Updated1115
Government backs institutions as PN demands answers after Fenech acquittal: The government said it remains committed to ensuring justice is served, stressing that institutions have received the resources needed to carry out their duties and that several people have already been investigated, prosecuted and sentenced in connection with the case. It urged restraint in public commentary and pledged further rule-of-law reforms. Speaking at a demonstration yesterday evening, PN leader Alex Borg said the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder was planned from within Castille and accused the government of failing to deliver justice. He called for Parliament to reconvene urgently and renewed demands to implement the public inquiry’s recommendations. Borg said the trial exposed links between business figures, politicians and senior police officers, while stressing the need to protect officers acting in good faith. He said nine years on, the mastermind behind the murder remained unknown.
HSBC Malta Backs London Push for Financial Services: HSBC Bank Malta has partnered with FinanceMalta to support the fourth annual London reception organised by the Malta Financial Services Advisory Council and FinanceMalta on November 25. The event aims to promote Malta’s financial services sector internationally, strengthen links with the UK market and support the sector’s national strategy. HSBC CEO Geoffrey Fichte said the partnership reflects a shared ambition to showcase Malta’s capabilities and attract investment and collaboration. The MFSAC is also preparing an updated financial services strategy for 2027–2032, following progress on initiatives under the existing long-term strategy. (TVM News)
Self-Employed Parents Gain Parental Leave Rights: Self-employed parents in Malta can now access parental leave on the same basis as employed workers, under a Budget 2026 measure announced by the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights. The entitlement applies retrospectively from January 1, 2026, giving self-employed, adoptive and foster parents four months of leave per child, to be taken before the child turns eight. The first eight weeks are paid through a Social Security benefit at the married rate of Sickness Benefit and are non-transferable. The remaining eight weeks are unpaid but transferable between parents. The government said the measure aims to promote greater work-family flexibility and equality. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Yorgen Fenech Acquitted of Daphne Caruana Galizia Murder Charges
Yorgen Fenech has been cleared of involvement in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia after jurors returned an 8-1 not guilty verdict on both charges he faced. Fenech had been accused of complicity in Caruana Galizia’s murder and of conspiring to kill her, charges which carried the possibility of life imprisonment. The verdict was delivered following more than eight hours of jury deliberations. Relatives of Fenech erupted in jubilation as the jury foreperson announced the decision, while members of Caruana Galizia’s family were seen weeping in the courtroom. Judge Edwina Grima had spent several days guiding jurors through the evidence presented during the trial. In an immediate reaction, the Caruana Galizia family said that Fenech’s acquittal denies Daphne “the justice she deserves”. (Times of Malta)
Government launches consultation on national Buyers’ Charter
The government has launched a public consultation aimed at developing a national Buyers’ Charter setting out clear principles and standards for residential property transactions. Housing and Lands Minister Owen Bonnici said the initiative was intended to strengthen consumer protection and improve transparency in the property market, giving buyers clearer information about their rights, responsibilities and available remedies. The charter will be developed in consultation with stakeholders across the sector and is expected to have a broader scope than the First-Time Buyers Guide introduced by the Housing Authority last year. Unlike that guide, the new charter will apply to all residential property purchasers. Housing Authority chief executive Matthew Zerafa said the initiative could establish a common set of principles and expectations across the property sector. The charter will focus on transparency, consumer awareness and empowerment, while also providing information on the steps buyers can take when they believe their rights have not been respected. (Times of Malta)
MHRA calls for clearer rules on restaurant service and cover charges
The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association has called on the government to introduce a clear framework regulating service and cover charges in restaurants as part of the forthcoming Budget. The association said hospitality establishments should remain free to decide whether to apply a service charge, cover charge or neither, recognising that businesses operate under different commercial models. However, the MHRA stressed that customers should be clearly informed of any additional charges before placing an order and in accordance with consumer protection requirements. The association is also calling for genuine tips and qualifying service-related payments received by hospitality workers to be made tax-free. The proposals form part of the sector’s recommendations ahead of the Budget and reflect growing calls for greater clarity around charges applied by restaurants. (Maltatoday)
