Court rejects Muscat’s human rights claim over hospitals inquiry A Maltese court has dismissed a human rights case filed by former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who argued he was unfairly drawn into the magisterial inquiry into the controversial hospitals deal. The inquiry, launched after a 2019 complaint by civil group Repubblika, examined the privatisation of three public hospitals. Muscat, later charged with bribery and money laundering, claimed he was not originally listed among those to be investigated. His name surfaced after reports linked him to consultancy payments from a company tied to the concession. The court ruled the inquiry’s scope was lawfully expanded as new evidence emerged, rejecting Muscat’s claim that it breached his rights. The case forms part of a wider judicial process examining corruption allegations surrounding the transfer of hospital management to private operators. (Times of Malta)
Government edges toward social media reform for teenagers Prime Minister Robert Abela has said the government’s consultation on adolescent social media use will shape a collective national decision. Speaking at a meeting in Valletta, Abela described the debate as one about how far regulation should go, not whether to act. The process aims to help teenagers balance online activity with healthier habits such as physical exercise. Public engagement has been strong, according to the Prime Minister, who said the government is still in a “listening phase” but will move ahead once the process concludes. Lydia Abela called the reform essential to children’s well-being, stressing that while social media offers benefits, it carries serious risks if left unchecked. The ongoing consultation is expected to feed into a national framework on digital use among young people later this year. (The Malta Independent)
European leaders to address PN’s national convention Former Slovak Prime Minister Mikuláš Dzurinda and European People’s Party Secretary General Dolors Montserrat will join the Nationalist Party’s national convention this weekend. The event, themed Malta ’l Quddiem, is being pitched as an open dialogue to help shape future PN policies and its next electoral manifesto. Party leader Alex Borg said the two-day gathering at the Excelsior Hotel will include public workshops tackling six themes, from quality of life and economic fairness to education, health and Gozo’s development. A PN spokesperson said the convention is “open to everyone”, including NGOs and social partners, to encourage broad participation beyond party lines. Dzurinda now heads the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, while Montserrat previously served as Spain’s health and equality minister. The convention closes Sunday with a keynote address by Borg. (Maltatoday)
