Update 1231 – Covid-19 Update
12 new cases were reported for the second day running. With just one person recovering, active cases have now reached 79. 336,800 persons are now fully vaccinated.
Updated 1125 – Deficit up, unemployment down
Government records deficit of €425 in Q1: In the first quarter of 2021, the General Government recorded a deficit of €425.3 million.
During the period January to March 2021, total revenue stood at €1,083.4 million, an increase of €167.0 million when compared to the corresponding quarter in 2020. The largest increase in revenue was recorded in Current taxes on income and wealth (€112.5 million), followed by Net social contributions (€40.9 million), Market output (€19.8 million) and Capital transfers receivable (€10.3 million). These increases in revenue were partially offset
by decreases in Taxes on production and imports (€9.0 million), Property income receivable (€5.6 million) and
Current transfers receivable (€1.9 million)
Total expenditure in the first quarter of 2021 amounted to €1,508.6 million, an increase of €209.6 million over the corresponding quarter in 2020. Almost all components of General Government expenditure recorded an increase, with Intermediate consumption registering the largest rise of €118.7 million. This was followed by Subsidies payable (€53.6 million), mostly in relation to the COVID-19 Business Assistance programme. Other increases were recorded in Compensation of employees (€46.8 million).
Unemployment halved: In May, the number of persons registering for work stood at 2,001, decreasing by 2,408 when compared to the corresponding month in 2020, the NSO said today. Data provided by Jobsplus for May 2021 indicate a year-on-year decrease of 2,193 persons registering under Part I, and an additional drop of 215 persons registering under Part II of the unemployment register. A considerably decrease was noted in those registering for work for a duration of less than 21 weeks, when compared to the same month in 2020. On the other hand, those persons registering for work between 21 and 52 weeks recorded the largest increase, followed by those registering for more than one year.
Updated 0830 – Newspaper Review
The Independent leads with the reaction of MP Rosianne Cutajar to an investigation into her conduct by the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life. The former junior minister accused the Commissioner of repeating untruths about her.
In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech urging government MP Rosianne Cutajar to step down following accusations of breach of ethics. He said that as long as she held on to the seat, Malta’s reputation would continue to suffer.
The Times says that there are currently 87 pending trials involving more than a hundred suspects. The longest-standing trial was issued in 2007 while another four cases have been pending for over 10 years.
L-Orizzont quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela that the government will keep building on the foundations of the last years as it enters the final stretch of the legislature. Abela said that his administration is committed to addressing issues of concern.
The Times quotes an international report by the US State Department showing that the police in Malta launched 16 human trafficking investigations in 2020. Eight investigations are related to human trafficking and another eight to labour trafficking.
The Independent quotes Eurostat figures predicting that the average number of years in employment for 15-year-olds will be 36.9 years, higher than 35.7 years average expected at an EU level.
L-Orizzont carries an interview with Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando about his recently published autobiography. The former MP said that the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia turned the attention of the international community to Malta.
In-Nazzjon picks up a Facebook post by Rosianne Cutajar declaring her intention to contest the next general election. The MP said that the conclusions of an investigation into her conduct by the Commissioner for Standards are unjust.
Morning Briefing
Rosianne Cutajar should be investigated by tax dept – Standards Commissioner
The Standards Commissioner has advised that MP Rosianne Cutajar should be investigated by the tax department over her alleged involvement in a multi-million euro property deal involving Yorgen Fenech. In his report, George Hyzler said that the former Parliamentary Secretary most likely received a €46,500 brokerage payment she is alleged to have pocketed through the deal, concluding that the she likely
The commissioner’s investigation concluded ti was likely that Cutajar, who had since resigned from her post, failed to declare her income from that 2019 property sale. Meanwhile, Opposition and Nationalist Party Leader Bernard Grech has stated that Labour MP Rosianne Cutajar has no other option except to step down, and this in order to avoid causing more damage to the country’s reputation.
PM lauds employment success
Prime Minister and Labour Party Leader Robert Abela highlighted what he described as Government’s success in safeguarding employment, saying that Eurostat statistics on unemployment show that as a result of Government assistance, businesses could continue to move ahead. In a telephone interview, Dr Abela referred to the latest Eurostat statistics on unemployment, saying this showed that work is the basis of many things. The Prime Minister added that these statistics in Malta are evidence that the country has been recovering well, with 2,500 persons who had been unemployed in the past ten months now in employment, which means these persons and their families can have better aspirations for their future.
Covid-19 Update
Twelve cases of coronavirus were reported on Sunday, the first double-digit tally in over four weeks. As no patients recovered, active cases have now reached 68.
