Updated 1210
PM to testify on case of asylum seekers detained at sea
Prime Minister Robert Abela and Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri will testify in a human rights case brought forth by asylum seekers who were detained at sea for almost 40 days. The 32 plaintiffs, hailing from countries such as Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Liberia, and Bangladesh, were rescued in the Maltese search and rescue region in April 2020 and subsequently held aboard sightseeing cruise boats that had been chartered by the government. The former detainees allege that their prolonged confinement at sea violated their fundamental rights. The case originates from the events in 2020 when the Maltese government utilized four sightseeing boats from Captain Morgan, a local cruise company, to detain asylum seekers who had been rescued within the Maltese search and rescue region.
Richest 1% hold over 10 times median net wealth
A survey conducted by the Central Bank of Malta reveals an increasing wealth gap in the country, with the wealthiest 1% of households in Malta possessing over 10 times the median net wealth held by all households. The findings show that the top 5% of households have a median net wealth more than four times higher than the combined wealth of all households. The distribution of net wealth indicates a substantial increase beyond the 70th percentile, with a rapid rise beyond the 90th percentile. This is primarily attributed to valuable real assets and a diverse portfolio of holdings. (Maltatoday)
Tourism Minister refuses to reveal cost of lavish film festival
Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo has defended the opulent Mediterrane Film Festival but has refrained from revealing its cost until a comprehensive report demonstrating the event’s benefits to the country is available. In response to criticism of the taxpayer-funded festival, Bartolo stated that those who label it as extravagant lack an understanding of the workings of the film industry and lack a vision for its potential. The festival involved flying actors and producers to Malta, accommodating them in luxury hotels, organizing yacht trips, and hosting a black-tie gala film awards event at Fort Manoel, hosted by British author and comedian David Walliams. (The Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
PM wants stronger fight against human trafficking
Prime Minister Robert Abela called for a stronger fight against human traffickers following his participation in an EU Council Summit focused on migration. During a ministerial statement in Parliament, he provided an overview of the summit’s discussions. Migration took center stage at the summit, with EU leaders aiming to reach an agreement on a new migration pact. However, negotiations were halted due to Hungary and Poland’s veto of the proposed deal. Abela highlighted the importance of redirecting efforts towards combating human traffickers and organized crime groups that exploit migrants seeking to reach Europe. He stated that strengthening the fight against these traffickers is the key to effectively addressing the challenge. (Maltatoday)
Minister signs off illegal appropriation of land by Fortina
The Fortina Group unlawfully seized land to expand a lido in Sliema and even reclaimed territory from the sea without parliamentary approval. Economy Minister Silvio Schembri requested the parliamentary committee’s endorsement of these illegal actions, including a €70,000 fine to officially transfer the land to Fortina. However, PN MP Darren Carabott warned that approving this transfer would set a dangerous precedent of condoning the illegal occupation of public land. The Opposition voted against the proposal, leading to a debate in parliament’s plenary. (Times of Malta)
PN accuses PM of disrespect after last-minute statement call
Opposition leader Bernard Grech accused Prime Minister Robert Abela of showing disrespect towards parliament by providing MPs with only a few minutes’ notice before delivering a ministerial statement during Monday’s session. Grech pointed out that despite attending multiple EU summits, Abela had neglected to deliver such a statement for several months. Grech deemed this to be a significant failure on the part of the prime minister, emphasizing that it is unacceptable for the Opposition to be informed only 10 minutes before Abela’s parliamentary address. He highlighted the prime minister’s failure to provide a ministerial statement in February, March, and even June, resulting in nearly a year passing without updates to parliament on EU negotiations. (Newsbook)
