By the end of August 2024, Government debt surpassed €10 billion, reaching €10,050.4 million—an increase of €847.3 million compared to the same period in 2023. Despite the rise in debt, the Government’s Consolidated Fund registered a surplus of €98.6 million. Recurrent revenue grew by €693.4 million, outpacing a €504.6 million increase in total expenditure, resulting in a positive change of €188.8 million. The most significant boost in revenue came from Income Tax (€346.0 million), while the largest increase in expenditure was seen in Programmes and Initiatives (€284.5 million). (NSO)
MDA Calls for reforms to prevent abuses The Malta Developers Association (MDA) has highlighted the urgent need for reforms that prevent potential abuses. In a statement released on Friday, the MDA addressed reports in local newspapers regarding an objection filed concerning a policy attributed to Planning Minister Clint Camilleri. The association noted that “this is not the first instance where an objection has been lodged for or on behalf of a third party without their knowledge.” It added that such practices are unfortunately common during public consultations related to planning permits and the implementation of new laws or policies. The MDA emphasized that currently, no authority is verifying whether such submissions are made truthfully or with the consent of the represented party. (The Malta Independent)
BA rules in favour of PN on coverage of Secretary-General resignation
The Broadcasting Authority has ruled in favour of the Nationalist Party (PN) regarding a complaint about the public broadcaster’s coverage of Michael Piccinino’s resignation as secretary-general. Piccinino claimed that PBS failed to give equal prominence to his resignation compared to the extensive coverage of Labour Party President Ramona Attard’s announcement not to seek re-election. While PBS reported on Piccinino’s resignation through an interview with the Opposition Leader, his direct comments were omitted. The Authority concluded that similar situations were treated differently and upheld Piccinino’s complaint, ordering PBS to broadcast its decision within two days. (Maltatoday)
