Updated – Malta News Briefing – Thursday 24 April 2025

Updated 1200

Tracking tourism’s impact beyond GDP: A new OECD report outlines 37 indicators to help Malta manage the environmental and social impacts of tourism, which contributed 10.2% to its GDP in 2023. As visitor numbers reach three million, the indicators aim to guide sustainable practices in areas like waste, energy, and water use—especially given Malta’s dependence on imported electricity and scarce water resources. Social impacts are also addressed through indicators that assess resident perceptions, tourism intensity, and working conditions. Data on carbon emissions, local food use, and transport are also included. These indicators will be phased in, overseen by the Malta Tourism Observatory, enabling Malta to balance tourism growth with environmental protection and community well-being.

Residents slam proposed hazardous waste incinerator plant: Residents and environmental groups are opposing government plans to build a new hazardous waste incinerator at Magħtab, calling it harmful and poorly located. The 18,185m² Thermal Treatment Facility would replace the current Marsa plant and be built on agricultural land within the ECOHIVE complex. Despite an Environmental Impact Assessment claiming minimal air quality effects, locals argue it will cause emissions, destroy farmland, and worsen health risks. Critics, including councillors and NGOs, questioned why the cumulative impact of multiple nearby incinerators wasn’t assessed. Some suggested offshore alternatives and urged greater focus on waste reduction. WasteServ defended the project as necessary and more eco-friendly than landfills. The project remains under consultation.

Morning Briefing

Former PL general secretary convicted of corruption
Former Labour Party general secretary Jimmy Magro has been sentenced to four years and eight months in prison after being convicted of corruption and trading in influence. The charges stem from a 2014 bribery attempt, when Magro, then a consultant to the Local Councils Association, allegedly sought a €250,000 bribe to help secure a public contract. The bidder refused and later reported the incident, including to then-PM Joseph Muscat. Magro’s sentence is suspended pending an appeal. (Times of Malta)

PN fumes as Labour CEO gets JobPlus post

The Nationalist Party has criticised the appointment of Labour Party CEO Leonid McKay to the JobsPlus board, calling it a dangerous move that risks politicising sensitive employment data. The Opposition said the decision reflects the government’s failure to separate state functions from party interests. They argued that Debattista’s role creates a clear conflict of interest and undermines impartiality, questioning why the government chose a party official over other qualified candidates. According to the PN, McKay can never be considered an impartial individual and “this presence on the board of JobsPlus can only lead to political interference and a serious conflict of interest.” (The Malta Independent)

Moroccan man admits to mudering jeweller

A 37-year-old man has admitted to murdering Żurrieq jeweller Joseph Carabott, who died this month from complications linked to a violent robbery in August 2023. Mohamed Anas Boualam, a Moroccan national, confessed to wilful homicide, illegal arrest, and theft after repeatedly striking Carabott with a knife handle. Charges were upgraded to murder during Wednesday’s court hearing. Sentencing is pending. Co-accused Zouhair Hadoumi denies the charges, while a third accomplice, Donna Sciberras, was previously sentenced to 28 years.