Updated 1250
Identità denies involvement in mistaken police raids: Identità denied any role in recent mistaken police raids, which led to wrongful arrests and harm to innocent people. The Nationalist Party questioned if these raids were connected to an inquiry into false addresses. A victim, pulled from her bed and restrained, later sued the state and Police Commissioner for damages. In response, Identità expressed disappointment, stating that such claims fuel unnecessary public confusion. The agency reiterated it has no involvement in police investigations and remains dedicated to protecting the interests of its users, upholding transparency and good governance. (Maltatoday)
Malta counts 225,306 car owners, with 55,163 owning more than one car: In Malta, over 225,000 individuals own cars, with 55,000 owning more than one, according to data presented in Parliament by Transport Minister Chris Bonett. Of these, 170,143 people own a single car, while 39,524 own two, and 10,188 own three. Notably, 2,262 individuals own five or more cars, and 193 own ten or more. Three collectors each own more than 30 cars, with the largest collection numbering 83. The data excludes motorcycles but does not clarify if garaged cars are included, and it aligns closely with figures showing over 312,000 licensed private passenger cars in Malta, out of a total 443,193 vehicles. (Newsbook)
Man arrested in Ħamrun over suspicion of spreading extremist material: Police arrested a 32-year-old man from Ivory Coast in Ħamrun on Thursday, suspected of distributing extremist content. The arrest followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence analysis. During a 5 a.m. raid on Triq Giovanni Barbara, officers searched two adjacent properties, seizing multiple electronic devices, including servers, connected to the alleged dissemination. The man is currently held at the Floriana police lockup as investigations continue. (Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Staff shortages, unfair competition top SME concerns – survey
Staff shortages and unfair competition top the list of concerns for businesses, according to the latest SME Barometer survey conducted by Misco for the SME Chamber. The survey shows that 43% of small firms cited staff shortages as their most pressing issue, followed by 22% who pointed to unfair competition. Traffic congestion was a major issue for 18% of respondents, while 16% cited inflation, and 15% mentioned delays in processing TCN visa applications. SME Chamber President Paul Abela expressed disappointment over the 2025 Budget, noting that it overlooked small businesses and none of the chamber’s proposals were incorporated, despite prior consultations. (The Malta Independent)
State ordered to compensate owners for Labour’s Lija-club rental
The Constitutional Court has ordered the State to pay €150,864.13 in compensation to the owners of a property in Lija, which has served as a Labour Party club since the 1960s. Judge Lawrence Mintoff ruled that the lease arrangements placed an unjust financial burden on the Seychell family, infringing upon their fundamental rights. The court clarified that the responsibility for compensating the family rests solely with the State Advocate, thereby absolving the Labour Party’s Lija district committee of any financial liability. It further noted that the Seychell family’s losses were a result of the legal framework, rather than any actions taken by the Labour Party committee itself. (Times of Malta)
40,000 sqm open space to be made accessible by year’s end
Environment Minister Miriam Dalli announced that 40,000 sq.m. of open space will be accessible by year’s end, with the Public Works Department set to complete 15 projects with a €22 million investment. Speaking at the Hospice garden, Dalli shared that this new garden will soon open to offer palliative care patients a peaceful setting to meet with their families. Other spaces, including Villa Portelli Gardens in Kalkara, Wied Inċita, Spencer Garden in Marsa, and Independence Garden in Birżebbuġa, are also scheduled to open by the end of the year. (TVM)
