Updated 1230
Government will address challenges brought about by Malta’s economic success – Robert Abela:
Prime Minister Robert Abela acknowledged that Malta’s economic success has brought new challenges,
emphasising the importance of recognising and addressing these issues to drive further change. In a preBudget meeting with the General Workers’ Union, Abela stressed the need for ongoing consultation with organizations to adapt to the country’s evolving realities. He highlighted government initiatives, including
raising the minimum wage, improving workers’ rights, and regulating temping agencies and platform work.
Abela assured that the 2025 Budget would continue to support pensions, stabilize energy costs, and reduce
income tax for the middle class, reflecting the country’s economic strength. He urged collective effort to
achieve the ambitious plans for Malta’s future.
Karl Gouder dies, days after announcing run for PN general secretary post
Former PN MP Karl Gouder, who had just announced his candidacy for the party general secretary role, passed away. His body was found near the Valletta ditch, and authorities are not treating the death as suspicious. PN leader Bernard Grech shared the news on Facebook, expressing condolences and requesting privacy for Gouder’s family. Gouder, 45, was the chief operations officer of the PN’s media arm and previously served as St Julian’s mayor and a PN MP.
He was well-regarded within the party and known for his upbeat personality and passion for long-distance
running. Gouder’s announcement to run for general secretary came shortly after the current secretary,
Michael Piccinino, decided to step down.
Emoney customers blocked from their accounts
Customers of Malta-based electronic money institution Emoney PLC have been unable to access their funds for several days, with no response from the company. Cash deposits have been unavailable for over a month, and SEPA transfers were discontinued without a clear timeline for resumption. The company also announced it would permanently discontinue its debit cards, despite a recent partnership with the General Workers’ Union. Emoney’s new board has discontinued cash deposit services, focusing instead on innovative solutions. Cannabis associations, heavily reliant on Emoney due to mainstream banks’ reluctance, are particularly affected. Customers in Malta and Italy report being unable to log into accounts, with some locked out of significant funds, raising concerns about the company’s transparency and reliability
Morning Briefing
Minister’s aide acted as middle man to skip driving test queue
A woman convicted of bribing a Transport Malta official claimed she only contacted former director Clint Mansueto to “speed up the process” for her nephew’s driving licence. Maria Assunta Camilleri testified on Monday in the case against Mansueto and two former subordinates, Raul Antonio Pace and Philip Endrick Zammit, who are accused of involvement in a driving licence scam. All three have pleaded not guilty. Camilleri was placed on probation two months ago after admitting to the bribery charges. (Maltatoday)
Two hunters accidentally shoot each other
Two hunters accidentally shot each other after both aimed for the same bird. The two men, a 36-year-old from Żabbar and a 35-year-old from Għargħur, were in an open area when they hit each other while targeting the same bird. The 36-year-old from Żabbar was taken to Mater Dei Hospital with slight injuries, while the 35-year-old from Għargħur was treated at a health centre. (Times of Malta)
Success of zoo regulation depends on enforcement – Commissioner
The success of new zoo regulations hinges on “stringent enforcement,” Commissioner for Animal Welfare Alison Bezzina said, while recognising them as an important step forward. The regulations, introduced last month, set limitations on visitor interaction with exotic animals and impose restrictions on the breeding of exotic zoo animals across Malta and Gozo. Bezzina noted that August marked a “significant milestone” with the introduction of these regulations. She described it as a “long-anticipated development” following her 2020 recommendation to ban cub-petting, which causes “undue suffering” by separating young wild animals from their mothers and subjecting them to “unnatural human interaction.”
