Updated 1600 – ‘New’ Air Malta to fly from March 31 – PM
On March 31 next year, a fresh national airline, still carrying the name Air Malta, will embark on its inaugural flight, taking over from the existing flag carrier, which is set to conduct its final flight on March 30. This announcement was made by Prime Minister Robert Abela on Monday. The PM explained that an agreement had been struck with the European Union to facilitate the transition to the new airline, following the European Commission’s earlier rejection of a government plea for additional state funding for the current carrier. Abela expressed confidence that the new airline would be more efficient, achieve a higher passenger load factor, and become profitable within approximately two years. Further details are available on The Times of Malta.
Updated 1240
Air Malta’s transition will be smooth – PM: Prime Minister Robert Abela affirmed that the nation has had, currently possesses, and will maintain a national airline. Speaking during a Q&A session hosted by the Labour Party the Prime Minister assured that the transition period would proceed smoothly. Abela revealed that the fleet would maintain a considerable size, ensuring that the number of aircraft would not be diminished. This measure is aimed at preserving the airline’s ability to sustain its connectivity. According to media reports, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana will today announce the closure of the current Air Malta and the establishment of a new airline.
PL, PN raise €700,000 in fundraisers: During Sunday’s fundraising telethons, the Labour Party managed to gather €441,530 in contributions, while on the same day, the Nationalist Party raised a total of €248,182. These donations came in as both major parties prepare for the upcoming 2024 elections, where they will once again compete head-to-head in the European and local elections scheduled for June. According to the latest audited accounts, Labour reported a surplus of €955,000 in 2021, while the PN registered a deficit of €526,000 in 2020.
Former MP, Judge Philip Sciberras passes away: Former judge Philip Sciberras has died, the Labour Party said in a statement. He was 77. He had also served as part of the PL parliamentary group between 1979 and 1987. Sciberras had a great love for Maltese literature as a writer and poet, and he is the author of several writings related to the Maltese language and legal matters. Sciberras gave a “solid contribution” to the justice sector in his career, the party said.
Morning Briefing
Driving test racket involving former Minister revealed
WhatsApp conversations involving former Transport Minister Ian Borg have revealed that he forwarded the names of driving test candidates to a Transport Malta official responsible for conducting examinations. These candidates were to be given special treatment to ensure they passed their tests. An investigation conducted by The Times of Malta has uncovered a corrupt operation within Transport Malta that assisted candidates in obtaining their driving licenses. The WhatsApp messages obtained in the investigation show that Ian Borg, along with his political supporter Jesmond Zammit and members of his ministry staff, exerted pressure on Clint Mansueto, the director of licensing at Transport Malta, to provide assistance to candidates at various stages of the licensing process. (Times of Malta)
Leaders react to driving test scandal
PM Robert Abela downplayed the disclosures concerning a network of public officials who identified individuals to receive preferential treatment in the process of obtaining driving licenses. Speaking at a Labour party event, the PM defended Foreign Minister Ian Borg and government customer service personnel who were involved in this activity. Abela stated that if there’s any disappointment, it lies in the fact that there is still more work to be done in assisting people. Abela pointed out that Ian Borg was simply carrying out his responsibilities, and he questioned whether he should instruct him to cease performing his duties.
Opposition leader Bernard Grech stated that the government was effectively granting a “permission to cause harm” by being willing to take any actions, even if it meant endangering lives, in order to hold onto power. He described the ongoing scandal as deeply disgraceful, emphasizing that it involved a blatant disregard for people’s safety. He questioned how anyone involved in this corrupt scheme could, in good conscience, permit individuals to drive on our roads when they are well aware of the dangers involved, likening it to granting a “license to kill.”
(Maltatoday)
Investment firm fined after client risk not well identified
Alchemy Markets Limited, previously known as NSFX Limited, has been slapped with a fine of €419,997 by the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) due to a range of deficiencies in its operations. According to the FIAU, the company neglected to conduct an assessment of the work when outsourcing tasks, and it also failed to categorize clients based on their risk level or the nature of their activities. The financial intelligence agency further revealed that in 86% of the cases it examined, there was a lack of evidence regarding the risks associated with the company’s clients. Notably, crucial information such as the nationality and place of birth of the clients was missing, making it impossible to verify certain details. (Newsbook)
