Updated 11am
267 employees exit MFSA in four years
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has seen 267 employees leave since 2020, amidst controversies like mismanagement, scandals, and conflicts of interest. The regulator faced significant scrutiny following the resignation of former CEO Joseph Cuschieri in 2020, due to ties with Yorgen Fenech, implicated in journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder. Despite his exit, many of Cuschieri’s appointees remain despite recruitment irregularities. Additionally, Cuschieri was linked to a contentious donation to the Marigold Foundation, chaired by Michelle Muscat. The current CEO, Kenneth Farrugia, was appointed without a public call and earns €175,000 annually. This high turnover and persistent issues threaten the MFSA’s stability and effectiveness in regulating Malta’s financial sector. (Newsbook)
Abolish ‘exploitative recruitment agencies’ Graffitti tells government after courier strike
Moviment Graffitti called for the abolition of “exploitative recruitment agencies” and direct employment of workers by platform companies. Supporting 345 striking food couriers, the NGO criticised a new law for failing to address these agencies, which lead to low wages and poor working conditions. Couriers reported earning €3 an hour despite working up to 18 hours daily. The NGO urged the government to overhaul legislation to eliminate systemic exploitation, highlighting that platforms like Bolt use agencies to avoid legal responsibilities. Opposition MP Ivan Castillo also criticized the government for not enforcing labor laws, demanding action against those exploiting workers and ensuring justice.(Maltatoday)
Maltese most affected by hate speech in Europe – study
A recent Eurobarometer report reveals that Maltese people are the most affected by online hate speech among EU countries, with 39% reporting a significant impact, almost double the EU average of 22%. Slovenia (37%), Poland (31%), and France (30%) follow. Additionally, 33% of Maltese respondents identified untrustworthy online sellers as a significant issue, second only to Finland (34%) and above the EU average of 26%. The Maltese are most impacted by misuse of personal data (52%) and fake news (46%), while issues like unjustified content removal (7%) and terrorist content (9%) had the least impact. The survey highlights the importance of digital technologies in Malta, with high percentages expecting benefits in various aspects of daily life by 2030. (Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Ombudsman calls for institution to defend human rights
The Ombudsman has reiterated his call for the government to establish a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) “without any further delay.” In his foreword to the Annual Report for 2023, Judge Emeritus Joseph Zammit McKeon stated that this move would offer “a practical, resource-efficient, and effective approach to strengthening the country’s commitment to human rights.” In its report, the Office of the Ombudsman also emphasised the right to good administration, “based on the need for public administration to operate with transparency, fairness, and accountability.” It also called on Parliament to discuss the Ombudsman’s reports when the public administration does not implement its recommendations. (Times of Malta)
Government proposes heftier fines for workplace abuses
The second reading of the new Health and Safety at Work bill commenced on Monday, with the government proposing substantial increases to administrative and criminal fines for workplace abuses. The bill also includes provisions to increase the number of enforcement officials within the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA). Prime Minister Robert Abela introduced the bill in the first debate, describing it as a comprehensive reform of the OHSA, which has seen little change since its establishment in the 1990s. Abela characterised the proposed regulatory framework as “revolutionary,” aiming to reduce the risk of accidents, clarify responsibilities, and regulate the maintenance of a safe working environment. (The Malta Independent)
Auditor General says no shortcomings found from Fearne and Scicluna on hospitals
The national audit investigation into the hospitals privatisation deal found “no shortcomings” regarding former ministers Chris Fearne and Edward Scicluna, the auditor general testified on Monday. Auditor General Charles Deguara was testifying in court about the investigation conducted by the NAO into the hospitals concession.
The latest report, presented in parliament in May 2023, addresses the transfer of the hospitals concession to Steward Healthcare in 2018 and the American company’s subsequent management of the contract. The first report was published in July 2020, followed by the second in December 2021. (Maltatoday)
