Updated 1300
Old Fisheries Site Project expected to generate €61 million into Government revenue: The Malta Strategic Partnership Projects has received two proposals for the regeneration of the Old Fisheries Site in Valletta. It has recommended awarding a 65-year concession to Carmelo Stivala Group Limited, whose project is expected to generate €61 million in government revenue. The plan includes initial and ongoing investments to revitalise neglected areas, such as Barriera Wharf and the former quarantine hospital, creating a high-end tourist attraction. The project will also provide employment opportunities and contribute €2.4 million annually in economic value. The initiative aligns with other regeneration efforts aimed at boosting employment and improving living standards through private investment.
Ryanair wants to carry eight million passengers a year on Malta routes: Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary aims to nearly double the airline’s passengers to Malta, targeting 8 million annually within a decade. He believes Malta can accommodate more tourists year-round, provided infrastructure improves. Currently, Ryanair serves 4 million passengers, a number expected to rise. O’Leary dismissed concerns of overtourism, underscoring growth in off-peak seasons. Ryanair plans to increase its Malta-based fleet and routes, adding new destinations like Rome and Paris. He also stressed the need for Malta to enhance its infrastructure to support economic growth. Despite competition, O’Leary sees room for Ryanair and KM Malta Airlines to coexist, with Ryanair offering low fares and extensive routes while KM serves major hubs.
Climate Action Authority gets its first CEO: The government has appointed engineer Abigail Cutajar as the first CEO of the Climate Action Authority (CAA), two months after Mario Joseph Azzopardi was named its chair. The CAA will coordinate Malta’s climate objectives and initiatives. Cutajar, with 13 years of experience in energy efficiency and climate action, is Malta’s first LEED-accredited professional. She previously worked as Chief Sustainability Manager at QP Management and Head of Engineering at ProEnergy Solutions, and has been advising Miriam Dalli since 2022.
175 migrants relocated from Malta so far this year: Sixteen irregular migrants were relocated from Malta on Monday, bringing the total relocations this year to 175, surpassing the 103 arrivals. The Home Affairs Ministry reported that 115 migrants were returned to their home countries, while 60 were transferred to other EU states. The ministry emphasized that migrants deserving protection receive legal rights, while others are either relocated or repatriated. Relocations are co-funded by the European Union.
Morning Briefing
New legal notice prohibits paying wages in cash
A legal notice recently approved by the cabinet will prohibit paying wages in cash, making it mandatory for employers to pay their workers through direct debit or, in exceptional cases, by cheque, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Sunday. This new regulation is designed to safeguard workers from potential exploitation. During a Labour Party event, the prime minister confirmed that aid schemes for property development and restoration in urban conservation areas would continue, and discussions were still underway regarding the future of grants for electric vehicle purchases. (Times of Malta)
Overpopulation tops voters’ concerns – survey
Concern about foreigners working in Malta has re-emerged as the country’s top worry, especially among Labour Party supporters and non-voters, according to a new survey. The concern about foreign workers tops the list of voter concerns with 22.4%, while a separate concern with overpopulation appeared in the list with 8.1% citing it as their topmost worry. The survey also shows that the second-highest concern is traffic with 21%, followed by corruption at 14.1%. Inflation, which was the highest concern in February has dropped to fourth place at 10%. (Maltatoday)
PN leaders promises tax cuts for all tax payers
Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech promised on Sunday that a PN-led government would ensure better living conditions for everyone, with tax cuts for all taxpayers and allowances for pensioners and non-taxpayers. Speaking at a political event in Żejtun, Grech’s focus remained on what a future PN administration would offer, following a recent survey showing the party leading Labour by 12,000 votes in a hypothetical election. Grech reiterated a pledged measure that would technically translate in somewhat modest tax cuts across the board – ending the taxation of the annual Cost of Living Adjustment. He stressed that the COLA is actually paid by employers, not the government, and portrayed the government’s decision to levy taxes on this expense as “stealing from you and your employer.” (Newsbook)
