Updated 1300
Working population up by 3.4%
In the fourth quarter of last year, employment reached 305,218, up by 3.4% compared to the previous year, representing 64.4% of the population aged 15 and above. Self-employed individuals constituted 14.4% of the workforce. Most were full-time employees (268,640), while 36,578 worked part-time. Full-time workers averaged 41.1 hours weekly, part-timers 22.2 hours. The average actual work hours decreased by 1.2 from the previous year. The average monthly basic salary rose to €1,837, with the highest in the Financial and insurance sector. Salaries varied significantly across occupations, ranging from €1,120 to €2,959. About 35.3% of employed individuals held tertiary education. Unemployment stood at 2.9%, with retirement being the primary reason for inactivity (43.3%). This data was reported by the National Statistics Office. (Times of Malta)
Andy Ellul’s former driver says OPM ignored his requests to expose ‘corrupt acts’ in benefits racket
Roger Agius, formerly a driver and canvasser for Minister Andy Ellul, urges a magisterial inquiry into a social benefits fraud scheme, offering to expose organised crime involvement as a whistleblower. Agius files a protest against various government officials, alleging they ignored his attempts to disclose information. Facing pending charges related to the fraud, Agius implicates himself and others, including ex-MP Silvio Grixti. Agius claims Ellul was unaware of his activities and resigned in 2023. Despite offering to testify under oath, Agius feels ignored by authorities. He alleges police inaction and suspects a leak to a senior officer. Agius resists coercion to change lawyers. Jason Azzopardi and Kris Busietta represent him. (Maltatoday)
Call for ship-borne cargo service to link Malta’s harbours
The Malta Maritime Forum advocates for a Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) cargo service linking Malta Freeport, Grand Harbour, and Mġarr in Gozo, potentially with a stopover in North Malta. Although exact figures are unavailable, the MMF believes the service is viable and sustainable, reducing heavy vehicle traffic, especially in North Malta. This call follows a surge in ferry users after services became free. MMF emphasises waterborne traffic as part of decarbonisation efforts and congestion reduction. They’ve engaged local and EU authorities, including the European Network of Maritime Clusters and Waterborne Technology Platform, aligning with the EU’s Green Deal objectives. (MMF Statement)
Morning Briefing
State Advocate claims no authority to take action against former Ministers on hospitals deal
The State Advocate asserted that he lacks the authority to pursue legal action against former ministers Chris Cardona, Konrad Mizzi, and ex-premier Joseph Muscat, following the annulment of the “fraudulent” privatisation deal for three public hospitals. In a case brought by the Opposition, Chris Soler testified before the First Hall, Civil Court, where the State Advocate was challenged for not recovering funds from the defunct hospitals’ deal in the public interest. Last year, Bernard Grech and Nationalist MP Adrian Delia sought court intervention to compel the State Advocate to take action against government officials involved in the deal. In testimony that lasted nearly two hours, Soler said the State Advocate’s position was that he could only advise the government and had no power to take or order action on his own steam. (Times of Malta)
Labour propogandist claims some businessmen are pushing against Muscat’s return to politics
Emanuel Cuschieri, a Labour propogandist has warned of revealing the identities of “businessmen” he alleges are hindering Joseph Muscat’s reentry into politics. According to Cuschieri, these individuals are covertly working to prevent the former Labour leader from participating in the upcoming European Parliament election in June. On social media, Cuschieri emphasized the need for the Labour Party to secure its largest electoral victory in June, insisting on selecting the most qualified MEP candidates. (Maltatoday)
Man acquitted of causing death of motorcyclist
A 27-year-old driver has been acquitted of causing the death of a motorcyclist in a November 2017 accident in Ħamrun. Benjamin Schembri, who was 19 at the time, was driving a BMW on St Joseph High Road when he collided with 60-year-old Paul Fenech on a Honda motorcycle. Simultaneously, Schembri had another collision while attempting to avoid the motorcycle. The prosecution alleged excessive speed, but Schembri, testifying in court, argued that he was not driving fast since he had just pulled out of a parking space after a brief stop to buy a drink. The Court, led by Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia, concluded that Schembri may have been driving too fast, leading to the failure to stop in time. (TVM)
