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Charles Michel on shipping tax’s impact: Look at how much EU has helped Malta
European Councilpresident Charles Michel addressed concerns regarding the impact of a new EU shipping tax on Malta,emphasising the broader context of EU support since Malta’s accession. During a session marking 20 yearssince the 2004 enlargement, Michel assured equal treatment for all member states. However, recentcriticism has challenged this, particularly regarding migration support and regulations disproportionatelyaffecting island nations. The EU’s introduction of an environmental tax on shipping, criticized forredirecting ships away from EU ports, drew attention to Malta’s concerns. Michel urged considering EUsolidarity towards Malta beyond the shipping tax, highlighting economic, developmental, andinfrastructural support.
Mizzi, Muscat and Schembri prime targets for Vitals prosecution
Joseph Muscat, Konrad Mizzi, and KeithSchembri are under scrutiny for their involvement in the privatisation of three state hospitals. Prosecutorssuspect them, along with others, of potential breaches of money laundering and crime proceeds laws. Amagisterial inquiry has concluded, with findings now with the attorney general for assessment. Muscatanticipates facing charges, while Mizzi and Schembri remain unavailable for comment. Asset freezes,initiated by prosecutors, often precede criminal charges, but not all individuals mentioned faceprosecution. The inquiry, led by Magistrate Gabriella Vella, includes extensive evidence. Allegations ofpolitical bias have arisen, with accusations against the magistrate and claims of electoral sabotage. Theinquiry initially targeted Mizzi, Cardona, and Scicluna, later expanding to include Muscat. A 2023 courtruling invalidated the hospitals deal, citing fraud and collusion against national interests, revealing Mizziand Schembri’s significant roles.
26-year old ATM thief jailed
A 26-year-old Italian without a fixed address in Malta has been sentenced tofour years and eight months in prison after confessing to robbing two elderly men and a woman, as well asattempting to rob another elderly woman while they were withdrawing money from an ATM in Fgura.Antonino d’Angelo admitted to stealing a wallet containing €300 from a 74-year-old man while the manwas withdrawing money from the Fgura ATM on January 10th, causing him minor injuries. He alsoconfessed to stealing €20 from a woman and a mobile phone from an 81-year-old woman on January 11thin Fgura, while they were using the ATM, and attempting to steal a basket from another 74-year-oldwoman. Police apprehended d’Angelo after the victims provided a description of the robber, and hepromptly confessed to the charges against him.
Morning Briefing
PM warns against provocation in Mayday event
Prime Minister Robert Abela cautioned Labour Party backers against being provoked at a Workers’ Day gathering in Valletta. At St George’s Square, he emphasized the importance of remaining calm and avoiding provocations leading up to the election. “Stay composed. We will react firmly yet calmly. Our response is to not let others take control of the country”, Abela told supporters. Earlier, Abela had also called for calm and composure when news broke about a magisterial inquiry into the sale of three public hospitals by the Labour government to Vitals Global Healthcare. He insisted that people should vote for all of Labour’s MEP candidates because it is a force of progress in Malta. (Maltatoday)
PN says Labour stole from workers rather than empowering them
Opposition Leader Bernard Grech remarked during a Mayday gathering that instead of empowering workers, the Labour Party has actively taken from them, highlighting the overshadowing news of the Vitals inquiry conclusion. During the launch of its campaign for the June 8 MEP and local council election, the Nationalist Party introduced the slogan ‘Għalik’ (For You) at a political event. Grech used his time to once again condemn attacks on the judiciary and said that these were meant to intimidate when Labour already knew what the outcome of their actions would be. (Times of Malta)
Justice for Workers campaign launched
Moviment Graffitti and several other organisations launched the ‘Justice for Workers’ campaign during a press conference at Manuel Dimech’s monument in Castille Square. The campaign aims to address the unjust conditions faced by workers and includes seven demands for justice. They highlighted the widening wealth gap, worker exploitation, and poor working conditions despite economic growth, negatively impacting thousands of workers’ quality of life. The government was criticized for failing to enforce safeguards, increase wages adequately, and tackle new exploitative realities like the gig economy. They also accused the government of deliberately hindering EU-mandated improvements in work-life balance that could benefit many parents and caregivers. (The Malta Independent)
