Updated 1330
Gozo Curia in hard-hitting statement over development permits
The Gozo Curia has strongly criticisedrecent development permits and the authorities’ failure to protect the most vulnerable and uphold thecommon good. The statement expressed serious concern about permits, such as one for an apartmentblock near the Ġgantija temples, emphasising that beyond legal matters, those in charge have a dutyto safeguard vulnerable individuals, promote the common good, and ensure fair wealth distributionfor current and future generations. The Curia urged the government to ensure that publicadministrators adhere to the law, emphasising that public trust is eroding in those responsible forheritage and common good protection. The statement also referenced Pope Francis’s warning during his visit to Malta about protecting the environment from greed and the adverse effects of unchecked speculation. (Times of Malta)
Café’s ‘temporary’ glass houses, tables and chairs take up Cospicua public space without a permit
DATE Art Café in Cospicua has installed 14 glass houses with tables and chairs in a public space nearDock 1 without the required planning permit. Although the café owner, Ivan Zammit, claims positivefeedback and approval from the Cospicua local council over a year ago, public records indicate theabsence of a planning application for the installation. Responding to accusations of occupying publicspace, Zammit emphasises the café’s daily cleaning efforts and community involvement, stating theyhave made the area more popular but do not claim ownership of it.
Complaints from Labour Party diehards are justified, Alfred Sant warns
Former Prime Minister andLabour Party leader Alfred Sant cautioned that certain complaints from dedicated members within theLabour Party are valid. He expressed concern on Facebook, suggesting that the party should pay moreattention to its longstanding supporters. Sant noted that he had heard numerous grievances fromactive members who felt neglected by the party. This warning comes amid increasing dissatisfactionwith major political parties, as reflected in high numbers of people expressing reluctance to vote foreither. Additionally, the Labour Party’s electoral lead over the Nationalist Party is diminishing, andwith the upcoming European Parliament elections in six months, Sant sees it as a crucial test forPrime Minister Robert Abela and his government two years into their term. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Man pleads not guilty of New Year murder
A man who surrendered to Rabat police has pleaded innocence in the murder case of Eric Borg on New Year’s Day. Noel Azzopardi, 39, unemployed, entered his plea during his arraignment before Magistrate Monica Vella on Wednesday afternoon. He faces charges of deliberately killing Borg, using a firearm in the commission of a crime, discharging a firearm within 200 meters of an urban area, and failing to secure his gun and ammunition properly at home. During the court proceedings, his legal representatives acknowledged the arrest’s legitimacy but emphasized that they were not currently challenging it. They highlighted Azzopardi’s history of psychiatric treatment and requested his medical records, specifically those from Mount Carmel Hospital, to be presented in court. (Times of Malta)
NAO expresses reservations on Casino deal
The National Audit Office, in its annual report, expressed reservations about the government’s decision regarding Dragonara Gaming Ltd’s exemption from paying a concession fee to operate a casino in Malta, deeming it unfavorable for the government’s interests. The concerns highlighted by the NAO revolve around the economy ministry’s choice to grant a waiver on the concession fee, provided that the concessionaire makes contributions totaling over €7.7 million to the Malta Gaming Authority. These contributions include licence fees, gaming device levies, and/or gaming tax. The initial concession fee outlined in the Request for Proposals (RfP) for the casino amounted to €11.1 million, to be paid in three installments of €3.7 million each, spread across three years. However, the same clause allowed for the potential exemption from paying the concession fee. (Maltatoday)
Parties spar on emissions tax directive
The Nationalist Party said that the Maltese people are paying for the arrogance and lack of competence of the Government apropos of a European directive and tax that came into force this week aimed at reducing ship emissions.The PN said that this fiscal measure that entered the EU member states will means more costs for consumers and still, the Government has done nothing to negotiate a derogation for Malta. In response, the Labour Party said that the facts showed that the Nationalist Party had no credibility when it talks about the economy, much less about the ETS Directive. The Labour Party stated that it remains the only solution for the Maltese economy to overcome this challenge and reiterated that the Labour Government would continue to work for Maltese and Gozitan businesses and families and remains committed to working closely with the social partners on any challenge facing the people. (TVM)
