Updated 1200
Towed cars, Unfair Fares and Botched Hiring Among 36 Ombudsman Cases: Malta’s Ombudsman has highlighted 36 cases of maladministration in its Case Notes 2024 report, exposing unfair practices and regulatory breaches across public bodies. Issues ranged from cars towed without notice, illegal parking bans, and misleading policies at Transport Malta, to discriminatory fare rules by Gozo Channel. The report also flagged recruitment irregularities, including politically motivated moves at MCAST and lax criteria at the Lands Authority. In healthcare, discriminatory policies on IVF refunds and glucose monitors were overturned after intervention. Other cases included double-charging at the Lands Registry, union discrimination in education, and delays in appeals due to an unconstituted MQRIC board. The Ombudsman stressed that such failures left citizens facing unjust and avoidable hardships. (Maltatoday)
ADPD asks Auditor General to investigate €6 million Infrastructure Malta direct order: The Green Party ADPD has asked the Auditor General to investigate a €6 million direct order awarded by Infrastructure Malta for rebuilding the Hal Far quarter-mile racecourse. Deputy Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo said the contract, issued on 1 August to Elbros Construction Ltd, raises concerns of “blatant abuse” of public procurement rules. The €6 million figure excludes VAT. In a letter to the Auditor General, Cacopardo cited Regulation 151 of the 2016 Public Procurement Regulations, stressing the need to determine whether Infrastructure Malta breached procurement procedures. ADPD argued that such multi-million euro direct orders undermine transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, and should be subject to independent scrutiny. (The Malta Independent)
Francine Farrugia’s €2.3m MCAST Fraud Case Begins: The compilation of evidence has begun against Francine Farrugia, 31, a former finance manager at MCAST accused of embezzling nearly €2.3 million. Prosecutors allege she abused payroll access to make duplicate salary payments, redirecting funds into her own accounts while keeping employee names unchanged. Over two years, she is said to have siphoned off €2,372,583. Farrugia, a former PN councillor, allegedly spent the money on property, cars, jewellery, clothing, and luxury shopping sprees, including at Harrods. Police said her home contained so many designer items it “could fill the court.” She denies all charges. Magistrate Rachel Montebello is presiding, with MCAST officials expected to testify. The court rejected MCAST’s request to remain unnamed. (Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
MHRA Backs Random Roadside Testing to Boost Safety
The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) has voiced support for revising legislation to allow police to conduct random roadside drug and alcohol tests. Calls for change have intensified after several fatal or serious crashes involving impaired drivers in recent weeks. Currently, officers can only breathalyse drivers if there is a “reasonable suspicion” and are equipped solely with alcohol breathalysers. The MHRA backed emergency doctor Jonathan Joslin’s call for random testing, highlighting the moral responsibility of MPs to act. The association emphasised that safety is essential for Malta, where tourism underpins the economy. Random roadside testing would reassure both tourists and residents, showing that enjoyment does not come at the expense of public safety. The Insurance Association Malta has also endorsed the initiative. (The Times of Malta)
WSC Terminates Supplier Contract After Pipe Tests Fail
The Water Services Corporation (WSC) has terminated its contract with Superlit following failed quality tests on GRP pipes for the Pembroke-Ta’ Qali Tunnel project. On-site hydrostatic tests, conducted in the presence of international experts and certified by Kiwa NL B.V., revealed that the pipes could not withstand required pressures. WSC requested replacements under the contract, which were rejected by the supplier. Partial fixes or patchwork solutions were declined to maintain the highest quality and ensure value for money. The corporation will issue a new tender for compliant materials and has formally requested that the original supplier cover replacement costs. Co-financed by the European Union, the tunnel project aims to strengthen Malta’s water infrastructure, improve water quality nationwide and reduce operational costs. (The Malta Independent)
Food, Transport and Restaurants Drive Inflation Higher in July
Annual inflation in Malta rose in July 2025, with Education at 5.2 per cent and Transport at 4.6 per cent recording the highest rates. Conversely, Communication and Clothing and footwear saw the lowest rates at -3.1 per cent and -0.3 per cent respectively. The largest upward contribution to overall inflation came from the Food and non-alcoholic beverages Index, largely due to rising meat prices, adding 0.64 percentage points. Restaurants and hotels followed with a 0.62-point contribution, while Transport added 0.54 points, mainly from higher air travel costs. Downward contributions came from Communication (-0.11 points) and Clothing and footwear (-0.01 points), reflecting lower prices for mobile phones and footwear. The data highlights the impact of specific sectors on the broader cost of living. (NSO)
