Updated 1215
Budget 2024 to be announced on October 30
The Budget for 2024 will be presented on October 30, Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced. Abela said on social media that this morning he discussed the government’s legislative plan for the coming months and years with MPs. “We will be tabling a number of important proposals in parliament,” Abela said.
Metsola to address PN Mass Meeting
EP President Roberta Metsola will address the PN’s traditional eve of Independence Day Mass Meeting following an invitation by party leader Bernard Grech. In comments to The Times of Malta, Grech said: “The Nationalist Party believes in an independent and European Malta. Therefore, as there is a Maltese in one of the highest positions within the European Union, I felt it would be appropriate to invite Roberta Metsola to address the Independence Mass Meeting”. (Times of Malta)
Identity Malta announces rebranding
Identity Malta Agency will be known as “Identità” as it undergoes a rebranding initiative along with the introduction of a new logo. At a conference held to commemorate the transformation and accomplishments of Identità over the past decade, the agency unveiled its new brand identity and outlined its objectives for the upcoming years. Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri acknowledged that the agency was established a decade ago with the purpose of offering identity management solutions and safeguarding national interests. He credited the agency’s achievements to the dedication of its employees and the sustained technological investments made over the years. (Maltatoday)
Malta makes €3 from every €1 spent on film industry
Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo asserted that a study conducted on the cash rebate system “clearly validates” its positive impact on Malta’s economy. However, he declined to release the report to the public. During a press conference, Bartolo, accompanied by Film Commissioner Johann Grech, stated that the study indicated that for every €1 spent on cash rebates for film productions, the Maltese economy benefited by €3. This announcement coincided with the National Audit Office’s ongoing investigation into the expenditure of the Malta Film Commission on cash rebates for film producers. The program faced criticism when it was revealed that the company producing the sequel to Gladiator received €46.7 million in rebates.
Morning Briefing
FMS CEO Carmen Ciantar cleared of bribery allegations
Carmen Ciantar has received notification that the police have completed their inquiry into the bribery accusations against her, and no basis for criminal prosecution has been found.
Last May, the CEO of the Foundation for Medical Services voluntarily stepped aside from her position following allegations of bribery reported by a Pakistani news portal. These allegations involved purported bribes from a company associated with Vitals Global Healthcare. However, Ciantar revoked her self-imposed suspension in July. She vehemently denied the accusations and declared her intent to utilize all legal avenues to protect her reputation and integrity. (Maltatoday)
PM launches Gozo regional strategy
Prime Minister Robert Abela officially launched the Gozo Regional Development Strategy for the upcoming decade, outlining an ambitious goal of Gozo achieving carbon neutrality. Addressing the audience in Rabat, Gozo, Dr. Abela underscored the government’s track record in fulfilling its commitments, emphasizing its credibility and the privilege of presenting the Gozo strategy. Dr. Abela highlighted that this regional strategy for Gozo is unique as it was developed by Gozitans themselves. He pointed out that the strategy strikes a balance between social considerations and sustainability while addressing the specific needs of Gozo. The Prime Minister also noted that the strategy’s principles would be implemented starting from the next budget, and the government is committed to conducting surveys within villages. He stressed the importance of achieving economic success while preserving the unique Gozitan identity. (TVM)
Murdered man was involved in plot to kidnap Victoria Beckham
During a court hearing on Friday, it was revealed that the man who was fatally stabbed in Paceville last year had a prior conviction for murder and had also been implicated in an alleged plot to kidnap Victoria Beckham. Magistrate Astrid May Grima presided over the hearing as the defence presented their bail arguments while the compilation of evidence against Ilie Constantin, Ionut Iulian Tanase, and Dan-Andrei Tanase continued on Friday afternoon. These three individuals are facing charges related to the murder of Josef Rivas, a suspected member of a Romanian organized crime group, who lost his life after being stabbed in Paceville on December 5, 2022. (Times of Malta)
