Construction permits will be suspended until appeals are concluded
Construction permits will continue to be suspended until all legal recourses have been fully explored, as the government intends to revise the existing Appeals Law. Planning Minister Clint Camilleri announced on Friday that the government is working on changes to the Appeals Law related to construction permits. Under the proposed amendments, which are anticipated to be presented to the Cabinet soon, permits that are currently under appeal will remain on hold until the entire appeal process is complete. This encompasses proceedings before both the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. (Maltatoday)
Young athlete, philanthropist Jake Vella passes away
Jake Vella, who had long fought a rare medical condition, passed away on Friday. Prime Minister Robert Abela was quick to respond, noting that Jake had made a significant impact on many lives. “Jake was always ready to help others rather than seek help for himself,” Abela wrote on social media. The 15-year-old had been living with ROHHAD, a rare syndrome characterised by rapid-onset obesity, hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation.
Inquiry requested on major alleged LESA fraud
Tourists renting cars in Malta were reportedly fined for traffic violations committed by local drivers, according to allegations of a complex fraudulent scheme involving LESA officials. This alleged racket has reportedly siphoned millions of euros from public funds. Lawyer Jason Azzopardi revealed these details in a court application seeking a magisterial investigation into the purported scheme, which he claims has been operating for years. Azzopardi alleges that WT Global, Malta’s largest fleet of Y-Plate taxis, was a major beneficiary, with penalty points incurred by its drivers being “pardoned” through this scheme. According to Azzopardi, tourists were wrongly penalised for infractions committed by local drivers, with fines imposed on them by car rental companies never reaching LESA. He asserts that this scheme has been meticulously executed since at least 2021, defrauding the state of millions. (Times of Malta)
