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)
