Updated 1100
Bolt says fifth of drivers lost after work permits not renewed
Bolt announced that its cab fares “automatically” increased after losing a fifth of its drivers due to rejected renewals and new work permit applications. The fare hikes also resulted from increased demand and some drivers leaving the industry voluntarily, according to a spokesperson speaking to the Times of Malta. The government recently stated that new applications and changes of employer for third-country nationals in the cab driving and food courier sectors were being denied due to market “saturation.” This led to complaints about higher fares and longer waiting times, which Bolt attributed to the work permit restrictions. (Times of Malta)
Emergency power plan ready by end of month
Enemalta executive chairman Ryan Fava stated that the emergency power plant should be operational by the end of this month. He mentioned that the €37 million temporary power station, with a capacity of 60 megawatts (MW), will be ready to provide backup in case any of the country’s energy generation sources fail. The plant’s arrival was delayed, with initial media reports suggesting it would be delivered in July and become operational shortly after. Fava has now indicated that the plant should be fully functional by mid-August. The power plant arrived at the Birzebbuga Freeport on 27 July and requires a few days for installation. (The Malta Independent)
Apartments cost 11 times the annual income of single buyers
A comprehensive study by the Housing Authority shows that that from 2000 to 2022, mortgage interest rates in Malta fell from 6.5% to 2.8%, theoretically easing the cost of borrowing. However, this reduction in rates did not sufficiently offset the rapid increase in property prices, leading to a net decline in affordability. In fact, in 2000 a two-bedroom apartment cost seven times the annual salary of single buyers. Two decades later, that rate is now 11 times an annual salary. The study lists different factors driving property prices up. These include economic growth, population increases, and foreign investment in Malta’s real estate market. Meanwhile, income growth has not kept pace with these rising costs. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
PM says public more interested in future than in the past
Robert Abela declined to comment on whether his predecessor, Joseph Muscat, had a positive or negative impact on the Labour Party. In an interview, Abela emphasized his focus on the future, noting that he has led the party for the past four years. When questioned further about Muscat, Abela expressed irritation over the persistent interest in his predecessor, stating that the public is more interested in hearing about future plans. He suggested that former leaders should step aside to allow their successors space to lead, promising to do so himself once he moves out of the country’s leadership. (Times of Malta)
PN leader says government failed in every sector
Nationalist leader Bernard Grech said the Labour government has failed in every sector and it is unacceptable that they continue to tarnish the country’s reputation. “It’s disappointing to say that the Prime Minister was humiliated by his cabinet. He went in front of the cabinet and told them that he will be removing Edward Scicluna and he ended up changing his position,” Bernard Grech said during a brief interview on NET. Grech stated that as soon as former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat defended Scicluna, stating ‘there will be problems, if he is removed,’ Robert Abela changed his stance, and the cabinet went with Muscat’s advice. He also criticised the Prime Minister for having “no authority.” (Maltatoday)
Inquiry sought on alleged systematic ID card fraud
Lawyer Jason Azzopardi has filed a court application seeking a magisterial inquiry into what he describes as a “widespread and systematic scheme” involving the fraudulent issuance of identity cards. The allegations suggest that high-ranking officials at Identità (formerly Identity Malta) and other government bodies may be implicated. Azzopardi’s application claims that since 2015, around 18,000 fake identity cards have been issued to third-country nationals, mainly from Egypt and Libya, allowing them to travel within the Schengen area. The application includes detailed testimonies, including one from an Egyptian national who reportedly paid €4,000 for a fraudulent residence permit and identity card. (Newsbook)
