Updated 1200
Property sales unchanged in February: Property sales in February remained stable compared to the previous year, according to NSO data. Residential property final deeds totaled 1,021, just one more than in February 2024, reflecting a 0.1% increase. However, promise of sale agreements rose by 7.5%, reaching 1,253—87 more than the previous year. The highest number of final deeds were recorded in the Northern Harbour (299) and Northern (170) districts, while the lowest were in the Western (110) and Gozo-Comino (136) districts.
Malta ‘refuses’ to cooperate in migrant rescue missions – leaked EU memo: Leaked EU military documents suggest Malta refuses to conduct migrant rescues in its designated search and rescue (SAR) zone, relying on Italy to handle operations. An internal memo from Operation IRINI, an EU naval mission, claims Malta consistently fails to respond to distress calls. NGOs accuse Malta of coordinating with Libya and Tunisia to return migrants instead of rescuing them, calling it a “systematic form of non-assistance.” Statistics show Malta rescued only 92 migrants between January and October 2024, compared to thousands rescued by Italy, Libya, and NGOs. Malta denies these allegations, stating it coordinates rescue efforts with neighboring centers and does not participate in IRINI, which is a security operation, not a rescue mission. (Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Lufthansa Technik announces €22m in Malta
Lufthansa Technik is investing €22 million to expand its Malta facilities for servicing wide-body aircraft. The 6,400-square-metre hangar in Ħal Farruġ will create 70 jobs, bringing its local workforce to 650. Set to open by autumn 2026, the expansion strengthens Malta’s aviation maintenance sector. Prime Minister Robert Abela welcomed the investment, saying it reinforces Malta’s global standing in aircraft maintenance and reflects the nation’s commitment to excellence. He highlighted a 14% increase in MRO sector employment, from 1,000 to 1,224 workers. In his speech, Abela stated how this project will continue to place our country at the forefront of the global Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul industry. (The Malta Independent)
Speaker defends democratic record after Opposition claims
Speaker Anglu Farrugia has dismissed claims by the Opposition that he is running the House of Representatives with political bias, insisting he remains committed to parliamentary rules and democratic principles. His office stated that his role is to ensure order and fairness, and any accusations to the contrary are unfounded. The PN, however, accused Farrugia of acting in the partisan interests of the government and obstructing the Opposition’s constitutional role. The party highlighted several instances where urgent debates were denied, including discussions on major scandals and national issues. It also criticised Farrugia’s rulings, alleging inconsistency and a failure to hold government officials accountable. In response, the Labour Party claimed the PN’s criticism was driven by MP Karol Aquilina’s personal ambitions, suggesting he was undermining the party leadership. The PL urged Nationalist MPs to stand up to Aquilina, accusing him of using attacks on the Speaker for his own political gain. (Times of Malta)
Malta calls for unity at Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting
Malta joined other Commonwealth nations in calling for unity to restore global harmony during the 68th Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) meeting on Tuesday. Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, who chairs the group, reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to the Commonwealth Charter, emphasising the need for collective solutions to global challenges to ensure peace, equality, prosperity, and sustainability. He stressed the importance of upholding Commonwealth values and fostering cooperation among member states. (Maltatoday)
