Updated 1300
Economy registers a higher growth rhythm between January and March this year
Between January and March, the Maltese economy grew faster than in the last quarter of 2023. The Central Bank of Malta reported a 4.6% real GDP growth during this period, 0.2% higher than the previous quarter. Exports were the main drivers of this growth, with domestic demand also contributing positively. Employment increased by 4.6%, while the unemployment rate remained steady and lower than the Euro Zone average. Consumer price pressures eased, with the Prices Harmonised Index falling by 2.7% and by 2.2% excluding energy, food, and tobacco. Public finances improved, as the government deficit relative to GDP decreased by 1%, despite a slight increase in the debt-to-GDP ratio.
Edward Scicluna giving up role on anti-money laundering body
Edward Scicluna will step down from his role on the national committee against money laundering, confirmed a government official. Scicluna, facing trial for fraud related to the 2015 hospital privatisation, was on the board with Attorney General Victoria Buttigieg and Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà. Other officials, including ex-PM Joseph Muscat, also face money laundering charges linked to the deal, which they all deny. Committee chair Paul Zahra stated Scicluna will relinquish his role. Scicluna was removed from the MFSA board and suspended himself as Central Bank governor, agreeing to a half-pay suspension. He plans to fight to clear his name and potentially resort to the European Court of Justice if necessary.
Shoulder responsibility for your workers’ conditions, GWU tells courier and cab companies
The General Workers’ Union (GWU) supports government efforts to regulate work permits for third-country nationals but highlights poor working conditions for these workers. Secretary-general Josef Bugeja noted that high turnover in food courier and taxi driver jobs signals poor conditions, prompting workers to leave. Bugeja asserted that third-country nationals should only be hired when necessary to prevent exploitation and believes the government’s strategy does not hinder company operations. He criticized companies like Bolt for blaming service issues on work permit denials, urging them to improve worker conditions to reduce turnover. The GWU called for stricter enforcement against exploitation and urged companies to ensure decent living standards for workers in Malta.
Morning Briefing
New helpline for reporting safety issues on construction lines
A new helpline, 138, has been established to report potential safety issues on construction sites. The helpline is dedicated to the memory of Jean Paul Sofia, who tragically died at the age of 20 when a building under construction collapsed in Coradino in December 2022. The number 138 was chosen in honor of his birthday on August 13. Isabelle Bonnici, Sofia’s mother, attended the launch of the service on Monday. She expressed her hope that people would use the helpline to report any concerns or dangers they observe. “I hope that it helps,” she said. “I find myself emotional today because I know that my son will not be forgotten and that his memory can potentially help someone else.” (Times of Malta)
Ban on breeding of bully dogs expected
The government will announce a ban on breeding and keeping non-pedigree bull dogs. The new legislation will also make it illegal to breed, purchase, advertise, or own mixed bully breed dogs. However, owners who already possess mixed breed or non-pedigree bully dogs before the law takes effect will not have their pets confiscated or be considered in violation of the law. The legislation will also provide a clear definition of bully breeds and specify which crosses are prohibited. Anyone looking to adopt or purchase bully breed dogs will only be able to do so from a recognized kennel club. (Maltatoday)
MFSA investigating alleged insider trading at Malta International Airport
Serious allegations of insider trading involving Malta International Airport (MIA) shares have emerged, prompting an investigation by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). The controversy was ignited by a social media post from financial expert and former Malita Investments Chair, Paul Bonello. The MFSA has confirmed it is taking these allegations seriously. An MFSA official stated that necessary reviews and evaluations would be conducted “for the appropriate action to be taken” as per internal procedures, “both from a supervisor perspective as well as in terms of enforcement if need be.” The airport company’s financial figures, released on Thursday, revealed the company generated €66.4 million in revenue during the first half of the year, with a net profit of €22.1 million. (Newsbook)
