Updated 1245
Three new Permanent Secretaries appointed: The government has appointed three new Permanent Secretaries: Renzo Degabriele (Ministry for Health and Active Ageing), Mario Borg (Ministry for Gozo and Planning), and Ronald Mizzi (Office of the Prime Minister – Malta Vision 2050). Degabriele, a doctor with 30 years in public service, previously led initiatives for elderly care. Borg, active in public service since 1994, formerly led the Gozo Regional Development Authority. Mizzi, who held senior roles from 2014 to 2024, returns despite ongoing court proceedings linked to the Vitals hospital scandal. The government also extended its gratitude to outgoing Permanent Secretaries Christine Schembri and John Borg upon their retirement.
Malta’s trade deficit narrows in March 2025: Malta’s trade deficit in March 2025 dropped to €247.7 million from €365.0 million a year earlier, mainly due to a sharp fall in imports, particularly mineral fuels. Imports fell by €121.1 million, while exports declined slightly by €3.8 million. In Q1 2025, the trade deficit narrowed to €756.8 million, down €110.4 million year-on-year, with both imports and exports falling. EU countries accounted for the bulk of trade. Portugal and Turkey saw notable increases in trade, while Spain and the U.S. saw declines. Excluding mineral fuels and confidential items, the March deficit rose year-on-year, but the quarterly adjusted deficit still narrowed to €679.6 million due to a decline in imports.
Parliament unanimously passes new cannabis legislation amendments: Parliament unanimously approved changes to Malta’s recreational cannabis laws, aiming to strengthen regulation and reduce harm. The reform, led by Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg, shifts offences by cannabis associations to the Court of Magistrates and imposes stricter rules, including a 250-metre buffer from schools, sports facilities, and youth centres. Associations allowing minors on-site may face fines up to €10,000. The bill clarifies cannabis definitions, distinguishing THC- and CBD-containing products, and excludes non-psychoactive cannabinoids under 0.2% THC. It also tightens the legal framework, closes loopholes, and reinforces the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) as the main regulatory body.
Morning Briefing
Daniel Meli avoids US extradition
Daniel Meli, a 28-year-old from Żabbar, has successfully challenged his extradition to the United States, where he is accused of selling illegal malware on the dark web over a decade. US authorities allege Meli was involved in distributing a remote access trojan (RAT) used to hijack computers. Initially consenting to extradition following his arrest in early 2024, Meli later reversed his decision, leading to a legal reset after Malta amended its extradition law. His arrest was part of a coordinated effort involving Malta’s police, the Attorney General’s Office, and the FBI. Meli’s parents have also petitioned for reform of Malta’s extradition process, citing concerns about fairness and legal clarity. The case has reignited debate on the rights of individuals facing foreign prosecution and the balance between international cooperation and national legal autonomy.
Experts call for urgent Maltese language policy
Serious concerns have been raised about the declining use and quality of the Maltese language in education, particularly in early childhood care. Speaking at a national conference, George Mifsud from the Ministry for Education stressed that the language used in childcare settings is often inadequate, citing poor resources and a lack of training for carers. Beyond childcare, Mifsud pointed to wider systemic issues such as low teacher proficiency, reduced classroom time, and the growing dominance of English in daily life. He warned that these trends risk sidelining Maltese altogether, noting that teachers often feel they are “going against the tide”. The most recent KPMG report links these challenges to rapid population growth and social change, adding weight to calls for a comprehensive national language policy to preserve and promote Malta’s linguistic heritage.
New grant scheme to reward green home buyers
A new grant scheme, “Ixtri Proprjetà Sostenibbli”, will come into effect on 19 May, offering between €4,500 and €9,000 to buyers of energy-efficient homes. Announced by Minister for Justice and Construction Reform Jonathan Attard and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the scheme is part of Malta’s broader “Vision 2050” strategy for a more sustainable built environment. The grant will be paid over three years and is open to both first- and second-time buyers. The amount awarded will depend on how sustainable the property is, with Net Zero homes eligible for the full €9,000. This new support adds to existing incentives, including stamp duty exemptions and €10,000 grants, potentially giving buyers nearly €30,000 in total. Authorities hope the scheme will shift the market towards greener construction and reduce the sector’s environmental impact.
