Employers reject claim that private sector drove population growth
Malta Employers has rejected Finance Minister Clyde Caruana’s suggestion that businesses helped drive Malta’s population growth by choosing cheaper foreign labour over more expensive capital investment. Responding to Caruana’s comments that reliance on third-country nationals was fuelled by businesses opting for cheaper labour, the Association said the characterisation was not supported by evidence. It argued that labour could not always be replaced by machinery, particularly in tourism, transport and construction, where capital investment often complemented rather than replaced workers. The Association said shortages were particularly acute in trades and occupations where Maltese workers were no longer available, leaving employers dependent on recruitment from abroad. It also accused the government of pursuing an economic strategy based on rapid population and construction growth without agreement from social partners. Malta Employers said increased public-sector employment had also contributed to shortages in the private sector. (The Malta Independent)
PM Abela calls for EU budget to reflect Mediterranean realities
Prime Minister Robert Abela has called for the next EU budget to take greater account of the priorities and different circumstances of Mediterranean member states, including the particular challenges faced by islands. Speaking at the MED9 summit in Split, Croatia, Abela said Malta was prepared to consider new sources of EU revenue provided these were fair and proportionate. He opposed taxation at EU level, arguing that taxation should remain the responsibility of national governments and parliaments. Abela called for continued support for cohesion, agriculture and fisheries, as well as predictable funding for connectivity, energy security, border protection and migration management. He also urged investment in maritime and air links, ports and energy, transport and digital infrastructure. On climate policy, he said emissions measures should not disadvantage island routes or industries and called for a fair and affordable transition. Abela also backed stronger crisis preparedness and merit-based EU enlargement. (TVM News)
French man arrested over alleged St Julian’s stabbing
A 25-year-old French man has been arrested at Malta International Airport in connection with the alleged stabbing of a 22-year-old Englishman in St Julian’s. The incident took place in Triq il-Wilġa earlier this month, when police were informed that an ambulance had been called after the victim suffered minor injuries allegedly caused by a sharp weapon. CCTV footage showed another person getting out of a vehicle, approaching the victim as he walked along the street and then fleeing the scene. Following several days of investigations, police arrested the alleged attacker early on Tuesday morning as he was about to board a flight to the United Kingdom. Officers searched his luggage and seized clothing which they said matched that visible in CCTV footage of the alleged assault. The French man remained in police custody and was expected to appear before the court. (Maltatoday)
