Despite experiencing relatively strong economic growth in recent years, excluding the Covid-19 pandemic period, workers have not seen any significant benefits. According to a report by KPMG, when adjusting for inflation, wages have essentially remained stagnant since 2018. KThe report highlights that the Maltese economy has moved towards a phase of stability following the turbulent period caused by the pandemic. It also emphasizes the challenges faced by Malta’s labor market, including manpower scarcity and skill deficits, despite low unemployment rates. Real wages, which account for inflation, have shown no significant growth in recent years and even experienced a decrease last year. In 2023, wages in Malta only grew by 1.5%, marking the lowest rise in the EU. However, inflation offset this increase and more, leaving real wages practically unchanged since 2018. (Newsbook)
Former Labour MP To be charged on rackets scandal
Silvio Grixti, a former Labour MP, is set to face charges in court this morning for his alleged involvement in the social benefits scheme. After several months of investigation, the police will finally bring five individuals, including Grixti, to court for their suspected roles in the social benefits scheme. They will appear before Magistrate Leonard Caruana. The other individuals facing charges are Roger Agius, aged 45 from Luqa, Emmanuel Spagnol, aged 69 from Żejtun, Dustin Caruana, aged 36, and Luke Saliba, aged 33. Agius, who served as Grixti’s driver, is believed by prosecutors to have played a significant part in the scheme. He has requested a judicial inquiry into the social benefits scam and has expressed willingness to disclose information about the purported “criminal organisation” associated with the scam, provided he receives whistleblower protection. (Times of Malta)
Abina found guilty of murdering partner in Gozo
Lawrence Abina has been sentenced to life in prison after he was unanimously found guilty of murdering his partner in Gozo in February 2022. The verdict was returned just after four hours of deliberation at the end of a trial by jury that last five days, while the sentence was handed down later on Wednesday. He was also ordered to bear the costs of the case, just over €16,000, and pay them within 20 months. Abina, 32, was found guilty of the murder of his partner Rita Ellul. Abina was found guilty of strangling Ellul, a mother of three, in an apartment in Għajnsielem, Gozo. (The Malta Independent)
