Updated 1300
Steep rise in fines for waste collection infractions since 2023: Following Malta’s enforcement of mandatory waste separation, fines for waste collection violations surged nationwide, with an exception in Gozo, where fines significantly dropped. Data shared by Environment Minister Miriam Dalli revealed trends from 2016 to 2024, showing a spike in fines post-2019 and a notable surge in 2023 and 2024, coinciding with a national waste schedule and the mandatory waste separation rule, which began in April 2023. However, Gozo’s fines peaked in 2021 and dropped sharply thereafter, with only 13 fines issued in 2023. Over half of Malta’s fines this year were issued in high-density areas like Gżira, Msida, and Pietà, influenced by rapidly growing foreign populations, whereas St. Paul’s Bay saw relatively fewer fines.
NAO praises film commission for attracting films, slams it for weak governance: The National Audit Office (NAO) praised Malta’s Film Commission for attracting major productions but criticised its governance, transparency, and financial management. From 2018 to 2022, productions spent €231.5 million in Malta, spurred by the Film Commission’s 40% rebate incentive, which has generated significant returns but raises questions about cost-effectiveness. The report highlights delayed audits, insufficient documentation, and concentrated decision-making. The Commission’s flagship 2022 Malta Film Week lacked sufficient evidence of value for money. Despite these issues, the NAO confirmed compliance with state aid protocols and agreed that the rebate boosted the economy. The Film Commission welcomed the findings, attributing some shortcomings to staff shortages and committing to improve transparency and extend rebates to local productions.
MMH confirms MaltaToday story it wants to pull out of shipbuilding concession: MMH Holdings has confirmed that it is considering ending its concession on the former Malta shipbuilding site in Marsa, known as the Mediterranean Maritime Hub. The company announcement followed a report by MaltaToday, which revealed that the government, through industrial parks regulator INDIS Malta, is open to formal talks with MMH on terminating the 65-year concession granted in 2016. Due to regulatory hurdles in selling the concession and an approaching €15 million bond repayment, MMH has agreed to explore a “fair and balanced” resolution. Discussions are anticipated, though no final decisions have been made. MMH has pledged to maintain operations and fulfill all obligations while keeping the public informed of any updates.
Morning Briefing
Six accused of negligence in Carmelo Fino’s death
The compilation of evidence has begun against six individuals accused of negligently causing the death of 83-year-old Carmelo Fino, who went missing from St Vincent De Paule. The accused are Rhys Paul Xuereb, 27, a nurse; Jose Thomas, 45, a health carer; Jacqueline Cassar, 56, a security officer; Thomas Zammit, 50, a health carer; Ivan Dimech, 47, and Emanuel Aquilina, 59, both security officers. All have pleaded not guilty. Fino disappeared in June 2022 and was found two weeks later, deceased and decomposed, in a field on Għar Dalam Street. An autopsy found no foul play. An inquiry by Judge Geoffrey Valencia revealed the outer gate was left open on the night of 28 June, with staff failing to notice his exit and only reporting him missing the next morning. (The Malta Independent)
PM distances himself from Ministers’ scandal
Prime Minister Robert Abela has distanced himself from the scandal involving Minister Clayton Bartolo and his wife, Amanda Muscat, stating that he personally decided to terminate Muscat’s role. Speaking outside parliament on Monday, Abela defended his decision not to dismiss Bartolo and fellow minister Clint Camilleri, despite the standards commissioner’s findings that both abused their power by securing Muscat a €68,000 consultancy position for secretarial duties. Muscat, initially Bartolo’s personal secretary, was later transferred to Camilleri’s ministry, though she continued her previous duties. Abela noted that Muscat is no longer employed by the government and left any further sanctions to the standards committee, which has government majority. (Times of Malta)
Majority ready to adjust lifestyle to address climate change
Most people in Malta acknowledge the need to adjust their lifestyle to address climate change, according to the European Investment Bank’s annual Climate Change Survey. Respondents ranked climate change as the second biggest challenge facing the country, just behind the cost of living. These findings are released as world leaders and delegates gather in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). The conference’s key focus is on increasing climate finance for global south countries, which were promised $100 billion annually in Copenhagen in 2009—a target that has yet to be met. By 2030, the funding required is projected to reach $2.4 trillion. The survey, conducted in August 2024, included responses from around 500 people in Malta. 77% of respondents said that climate change adaptation should be a national priority. (Newsbook)
