Updated 1215
Fearne asks Police Commissioner to investigate frame-up
Former Health Minister Chris Fearne has requested the Police Commissioner investigate who framed him, the amount paid for this, and the true motives. An OCCRP report claims Steward Healthcare hired two foreign firms to create false corruption allegations against Fearne and other officials. Fearne stated on Facebook that €6.5 million was spent to politically eliminate him. He noted that the Police Commissioner quickly determined the story was fabricated, providing irrefutable proof of Fearne’s integrity as Health Minister. Fearne affirmed he will continue to defend his integrity in court. (Times of Malta)
Malta retains first position in eGovernment out of all European countries
The Maltese Public Service has been recertified as the top provider of eGovernment services in Europe, achieving a 97% score, a 1% improvement from last year. Malta was followed by Estonia (92%) and Luxembourg (90%) in the “eGovernment Benchmark Reports 2024” by the European Commission, which evaluated the online services of European countries in 2023. Malta’s score is 21% above the European average. Tony Sultana, Head of the Malta Public Service, attributed this success to the dedication and skills of Maltese public officers, emphasising ongoing investment in digital tools and skills. The EU study assesses public services based on user centricity, transparency, key enablers, and cross-border services. (The Malta Independent)
Infrastructure Malta to ‘reorganise’ Bulebel, Tarxien junctions to reduce traffic congestion
Infrastructure Malta will reorganise five traffic junctions, including Tarxien and Tal-Barrani Junctions, over the summer to reduce congestion and improve safety, with a budget of €1.2-1.3 million. The project will maintain the current road layout but enhance traffic flow and connections between villages. It aims to decrease accidents in these areas, particularly at accident-prone spots like the Tarxien Junction by Triq San Anard. An integrated traffic light system will be introduced for more effective management. The project is set to complete by September 23, before the school year begins. Discussions with stakeholders are ongoing, and any necessary diversions will be announced later. The anticipated start date is around July 19. (TVM)
Morning Briefing
Steward orchestrated smear campaign against Chris Fearne – report
Leaked corporate records reveal that Steward Health Care funded a campaign to smear ex-health minister Chris Fearne with false corruption claims. This campaign was part of a larger €6.5 million covert operation authorized by Steward to target perceived opponents in Malta and internationally. Tactics included using bank records, accessing sensitive phone data, and planting fabricated media stories about corruption involving Maltese officials. The operations were coordinated by senior Steward officials who regularly corresponded with private spies from two London-based intelligence firms, Audere International and CT Group, according to emails, encrypted messages, and financial records. These records were obtained by OCCRP and shared with the Times of Malta and the Boston Globe. (Times of Malta)
MDA says protest at Portelli Qala site was illegal
The Malta Developers Association has criticised Moviment Graffitti’s direct action at Joseph Portelli’s illegal development in Qala, stating that citizens in democratic societies cannot take the law into their own hands. “This event demonstrates a grave inconsistency by a lobby group that, while alleging illegality at a site, committed several illegal acts themselves,” the MDA commented. On Saturday, the activists stormed the site, temporarily occupied it, and conducted actions to highlight that individuals like Joseph Portelli and other developers are systematically allowed by “government, politicians, and authorities to wreak havoc on our country with absolute impunity.” (Maltatoday)
President calls for accountability in film industry
President Myriam Spiteri Debono said that to foster trust in its operations, the Film Commission has to respect governance principles. “Good governance should be evident both in internal structures and operations, and this transparency should be perceivable by Maltese society at large.” Although the President did not directly address it, the Film Commission has previously faced criticism for a lack of transparency, notably when it refused to provide information about payments made to an entertainer for the 2022 Malta Film Awards. (The Malta Independent)
