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Malta’s Glenn Micallef gets Youth and Culture portfolio in new Commission
Malta’s Glenn Micallef has been assigned the post of Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Culture, Youth and Sport by President Ursula Von Der Leyen. In a statement, the Commission President described “intergenerational fairness as a cross cutting topic”. Adding that she trusts the Maltese nominee in this position, she said that this portfolio will be about “the right balance in a society”. Glenn Micallef had served as Prime Minister Abela’s Head of Secretariat, up until his resignation earlier this Summer. He is a graduate in Economics and European Politics from University of Malta.
Magisterial inquiry into alleged LESA fine-cancelling scheme
A magistrate has granted Jason Azzopardi’s request for a magisterial inquiry into an alleged fine-cancelling scheme involving LESA officials. Azzopardi, in a sworn application last month, claimed that top officials at the Local Enforcement System Agency, in collaboration with private car hire companies, ran a fraudulent scheme for years. He alleged that hundreds of tourists were unfairly fined for contraventions committed by local drivers, who also avoided penalty points. Azzopardi accused LESA officials, including CEO Svetlick Flores and Neville Camilleri, of orchestrating a racket that diverted millions to private pockets. WT Global, Malta’s largest Y-Plate cab operator, was named as a major beneficiary.
Employers say COLA on track for increase of around €6, a huge drop on last year
Wages in Malta are expected to rise by €5 to €6 per week next year, marking the lowest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in recent years, according to the Malta Employers Association (MEA). COLA is an annual adjustment based on inflation and a basket of goods, paid by employers as part of salaries. Last year’s COLA reached a record €12.81 due to high inflation, but next year’s adjustment represents a 53% to 60% drop. MEA director Kevin Borg confirmed this likely figure, which may still be revised after August and September inflation data. Inflation has been gradually decreasing, though it rose slightly to 2.3% in July, below the EU average. Recent years saw significant COLA increases, unlike previous decades.
Morning Briefing
Magisterial inquiry into alleged LESA fine-cancelling scheme
A magistrate has granted Jason Azzopardi’s request for a magisterial inquiry into an alleged fine-cancelling scheme involving LESA officials. Azzopardi, in a sworn application last month, claimed that top officials at the Local Enforcement System Agency, in collaboration with private car hire companies, ran a fraudulent scheme for years. He alleged that hundreds of tourists were unfairly fined for contraventions committed by local drivers, who also avoided penalty points. Azzopardi accused LESA officials, including CEO Svetlick Flores and Neville Camilleri, of orchestrating a racket that diverted millions to private pockets. WT Global, Malta’s largest Y-Plate cab operator, was named as a major beneficiary. (Times of Malta)
Justice Commissioner charged with complicity in fraud
A magistrate has found sufficient grounds for police to charge Commissioner for Justice Alessandro Lia, following legal proceedings initiated by his former father-in-law. In a ruling on Thursday, Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit stated there is enough evidence to charge Lia with complicity in fraud, malicious use of false documents, and making false declarations to a public authority. The case was brought by Victor Sant, the father of Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia, in March. He accused Lia, then his son-in-law, of fraudulently transferring his car to another individual instead of scrapping it, and of forging his signature in the process. (Maltatoday)
Family Doctors want permission to prescribe medication for mental health issues
The Malta College of Family Doctors and the Association of Private Family Doctors have urged that family doctors be allowed to prescribe medication for mental health issues, stressing the need to address this historically overlooked area. Their call was made in their statement for this year’s Budget. The associations welcomed ongoing health sector reforms, describing them as “long overdue.” They criticised previous administrations for focusing on short-term fixes rather than sustainable solutions, prioritising interventions over disease prevention and health promotion. They also called for increased investment in primary healthcare and measures to address rising rates of obesity, lack of exercise, uncontrolled hypertension, cholesterol issues, smoking, alcohol addiction, and diabetes. This, they stated, would help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and amputations in the future. (Newsbook)
