Updated 1300
Ministry wants business pitch for 50MW floating solar farm off Delimara
Malta’s energy ministry has initiated a market consultation for solar farm projects at sea, particularly focusing on nearshore floating solar technology. The consultation assesses market readiness for 50MW photovoltaic farms within 12 nautical miles off the Maltese coast, potentially south of Marsaxlokk. The corresponding cable route would connect to Delimara Power Station. The ministry is open to alternative suggestions beyond the proposed site, though it hasn’t undergone seabed studies yet. Prospective contractors must ensure site safety, considering factors like interference with submarine power cables, pipeline routes, Natura 2000 sites, fishing zones, aquaculture areas, bunkering zones, spoil grounds, and ordinance dumping zones. (Times of Malta)
Finance Minister provides snapshot of TCN employment
Finance Minister Clyde Caruana, responding to a query from Nationalist MP Bernice Bonello in parliament, disclosed that as of August last year, 15.6% of foreign workers in Malta were engaged in administrative and support services. Of the 107,406 foreign workers, 16,792 were employed in administrative roles, making it the leading sector. Notably, nearly 60% of foreign workers are concentrated in just five employment categories, a trend that has been consistent since 2011. While the top five sectors have remained constant, their rankings have experienced changes over the years. As of 2023 (up to August), the leading sectors were administrative and support services (16,792), followed by accommodation and food services (15,200), construction (10,581), wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles (10,366), and arts, entertainment, and recreation (8,885). (Maltatoday)
Health Minister eyes tougher rules for vapes and HHC products
Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela is concerned about the impact of vapes and semi-synthetic cannabinoid products on youths amid efforts to discourage e-cigarette use among children. Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a popular cannabis substitute, is being sold in various forms, like gummy bears and colourful vapes. HHC operates in a legal grey area, raising worries about accessibility. While not confirming plans for a ban, the minister highlights the urgency of addressing easy access to these products and has scheduled a meeting with health authorities and Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci to discuss the matter.
Morning Briefing
Swiss paper flags increase in Maltese passport holders holidaying in resorts
According to a prominent Swiss newspaper, there has been a notable increase in the number of individuals holding Maltese passports visiting Swiss holiday resorts since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This surge is believed to be linked to affluent Russian ‘golden passport’ holders opting to travel using Maltese documentation, particularly after the EU suspended a visa agreement with Russia in the wake of the invasion. The suspension resulted in heightened bureaucracy, extended waiting periods, and increased expenses for Russian citizens seeking visas to travel to Europe. However, by entering Switzerland with Maltese citizenship, these individuals can bypass such restrictions, as Malta’s EU membership grants visa-free access within the Schengen zone—an area in Europe that facilitates unrestricted movement across its borders. (Times of Malta)
Labour committed to drive positive change – Abela
PM Robert Abela highlighted the Labour Party’s “commitment to continuous positive change” and described the Nationalist Party as populist, cautioning against placing trust in them. “The more division, negativity, and partisanship there is from the Opposition, the greater the responsibility on us to be a government of the people. We solve challenges together through frank discussions, and we cannot have this discussion if we do not recognise certain realities,” Abela told supporters on Sunday. Addressing rumours of a divided Labour Party, Abela denied the allegations, reaffirming the party’s “positive momentum” and dispelling rumours attempting to “overshadow their ongoing progress.” (Maltatoday)
PN leaders calls on PM to stop pointing fingers and take responsibility
Nationalist leader Bernard Grech asserted that Prime Minister Robert Abela should refrain from placing blame on others and take responsibility for issues that arise. Speaking to party supporters on Sunday, Grech addressed the recent farmers’ protest and highlighted their significance and the need for increased investment to support them, especially in ensuring food security. Grech challenged the government’s narrative, accusing Abela of dishonesty. He pointed out that whenever an issue emerges, the government tends to shift blame onto someone else instead of taking accountability for the situation, noting how the PM hd not only failed to ask for derogations to protect local farmers but had actually voted in favour of the same laws he is pointing his finger at. (Newsbook)
