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MFSA confirms Kenneth Farrugia as CEO
The Malta Financial Services Authority has confirmed media reports that former FIAU supremo Kenneth Farrugia will take on the role of CEO. In a statement, the Board of Governors of the Malta Financial Services Authority acknowledged that leadership changes in the past years were not beneficial for the Authority. The Board agreed that the appointment of the right person to lead the Authority over the coming years was now a matter of urgency. The Board defended the lack of an open call for this post by saying that the previous open and international call for applications for the position of Chief Executive Officer had not benefited the Authority to the desired extent. The appointment of Mr Farrugia takes effect from 12 April, 2023.
New femicide law’s constitutionality challenged in Court
Lawyers representing the first man to be accused of the new offence of femicide, after shooting his wife dead last year, are questioning its constitutionality. This emerges from an application to the First Hall of the Civil Court in its constitutional jurisdiction, which was filed this morning on behalf of Roderick Cassar. (Maltatoday)
Notarial Council condemns attack by Manuel Cuschieri against Robert Aquilina
The Notarial Council has “condemned the despicable act and personal attack” against Notary Robert Aquilina, who is also the President of the civil society group Repubblika, by Manuel Cuschieri during his programme ‘Linja Diretta’. The Notarial Council draws Cuschieri’s attention that the public, including any entities, have a free right to choose any practicing notary from an official list that is published each year on the Government Gazette, and who holds their trust, in order to use their services. This same notary consequently has an indisputable right to be paid for his services.” (The Malta Independent)
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Nurses intensify industrial action
The MUMN has issued new directives at health centres and at the Gozo General Hospital as discussions on better conditions failed to resume. Under the new directives, nurses at health centres will stop accompanying doctors at health centre clinics, stop vaccinations relating to travel and stop clerical work including answering the phone. Those at the Gozo hospital have been ordered not to assist at the dermatology, neuro, urology, DOP, SOP, paediatrics, ophthalmic, cardio, ENT, rheumatology, nephrology, and respiratory clinics.The Nurse Union said that it had been “humiliated” by the government’s response to sectoral negotiations. (Times of Malta)
500 migrants currently in Malta’s SAR
A boat of around 500 migrants is currently Malta’s search and rescue zone, humanitarian NGO Alarm Phone has said. The NGO said migrants on the boat are currently facing “very dangerous conditions”, with strong winds at 27 knots and high waves reported in the area. Alarm Phone said it reached out to the Italian Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC), but the Italians insisted that they inform Malta as the ‘responsible authority’. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Rosianne Cutajar resigns from Labour parliamentary group, to hold on seat
Rosianne Cutajar has announced her resignation from the Labour Party parliamentary group, following the publication of chats which exposed a close relationship with Yorgen Fenech. She will not renounce her parliamentary seat, which she will keep as an independent. The PL in a brief statement said Cutajar had written to Prime Minister Robert Abela to inform him of her decision. “The Labour Party was my second family for the past 13 years,” she wrote, adding that she would now take better care of her health and her new family. PN leader Bernard Grech said PM Robert Abela has lost control of his group, insisting that despite his public utterances, he did not have the guts to remove Cutajar himself.
Chamber elects Chris Vassallo Cesareo as new President
Chris Vassallo Cesareo, managing director of Domestica Ltd, has been elected the 72nd President of The Malta Chamber for the next two years following a meeting of the new council. Vassallo Cesareo takes over from Marisa Xuereb, who will continue to serve on the council. In his inaugural address, Vassallo Cesareo thanked his predecessor and said competitiveness and good governance will remain at the top of the Chamber’s agenda. “Truth and legacy shall be my driving force… we will continue to come up with tangible recommendations that are beneficial to our members and business community at large,” he said.
PM meets EU Budget Commissioner, commits to keep finances in check
Prime Minister Robert Abela has met with the European Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn at Castille. During a courtesy visit on Dr Abela highlighted the challenges resulting from the war in Ukraine, the steep rise in energy prices, inflation and mass migration. The Prime Minister said that it is futile for one to speak of European Union values if the commitment to address challenges is not shared equally. He declared that, despite these challenges, Malta’s government will keep supporting families and businesses, while keeping its finances in check.
