PM calls for national discussion on Malta’s defence stance
Prime Minister Robert Abela on Monday called for a serious national debate on whether Malta’s constitutional position on defence reflects today’s realities. Speaking to Maltese media in Brussels during an informal EU leaders’ meeting on defence, Abela said the discussion should assess whether the constitution adequately addresses the country’s defence needs and remains relevant for present and future conflicts. He emphasized that Malta will not engage in any wars but will continue offering support within constitutional limits. However, he sees value in discussing the matter with the Opposition. Abela noted that Malta’s stance is unique among EU Member States. While other nations also have constitutional constraints, he described Malta’s neutrality and non-alignment as clear yet not excessively rigid. (Maltatoday)
Driving examiner felt pressured to go easy on certain candidates, Court hears
A driving examiner told a court he felt “added pressure” after his superior instructed him not to make tests difficult for specific candidates. John Scicluna, an examiner at Transport Malta (TM), testified before Magistrate Rachel Montebello in the case against former TM director Clint Mansueto and ex-officials Raul Antonio Pace and Philip Endrick Zammit. They are accused of running a scheme to secure licenses for certain candidates, allegedly instructing instructors to “take care” of those flagged by “some ministry or Castille.” All three deny the charges. (The Malta Independent)
Urgent family leave to increase from 15 to 32 hours annually
Starting April 4, workers will be entitled to 32 hours of urgent family leave per year, up from the current 15. Junior Minister for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul said the change aims to improve work-life balance. Employees can take up to eight hours per day for a total of four days to care for sick children, assist parents in emergencies, or support siblings and minors under their custody.
