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€15.9 million each year: the cost of Malta’s largest-ever Cabinet: After a recent unexpected reshuffle in Malta’s Cabinet, the projected annual cost to taxpayers is estimated to be up to €15.9 million, as reported by Times of Malta. This calculation encompasses the salaries of all personnel within a minister or parliamentary secretary’s secretariat, in addition to the minister or parliamentary secretary themselves. The Office of the Prime Minister is identified as the most expensive ministry, with a cost
of just below €1.2 million. Public sector regulations permit the prime minister to employ up to 37 secretariat members, including roles such as head of communications, private secretary, officers, messengers, and other staff.
Red Sea shipping crisis: Freeport in contact with customers during ‘extraordinary situation’: Malta Freeport Terminals is actively communicating with its clients in light of increasing attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, the company announced on Tuesday. Due to assaults on vessels navigating the Suez Canal, several container ships are expected to dock in Malta in the coming days, as some global shipping services are being diverted. Freeport CEO Alex Montebello acknowledged the extraordinary situation, noting that while some services are still transiting through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, others are opting for an alternative route around the Cape of Good Hope, bypassing the Mediterranean. Montebello emphasised the importance of flexibility in such circumstances, highlighting that the Freeport maintains constant communication with its customers. (Maltatoday)
Joe Cuschieri replaces Steve Ellul at the helm of Project Green
Joseph Cuschieri, the former CEO of the Malta Financial Services Authority, has assumed leadership of Project Green, taking over from Steve Ellul, who resigned to participate in the upcoming European Parliament election in June. “We have challenging and exciting times ahead and I am keen to keep building on the good work carried out by my predecessor Steve Ellul,” Cuschieri said in the statement. Project Green, which announced Cuschieri’s appointment through a statement, is the national agency entrusted with the development, maintenance and embellishment of public spaces, gardens and other green infrastructure.
Morning Briefing
8.5% increase in non-EU citizens in six months
Between January and July 2023, Malta witnessed an 8.5% increase in its population of non-EU nationals, as revealed by data disclosed in the House of Representatives. The figures illustrate a rise in registered foreign workers from outside the EU, escalating from 63,400 individuals in January 2023 to 68,755 by July 2023. This surge in numbers aligns with an ongoing political discussion concerning the impact of foreign workers on various aspects including job salaries, property value,and the use of public infrastructure. Among the diverse pool of foreign workers, the largest segment is that of Indians, exceeding 13,000 individuals, marking a notable 13.5% growth from January to July 2023. (Maltatoday)
No intelligence indicating intention to commit terrorist acts in Malta
The Malta Security Services said that there are no indications that any individual or group within Malta harboring the intention or capability to execute a terrorist act within the country or against Maltese interests abroad. In its annual report presented to Parliament, the MSS said however that terrorism remained its foremost concern, despite the country facing a low risk of a terrorist attack. The report adds that instability in neighbouring countries, such as Libya, meant that the service needed to “maintain a high level of vigilance constantly”. (Times of Malta)
PN raises alarm on education as more educators resign
Amid a notable increase in teacher departures from state schools, the Nationalist Party has urged the government to promptly address the prevailing crisis. The PN said that within the initial 12 weeks of the ongoing academic year, 13 educators resigned, with six departures reported at the primary level and seven at the middle and secondary levels. Expressing worry about the perceived inaction of the government, the PN highlighted the urgent necessity for discussions aimed at enhancing conditions and salaries for educators. (Newsbook)
