Updated 1200
Watchdog Urges Government to Curb Non-Productive Spending: The Malta Fiscal Advisory Council has urged the government to limit further spending increases, particularly on non-productive areas, warning current trends may not be sustainable. In its report to Clyde Caruana, it noted strong revenues have improved the fiscal balance but cautioned this could reverse if economic conditions weaken.
While employment remains strong, the council warned Malta’s growth relies heavily on domestic demand, posing risks to infrastructure, productivity, and competitiveness. It called for spending restraint and a strategic shift towards export-led growth to ensure long-term economic resilience. (Times of Malta)
Malta Tightens Tourism Rules, Bans New Low-Grade Hotels: New regulations issued under the Malta Travel and Tourism Services Act will, from June, block applications for one- and two-star hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and most hostels. Announced by Ian Borg, the reform aims to shift Malta toward higher-value tourism while addressing community concerns. Caps will limit hotels to 200 rooms and guesthouses to 20 rooms in protected areas. Short-let rules tighten with a 10-person cap, mandatory licensing displays, and stricter enforcement. New categories, including boutique, heritage, and “diffuso” accommodations, are also being introduced. (The Malta Independent)
Paola Crematorium Plan Proposes Advanced Emissions Control System: A proposed crematorium near Addolorata Cemetery would use a multi-stage air filtration system to minimise emissions, according to planning documents. The project (PA/05280/21), submitted by Active Group, includes gas cooling, chemical neutralisation, particle filtration, and continuous monitoring. Technology by Kalfrisa S.A. would reduce pollutants such as acidic gases, dioxins, and heavy metals to meet strict EU standards. Initially handling four cremations weekly, the facility could expand to 25 within a decade. The proposal, covering 7,800sq.m of land, awaits an outline decision by the Planning Authority on 23 April. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Abela Dismisses Election Uncertainty Claims
Prime Minister Robert Abela has dismissed claims that uncertainty over the timing of the next general election is affecting businesses and households. Speaking to journalists, Abela insisted that “uncertainty is only in the minds of those trying to create it”, responding to criticism from Opposition leader Alex Borg. Borg had argued that speculation about a possible early election is creating instability. Abela said his priority remains safeguarding the country amid global challenges, adding that the election will be called when it is in the national interest. The current legislature can run until mid-next year, with Maltese law requiring a minimum of 33 days between the dissolution of parliament and voting day. His comments came during the Labour Party’s pre-election congress, which concludes this week. (Times of Malta)
Employers Call for Delay in Pay Transparency Law
The Malta Employers’ Association has formally requested a postponement of the EU Pay Transparency Directive’s transposition into Maltese law, currently set for 7 June. The Association warned that, with weeks remaining, no draft legislation has yet been published, leaving employers without clarity on how to prepare for compliance. President Ivan Refalo said members are facing growing uncertainty despite ongoing engagement through surveys, webinars and training. The request mirrors developments in Sweden, where the government has moved to delay implementation and seek changes, citing administrative burdens. The Association also pointed to wider European concerns, including calls from BusinessEurope for a “Stop the Clock” approach. It urged government to allow more time for preparation and ensure a clearer, more practical framework. (The Malta Independent)
Government Proposes Changes to Public Registry
The Maltese government has proposed a series of reforms to the public registry aimed at simplifying procedures and improving services. Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said one key measure would limit the registration of newborn names to the Maltese or Latin alphabets, in line with constitutional provisions on official languages. Other proposals include restricting public access to causes of death on certificates, while still allowing access through a court order in sensitive cases. Changes are also planned to simplify the recognition of biological fathers, reducing the need for lengthy legal procedures in certain situations. Additional reforms cover adoption rules and surname regulations, including removing a current five-year limit on certain choices. The proposals also aim to digitise processes, allowing some services to be completed online. The measures will now be discussed in parliament. (Maltatoday)
