Journalists urge government not to reinstate criminal libel
The Institute of Maltese Journalists has urged the government not to reinstate criminal libel, which was abolished in 2018 as part of media reforms after Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination. This follows a call by outgoing Labour Party president Ramona Attard for its return and stricter libel penalties. The institute expressed concern that this might signal a wider push for a U-turn, stating that criminal libel stifles free speech and has been misused to silence journalists. It called for a clear commitment from the government not to reintroduce criminal libel or increase penalties for civil cases. (Times of Malta)
Inflation exceeds EU levels
Malta’s annual inflation rate, measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Price (HICP), reached 2.4% in August, marking a slight increase in contrast to the downward trend in the EU. The HICP provides comparable inflation data across the EU, with the National Statistics Office releasing its figures alongside Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office. Malta’s inflation was 2.2% in June and 2.3% in July, both below the euro area and EU averages. However, it now exceeds the euro area rate, which dropped from 2.6% in July to 2.2% in August, and matches the EU average of 2.4%, which fell by 0.4 percentage points. (Newsbook)
New appointments at PBS
Keith Chetcuti will take on the role of Chief Executive of Public Broadcasting Services from next month, the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government announced on Wednesday. Anna Bonett is also being appointed as the Non-Executive Chairperson of PBS. Meanwhile, Engelbert Grech was appointed as the Chairperson of the PBS Editorial Board following the retirement of Joseph Sammut. (The Malta Independent)
