PN to elect two deputy leaders and finalise statute by January
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg expects the party to elect two deputy leaders within the next four to five weeks and finalise a revised statute by January 2027. Speaking outside Parliament on Tuesday, Borg said amendments to the statute’s provisions on deputy leaders would first undergo consultation and approval by the party’s General Council before elections are held. The full statute would then be completed as part of wider reforms to the party’s structures. The PN currently has one deputy leader, but Borg has pledged to restore two positions, one responsible for party affairs and the other for parliamentary work. He said the aim was to have both deputy leaders and a completely revised statute in place before the next general election. Nationalist MP Mark Anthony Sammut has not ruled out contesting either post once the necessary changes are approved. (Maltatoday)
Cabinet approves planning appeals reform ahead of parliamentary debate
Cabinet has approved proposed legislation to reform planning appeals, with Parliament expected to begin discussing the bill next week. Planning Minister Jonathan Attard confirmed on Tuesday that the legislation would be published shortly and said the Government wanted it enacted as soon as possible. Under the proposals, developers would no longer be allowed to begin construction while a planning permit is being challenged before the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal or the courts. The bill would also introduce deadlines for decisions, giving the tribunal six months to determine an appeal and the Court of Appeal four months, with a possible two-month extension. The reform seeks to prevent developments from being completed before the permits authorising them are overturned. The Government had previously pledged to introduce the changes, but earlier proposals formed part of wider planning reforms that were suspended following protests by environmental organisations. (The Malta Independent)
Malta and Libya explore cooperation during ministerial visit to Benghazi
Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg led a Maltese delegation to Benghazi for discussions on political developments in Libya and opportunities for cooperation in education, healthcare, trade, energy and infrastructure. The delegation included ministers Silvio Schembri, Byron Camilleri and Jonathan Attard, alongside senior government officials. The visit began with a meeting with General Saddam Haftar, deputy commander-in-chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, during which the two sides discussed historical, cultural and commercial ties between Malta and Libya. Borg reiterated Malta’s support for efforts to unify Libya’s institutions and achieve a political solution leading to lasting peace and stability. The delegation also visited the Julyana free zone and port to discuss trade and logistics opportunities. At Benghazi University, discussions explored academic cooperation, including postgraduate study opportunities and master’s programmes in Arabic and archaeology. Borg said Malta would continue working to turn discussions into concrete results. (TVM News)
