Updated 1110
Buhagiar Reappointment Row Sparked Mini Cabinet Reshuffle: Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi requested to leave the Lands Ministry after the reinstatement of Kurt Buhagiar, accused of involuntary homicide in the Jean Paul Sofia case, was made without his approval. Despite opposing Buhagiar’s return, Zrinzo Azzopardi was bypassed and not informed until after the decision. His removal from the Lands portfolio in a May reshuffle followed tensions with Lands CEO Robert Vella, who acted independently and is believed to be close to the Prime Minister. PM Robert Abela defended Buhagiar’s reinstatement, sparking backlash from Sofia’s mother. The case reflects broader controversy over government practices, with dozens of officials, including some facing criminal charges, reinstated or receiving increased pay while suspended.
Solar Farm Set for Approval on Former Maghtab Landfill: The Planning Authority is expected to approve a large solar farm on the disused Magħtab landfill in Naxxar, seven years after the proposal was submitted. The Enemalta project includes over 20,000 photovoltaic panels, covering 54,000 square metres, and is designed to generate 5MW of energy—enough to power up to 2,000 households. Set on a sealed artificial hill known as Ta’ Żwejra, the site remains barren despite past rehabilitation efforts. While the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage raised concerns over visual impact, the Planning Authority deemed it minimal, noting the landfill’s already altered landscape. The Environment and Resources Authority found no significant environmental impact, and a final decision is due on 31 July.
Council of Europe Highlights Poor Physical Condition of Malta’s ‘Victorian-Era Relic’ Prison: A Council of Europe committee has strongly criticised Malta’s Corradino Correctional Facility, calling it outdated and in poor condition. Built in the 1840s, the prison suffers from overcrowding, poor ventilation, and inadequate infrastructure, especially in Divisions 5 and 6. While recent reforms have improved operations and prisoner welfare, the committee found that Division 6’s harsh conditions may amount to inhuman treatment. It recommended its repurposing. The committee also urged investment in facilities, more purposeful inmate activities, and better violence monitoring. The government pledged a €4.5 million expansion, annual cell refurbishments, and prison work reforms. Electronic tagging and alternatives to detention are planned to reduce overcrowding. Healthcare and care planning have improved, but gaps remain in prisoner activity and induction processes.
Morning Briefing
MFSA Opens Door to Islamic Finance with Sukuk Proposal
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to the Capital Markets Rules to allow the introduction of sukuk—Islamic, Shariah-compliant financial instruments—on Malta’s capital markets. Sukuk, often referred to as Islamic bonds, are structured to comply with Shariah law, avoiding interest and speculation. The initiative is part of the MFSA’s strategy to diversify Malta’s financial services and position the country as a more inclusive and competitive international hub. The proposed amendments would establish a dedicated regulatory framework for issuing sukuk on the Institutional Financial Securities Market (IFSM). The MFSA is inviting feedback from stakeholders on the draft rules by 8 August 2025. (Times of Malta)
Locals Say Restaurants Are Expensive, Tourists Disagree
A recent survey by the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE) shows a clear divide between locals and tourists on restaurant pricing in Malta. While 58.5% of Maltese respondents consider local restaurants expensive, only 13.8% feel they offer good value. In contrast, 55.4% of tourists said restaurants are good value for money, and just 14.5% found them expensive. Both groups ranked food quality as the top priority, followed by service, ambience, and location. Tourists tend to dine out more frequently, with nearly 78% eating at restaurants once or twice a day, while locals dine out far less often. ACE CEO Omar Vella said the findings highlight the need for the sector to address pricing perceptions, especially among the local population. (The Malta Independent)
Record Electricity Demand Puts Pressure on Grid
Malta’s electricity demand hit a new record on Tuesday, with a peak load of 612MW—an increase of 100MW compared to the same time last year, Enemalta said. The surge, driven by high temperatures, placed added pressure on the grid, leading to power cuts in several localities including Tarxien, Paola, Żabbar, Fgura, and Birkirkara.
Summer heatwaves, which have also affected other parts of Europe, tend to increase the risk of supply faults. In some cases, temporary generators were used to minimise disruption while engineers completed substation repairs. For instance, a generator kept supply running in Tarxien until the substation was reconnected by midday Tuesday.
Restoration times varied depending on the fault and area, but Enemalta noted that recent infrastructure upgrades have significantly reduced downtime, allowing for quicker recovery in most affected areas. (Maltatoday)
