Updated 1300
Construction continued to slow down in 2023: Central Bank: The construction sector in Malta experienced a slowdown last year, with increased employment but decreased productivity, according to the Central Bank. Productivity dropped by nearly 13%, while output fell by 8%. Planning Authority permits decreased by 15%, and confidence in the sector hit a low point. Despite this, modest growth is projected, albeit with declining sentiment and labor shortages. However, the finance minister highlighted other industries as the main drivers of economic growth, with services leading. Construction had a negative impact on GDP growth, and investment declined by 22% last year. Despite challenges, Malta’s GDP is forecasted to grow, but at a slower pace.
Broadcasting Authority to host series of political discussions for EP, local council elections: The Broadcasting Authority (BA) will host political debates and features on local broadcaster channels ahead of the June 8 elections in Malta. Two series will be organised for the European and local council elections. These will include shows, interviews, and TV spots on TVM and TVMNews+. The European Parliament series begins this week with a debate titled ‘Europe at a crossroads: What is the future of the European Parliament?’. Candidates from major parties will participate, moderated by journalist Liam Carter, airing at 8:45 pm on TVM and Radju Malta. The BA is legally required to organise these debates to ensure all parties have a platform.
Robert Aquilina appointed honorary president of Repubblika: Robert Aquilina, former president of NGO Repubblika, has been appointed as honorary president after serving for three and a half years. His successor, Vicki Ann Cremona, praised his significant contributions to the organization and the country. Aquilina, previously co-founder, General Secretary, and Vice-President, coordinated mass protests in 2019-2020. He will represent Repubblika in legal cases against the Police Commissioner and the Attorney General regarding Pilatus Bank. Additionally, he will continue to advocate for the NGO in matters concerning a magisterial inquiry into fraudulent sales of public hospitals.
Morning Briefing
PM puts sustainable development on top of agenda in campaign launch
PM Robert Abela pledged that Gozo would serve as a new model for sustainable development in the nation, addressing longstanding criticism about excessive construction detracting from the sister island’s allure. The Prime Minister made this announcement during the closure of the Labour Party’s general conference, which introduced the party’s slogan for the upcoming MEP and local council elections: ‘Is-Saħħa lill-Maltin’ (strength to the Maltese). Abela indicated that this theme was inspired by a series of town hall meetings where party representatives listened to the urgent concerns of citizens from various backgrounds. (Times of Malta)
Labour orchestrating vote theft – Grech
PN Leader Bernard Grech strongly criticised what he labeled as the ‘theft’ of votes orchestrated by the Labour Party, in a speech he delivered on Sunday. Speaking at a political gathering, Grech condemned the disability benefits fraud, which he asserted was ‘engineered in Castille,’ enabling the government to ‘steal’ votes from the most vulnerable individuals by promising them funds they were not legitimately entitled to. He emphasized that not only did this scheme cause trauma to those who were exploited by it, but it also harmed those who were rightfully eligible for assistance but were denied access. Grech said Labour was relying solely on public relations strategies and press conferences ‘to fill airtime on PBS.’ He argued that a responsible government should prioritize saving and investing money for the betterment of families rather than squandering it. (The Malta Independent)
Prime Minister warns judiciary against “political terrorism”, PN reacts
Robert Abela cautioned against what he termed as “political terrorism” by the judiciary, hinting at potential criminal charges against his predecessor without naming Joseph Muscat. Abela pointed to the tumultuous events of 2019 and accused the “Nationalist establishment” of hindering the government’s advancements. He also focused on those aligned with the Opposition within the “establishment.” In a reaction, the PN called on the PM to retract his recent remarks regarding the judiciary, accusing him of attempting to intimidate the judicial system and rallying public sentiment against it, all in an effort to obstruct justice. (Maltatoday)
