Updated 1145
€7.5 Million Allocated to Final Phase of Heritage Restoration Scheme
The government has announced the reopening of the Irrestawra Darek scheme for Malta’s eastern region, allocating €6.5 million for the restoration of heritage properties and a further €1 million for Grade 1 and Grade 2 scheduled buildings located outside Urban Conservation Areas. The latest phase marks the completion of a nationwide programme aimed at restoring Malta and Gozo’s historic urban cores. Planning Minister Jonathan Attard said the initiative is intended not only to preserve built heritage but also to strengthen communities, improve urban environments and support economic activity linked to the conservation sector. Attard noted that while more than €33 million had been allocated to similar schemes over the past 30 years, government had already committed €32 million to restoration projects during the first six months of 2026 alone. He described the scheme as an investment in Malta’s architectural identity, adding that it contributes to preserving the unique character of towns and villages across the islands. (Maltatoday)
Government Rejects Claims of Lawyer-Client Surveillance at Corradino
The government has formally denied allegations that privileged conversations between lawyers and their clients at the Corradino Correctional Facility were monitored, intercepted or recorded, filing a counter judicial protest in response to action taken by the Chamber of Advocates. The dispute centres on claims that confidential meetings between lawyers and inmates may have been subject to surveillance. Earlier this week, the Chamber ordered lawyers to refrain from providing legal services on 22 June in protest at what it described as a breach of legal professional privilege. The Chamber had filed a judicial protest against senior government officials, citing testimony that allegedly pointed to an organised system of interceptions in prison meeting rooms. Government has categorically rejected the allegations, insisting that no such monitoring took place. The issue has sparked debate over legal professional privilege, which the Chamber argues is protected under the Constitution, Maltese law and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Labour MEP calls for introduction of minimum age for social media access
The European Parliament has debated stronger measures to protect children from the risks associated with social media, with renewed calls for tighter regulation of digital platforms. During the discussion, Maltese MEP Alex Agius Saliba urged the European Commission to address what he described as addictive design features used by social media platforms. He also called for the introduction of a minimum age requirement for social media use in order to shield children from harmful effects on their development. Agius Saliba argued that existing rules should be enforced more effectively, while additional safeguards should be introduced to strengthen online protection for minors. The debate forms part of a wider European discussion on the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Policymakers across the EU have increasingly raised concerns about excessive screen time, online addiction and the influence of digital platforms on children’s development. The European Commission is expected to continue examining possible measures in the coming months. (TVM News)
Morning Briefing
Second Malta-Sicily Interconnector Moves Closer After Seabed Clearance Works
A major milestone has been reached in the development of the second Malta-Sicily Interconnector, with offshore teams successfully clearing the planned route for the submarine electricity cable. Interconnect Malta announced that specialised contractors have completed an extensive identification and clearance campaign along the 99-kilometre corridor linking Malta and Sicily. The operation resulted in the relocation of 117 unexploded ordnance items, most dating back to the Second World War. The project began with a detailed marine survey that identified 707 magnetic targets on the seabed. Following further analysis, 393 locations required direct investigation. During the campaign, engineers initially confirmed 84 unexploded devices before uncovering additional munitions buried beneath other objects. The recovered items included artillery shells, hand grenades and anti-submarine mortars. Due to safety concerns and the depth of the route, clearance works were carried out using remotely operated vehicles and specialist offshore equipment, in coordination with the Armed Forces of Malta. The completion of the operation paves the way for marine cable-laying works to commence later this year, bringing Malta a step closer to strengthening its energy security and electricity interconnection capacity. (The Malta Independent)
Opposition Says It Was Not Consulted on Parliament Reopening or Speaker Nomination
The Nationalist Party has confirmed it was not consulted on either the forthcoming State Opening of Parliament or the government’s decision to nominate Labour MP Carmelo Abela as Speaker. Prime Minister Robert Abela announced during a Labour Party event on Sunday that Parliament would reopen on Saturday. At the time, the PN had already scheduled a General Council meeting to appoint or confirm its new leader following the general election. The party later postponed the meeting to 24 June. Asked how the Opposition would vote on the nomination, a PN spokesperson said any decision would be taken in the best interests of Parliament and the country. The appointment of a Speaker requires only a simple majority in Parliament, meaning the government has sufficient numbers to secure Abela’s approval without Opposition support. The developments come as political parties begin preparations for the new legislature following the recent general election. (Times of Malta)
Court Clears Footballer Jurgen Pisani of Match-Fixing Charges
The Court of Criminal Appeal has overturned the conviction of footballer Jurgen Pisani, clearing him of all charges linked to an alleged attempt to manipulate a Malta Premier League match in 2024. Judge Neville Camilleri annulled a previous ruling that had sentenced Pisani to 15 months in prison and imposed a ten-year ban from sporting activities. The court found that the original conviction was not adequately supported by the evidence presented. The case centred on a crucial league match between Santa Luċija and Birkirkara on 3 May 2024. Prosecutors alleged that Pisani had offered Birkirkara striker Maxuell Maia €2,000 not to score, in a game that ended in a 2-2 draw and carried significant relegation implications for Santa Luċija. In his appeal, Pisani argued that the first court had failed to meet the required standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt. His legal team challenged the reliance placed on deleted WhatsApp messages and questioned the credibility of the prosecution’s evidence. (Maltatoday)
