Updated 1130
Former PM Muscat in court to face criminal charges
Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, his ex-Chief of Staff Keith Schembri and former Health Minister Konrad Mizzi have arrived in Court where they are expected to be be charged with serious crimes over the hospitals scandal, including fraud, bribery, trading in influence and money laundering. On their arrival, they were given a vociferous welcome by Labour supporters who acclaimed the former Prime Minister’s name and charted Labour slogans. While Muscat saluted the crowd, Mizzi called the experts’ report in the magisterial inquiry “unprofessional” and “biased”. In total, 14 people and 14 companies are going to be arraigned today, including Brian Tonna and Karl Cini, former Progress Press director Adrian Hillman and businessman Pierre Sladden. (Times of Malta)
Malta made associate member of NATO Parliamentary Assembly
The Maltese Parliament has been granted associate membership in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), allowing Maltese MPs to participate in its meetings. MPs Randolph De Battista and Bernice Bonello attended the spring session as prospective members following a request in October 2023. The session, held from May 25-27, included committee meetings on defense, economics, science and technology, democracy, and political issues. Notably, De Battista emphasised proactive measures against disinformation. The plenary session addressed challenges in the Western Balkans and global south engagement, concluding with Malta and Kosovo’s associate membership approval. The NATO PA includes 281 delegates from 32 NATO members and non-voting delegations from 14 other regions. (Maltatoday)
App developed to help students with intellectual disability to learn Maltese
A new educational app, developed by the Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA), helps children and students with intellectual disabilities learn Maltese through an interactive game. This app, also beneficial for foreigners learning Maltese, uses word-photo comparisons to aid in associating objects with words. Joseph Mark Caruana, the project’s lead, emphasised the app’s audio-visual learning experiences and practical language acquisition. It includes features for teachers and parents to track progress and customize content. Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti highlighted the project’s alignment with the vision of an inclusive society, underscoring the collective commitment to innovation and the aspirations of all individuals, regardless of ability. (TVM)
Morning Briefing
Hospitals inquiry will not impact perception of Malta – PM
Prime Minister Robert Abela is not concerned that the findings of the hospitals inquiry will negatively impact Malta’s perception by European institutions or its ability to attract foreign investment. Speaking at a Labour Party event in Naxxar on Monday, Abela expressed confidence that Malta will not face renewed scrutiny from institutions like the FATF, citing the country’s improved reputation due to reforms since 2020. He stated that his mandate was to reform the rule of law sector and stabilize the political climate, which his government achieved. Abela highlighted reforms including the appointment processes for the Police Commissioner, Chief Justice, and judiciary members, the strengthening of the Permanent Commission Against Corruption, and making the Attorney General’s decisions subject to judicial review. (The Malta Independent)
Three civil servants say AG has conflict of interest in Vitals case
The three senior civil servants being prosecuted by the Attorney General this week over the hospitals deal are claiming she was involved in the concession talks, creating a conflict of interest. In a judicial protest filed in court on Monday afternoon, their lawyers stated that Alfred Camilleri, Joe Rapa, and Ronald Mizzi want AG Victoria Buttigieg to reconsider her decision to charge them in the hospitals scandal. “They are being charged for actions allegedly taken while she was the state advocate assisting them on the same matter,” their lawyers said in the judicial protest. ” They also believe she has a conflicting position. For these reasons, they are requesting her to reconsider her decision to charge them with criminal offenses and are holding her responsible for any damages.” (Times of Malta)
Muscat says Vitals inquiry is baseless
Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has responded to the Vitals inquiry report published by MaltaToday, calling it “baseless” and full of “conjecture.” In a Facebook video, Muscat stated that the inquiry found no evidence against him and described the experts’ reports as “contradictory.” He criticized the use of €11 million to find €60,000 in transactions for declared work he had done, which led to an unjustified €30 million freezing order. Muscat likened the inquiry to “a second Egrant.” Muscat also highlighted that the inquiry relies on testimony from Kamal Sharma, whom he referred to as “an Indian person.” Sharma, the former director of Accutor, claimed the firm sent payments to Muscat in early 2020 and is also set to be charged. (Maltatoday)
