Updated 1215
Report finds that nearly 9/10 of Malta golden visa buyers are from China
Research by the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation highlights significant risks in Malta’s residency-by-investment (or “golden visa”) scheme, which mainly attracts Chinese applicants and channels funds into the property sector. The scheme lacks safeguards against conflicts of interest and faces criticism for insufficient regulation, raising questions about its overall benefits to society. European lawmakers have condemned lax oversight on such schemes, calling for in-person applicant interviews and thorough wealth verifications. The foundation also found troubling ties between public officials and private visa intermediaries, with some former officials becoming golden visa agents. Despite generating €55.8 million in 2023, the scheme’s benefits primarily affect the property market, with visa buyers competing for affordable housing, contributing little to broader economic development. (Times of Malta)
Mid-level civil servants the biggest winners of new €1.2bn financial package
A new six-year, €1.2 billion pay package will benefit 33,000 Maltese civil servants, with mid- to upper-level employees seeing the largest increases. From 2024, those on salary scale five will receive an annual boost of €2,293, rising to €2,480 by 2030. Scales six to nine will also see increases over €2,000 annually. At the lower end, scale 20 workers will receive €348 annually, nearly double the current increment. Higher-scale civil servants, including top officials, will also get boosts. The package, pending approval by November’s end, was negotiated collaboratively with several unions and will also expand benefits, such as overtime payments for more employees and qualification allowances. Additional benefits are expected across various collective agreements. (Maltatoday)
MDA: 20% increase in property deals registered in October when compared to 2023
The Malta Developers Association (MDA) reported a 20% rise in property values under promise of sale agreements in 2024, totaling €415.3 million compared to €363.2 million in 2023. This marks the highest value ever recorded for October. The number of such agreements also increased by 2%. While the MDA did not specify data sources, it confirmed figures include residential and commercial properties. Highlighting real estate’s significance in Malta’s economy, the MDA emphasised the need to address bureaucratic hurdles and invest in infrastructure to sustain this growth and enhance property quality.
Morning Briefing
Citizens need government that is sensitive to realities – Grech
Opposition leader Bernard Grech said that citizens need a government that is sensitive to their realities, a government that functions well, and one that focuses on the country’s priorities. Replying to the budget speech in Parliament, Grech took Government to task recalling a number of policy documents issued in the last few years which were never translated into action. In response, Grech presented the Nationalist Party’s vision for a better quality country, aimed at providing the Maltese and Gozitan people with an improved quality of life. While touching on a number of economic and social themes, Grech dedicated ample time to mental health issues, citing figures showing increasing anxiety among Maltese citizens. In this context, the PN leader called for an effective strategy and the introduction of systems and structures which offers stronger solutions to those suffering with such issues.
Micallef gets MEP thumbs up for Commission role
MEPs approved Glenn Micallef as the European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport after a largely uneventful three-hour parliamentary hearing. Coordinators from the various parliamentary groups quickly endorsed Micallef’s nomination, with sources confirming approval shortly after the session. While Micallef’s hearing went smoothly, he must wait for the full slate of commissioners-designate to be confirmed as a bloc before officially taking office. Hearings will continue through November 12. During the hearing, Micallef addressed questions on issues like youth screentime, cyberbullying, pay equity in sports, and transgender participation, staying aligned with EU policy without diving into specifics. This approach frustrated some MEPs but helped him avoid contentious topics that might have jeopardized his nomination.
Uni staff laments rule requiring educators to get permission for media visibility
The University of Malta Academic Staff Association (UMASA) has joined criticism of a recent education ministry circular requiring educators to obtain written permission before speaking to the media. The policy, which also demands that teachers disclose their intended topics, was met with backlash from the Union of Professional Educators (UPE), activists, and independent educators after its release on Friday. UMASA expressed concern that the directive restricts educators’ freedom of speech, emphasizing that teachers serve the public interest, not government agendas. The association warned that “silencing voices” could hinder activism, union involvement, and representation, all essential for finding solutions and fostering engagement. (Times of Malta)
