Updated 1300
Malta fiscal council warns economic model needs urgent overhaul: Malta’s economy faces serious long-term sustainability risks, according to the Malta Fiscal Advisory Council’s (MFAC) latest report. It warns that Malta’s growth model, heavily reliant on population growth and domestic demand, is unsustainable and eroding the country’s international competitiveness. Labour productivity has stalled for three years, while wages have surged, raising unit labour costs and hurting business competitiveness. The MFAC urges a shift toward an export-led model and calls for policies to boost productivity through skills development, innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability. Tourism should also focus on quality over quantity amid overtourism concerns. The report stresses that Malta must adapt to remain economically viable, with competitiveness driven by productivity, not population growth. (Newsbook)
Judges’ retirement age to rise as government proposes new standards czar for judiciary: Justice Minister Jonathan Attard has tabled a constitutional reform bill proposing to raise the retirement age of judges and magistrates to 70 and introduce a new commissioner to oversee judicial conduct. The bill, requiring a two-thirds majority, was submitted to parliament following prior discussions with the opposition to ensure support. This move follows Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti’s 2023 call for a watchdog to monitor judicial behaviour and apply consistent internal standards. The Constitution currently allows the chief justice to refer judges to the Commission for the Administration of Justice, but only with independently verified evidence. The reforms aim to enhance judicial accountability, a goal previously outlined by Attard and supported by the judiciary. (Maltatoday)
Malta is European leader in LGBTIQ+ rights for 10th consecutive year, government says: Malta ranked first on ILGA-Europe’s 2025 Rainbow Map for the tenth consecutive year, reflecting its strong legal and policy framework supporting LGBTIQ+ rights. The map assesses 49 European countries across indicators such as equality, legal gender recognition, and civil society space. Parliamentary Secretary for Equality Rebecca Buttigieg hailed the achievement as a testament to Malta’s commitment to equality and human rights. She emphasised the government’s determination to uphold high standards and prevent any rollback of rights. While noting concerning trends in Europe, she reaffirmed Malta’s role as a leader in LGBTIQ+ rights. Malta will also host the IDAHOT+ Forum next week, spotlighting equality during its Council of Europe Presidency.
Morning Briefing
Vince Muscat says he feared Maksar would turn on him if he refused killing job
Vince Muscat, known as il-Koħħu, testified that he never shot anyone or owned a weapon, claiming he accepted payment for his role in two murders out of fear of the Maksar brothers. Muscat said he feared Robert and Adrian Agius would “turn on him” if he refused to help in the killings of lawyer Carmel Chircop and journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, insisting the same fear prevented him from rejecting payment. Under cross-examination by lawyers for the Agius brothers, George Degiorgio, and Jamie Vella, Muscat described himself as just “one of the guys” at the Marsa potato shed where the murders were planned, with no special role. “I never had the guts to shoot… I never shot anyone. I never owned a weapon,” said Muscat, who is blind in one eye. He is serving 15 years for Caruana Galizia’s murder and was pardoned for his role in Chircop’s killing. (Times of Malta)
12,500 property transactions in 2024
Over 12,500 property transactions worth €3.5 billion took place in 2024, a 3.4% rise from the previous year, according to a government statement. Justice and Reform Minister Jonathan Attard highlighted these figures during the launch of Malta Property Landscape 2025, an annual report by Grant Thornton Malta and Dhalia. Speaking to industry professionals and policymakers, Attard described the report as a key resource for building a resilient and sustainable property sector. “This initiative supports policymakers, investors, and professionals in shaping a sector that meets the needs of Maltese society,” he said. The report also noted a return of commercial property permits to pre-pandemic levels, spurred by strong performance in tourism, financial services, IT, and gaming. Minister Attard stressed the importance of long-term planning to support future growth. (Malttoday)
ECHR says no violation of rights in Patrick Spiteri case
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that the arrest of disbarred lawyer Patrick Spiteri did not violate the European Convention on Human Rights. Spiteri, 61, faces charges in Malta for fraud, misappropriation, and forgery allegedly committed between 1998 and 2000. A 2008 court ruling found enough evidence for him to stand trial. In 2013, Spiteri left Malta for medical treatment abroad, missing several court hearings. Authorities issued a Part III Arrest Warrant and later a European Arrest Warrant to secure his return. He was extradited from the UK and brought to Malta under arrest in May 2017. (The Malta Independent)
