The government has implemented the EU’s anti-SLAPP directive, indicating that it has become the first EU member state to do so. Now enacted under the European Union Act, Chapter 460, the directive aims to prevent the abuse of legal systems to silence critics and suppress public discourse. It introduces several key safeguards and remedies for civil or commercial matters with cross-border implications. Under the directive, courts may require plaintiffs to provide security for the estimated costs of the proceedings, discouraging frivolous claims. If a court determines that a claim is manifestly unfounded, it can dismiss the case early, sparing defendants from protracted legal battles. (Maltatoday)
Health Ministry extends request for private operators to provide emergency services
The health ministry has extended its urgent request for private operators to provide emergency health services for the third time, as private hospitals continue to seek further clarification. St Thomas Hospital, St James Capua, and Da Vinci Health have all shown interest in responding to the request, which was initially issued on July 12. Originally, they had only eight days to apply, as the health ministry struggled to address overcrowding and waiting times of up to 12 hours at Mater Dei’s emergency department. The request period will now extend into its fourth week, with a deadline that has been extended three times, now set to close on August 7. (Times of Malta)
Hesitancy on Scicluna shows Labour is cornered – PN
Prime Minister Robert Abela is cornered, the Nationalist Party stated during a press conference on Wednesday. Party spokespersons suggested Abela was reluctant to reconvene Parliament to discuss Edward Scicluna’s position as Central Bank Governor because he “knows the Labour parliamentary group is divided.” Nationalist MPs Graham Bencini and Jerome Caruana Cilia addressed the recent news that Scicluna would be suspended pending his court case but still receive his full salary. Caruana Cilia added that Abela is being challenged by Labour figures who “seem to wield more power than the Prime Minister,” including “the strong faction of Joseph Muscat.” (The Malta Independent)
