercial users
In 2023, 1.7 million cubic meters of groundwater were extracted for various non-agricultural purposes, such as commercial use by bowsers, beverage companies, construction firms, and domestic consumption. According to data from the Energy and Water Agency (EWA), this marks a significant rise compared to 2019, when only half this amount was drawn for non-agricultural purposes. Non-agricultural groundwater abstraction increased from 833,004 cubic meters in 2019 to 1,713,982 cubic meters in 2023, while agricultural usage saw only a slight rise. Non-agricultural abstraction, which accounted for 21% of total groundwater extraction in 2019, surged to 35% by 2023. Notably, two boreholes alone extracted over 50,000 cubic meters of water in 2023, down from six in 2019. (Maltatoday)
PM denies instructing police not to interrogate individuals named in Vitals inquiry
Prime Minister Robert Abela denied claims that he had instructed police officers not to interrogate individuals named in the magisterial inquiry into the Vitals hospitals concession. MaltaToday reported that Labour Party insiders believe Abela’s biggest mistake was allegedly instructing senior police officials to avoid interrogating those mentioned in the inquiry. Instead, they claimed he directed that all individuals be charged in court to prevent former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat from being perceived as the only one responsible for the fraudulent deal. In his statement Sunday, the PM said that he never gave any such direction “as maliciously reported” without any verification with the OPM. The intention was not to be factual in the report, the PM said. (The Malta Independent)
Malta gridlocked on Monday morning
Traffic came to a halt on Monday morning due to reports of accidents and road closures concentrated around the Marsa and Qormi junctions. Motorists experienced lengthy delays and road closures at this key junction, which connects the southern and northern parts of the island. According to police, an accident occurred in the area around 5 a.m. but was cleared by 7:30 a.m. Social media portals were awash with comments from frustrated motorists while traffic monitoring cameras captured cars jammed on a flyover in Marsa and Attard. (Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Largest tax cut in history in Budget 2025, PM reveals
Malta’s middle class can expect a significant boost, as the government is set to unveil “the largest tax cut in the country’s history” in October’s budget, according to the Prime Minister. During an interview on the PL’s radio station on Sunday, Robert Abela stated that this measure would particularly benefit the middle class by providing more favourable tax rates. He explained that tax bands would be expanded to further incentivize this growing demographic. “We’re planning the biggest tax cut ever granted in our country’s history, which will be announced in the budget,” Abela said. While he didn’t provide further details, he mentioned that the budget would come up several more times during the interview, expressing his enthusiasm for what the government has in store for October. (Times of Malta)
Labour resignations show party in confusion – Grech
Bernard Grech says continuous change in Labour executive positions shows a party in confusion. The Nationalist leader expressed concern that the ongoing confusion is having negative repercussions on the people of Malta and Gozo. During a phone-in interview on the party’s television station, NET TV, Bernard Grech referred to Norma Saliba’s candidacy for President of the Labour Party in the upcoming party elections. “Now more than ever, we are witnessing a Labour Party mired in confusion,” Grech said, adding, “This includes the internal reshuffling within Labour.” He also raised concerns about the alleged Identità Malta scandal, describing it as a case where “the Government orchestrated a fraudulent scheme that has infiltrated our homes.”
Borg, Agius Saliba uncontested for Deputy Leadership positions
The nomination period for the two deputy leader positions and other key roles within the Labour Party concluded on Sunday. For the role of Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs, Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg was nominated, while MEP Alex Agius Saliba was nominated for Deputy Leader for Party Affairs. Since no additional nominations were submitted for either position, both candidates will run unopposed. (The Malta Independent)
