Updated 1230
Maximum 2,500 cars off the road in €15m cash-for-licences plan: The government’s plan to pay motorists to give up their car licence may only remove up to 2,500 cars from Malta’s roads—less than 1% of all licences—experts say. The €15 million scheme offers €25,000 for giving up a car for five years or €6,000 for switching to a motorcycle. Critics, including academics and a former minister, argue the impact will be minimal and the cost too high for limited results. They call for more impactful measures, such as limiting car ownership, pedestrianising streets, discouraging SUV use, and addressing parking policies—warning that without bold action, traffic congestion will persist. (Times of Malta)
Plan to repay Satabank depositors approved: A €70 million payout plan for Satabank’s depositors and creditors has been approved, nearly six years after the bank was shut down over anti-money laundering failures. Regulators froze 12,000 accounts in 2018, triggering a complex investigation into suspicious transactions. The FIAU found the bank had taken on high-risk clients without proper checks, exposing Malta to money-laundering threats. Though initially fined €3.7 million, the penalty was later reduced. Liquidation was delayed due to tax claim concerns, but the process is now set to move forward. Payouts will range from small sums to over €10 million, with an e-wallet firm among major creditors. Satabank was one of two banks closed in 2018, alongside Pilatus Bank. (Times of Malta)
Magisterial inquiry reform one vote away from becoming law: Magisterial inquiries will no longer fall under the Attorney General’s supervision, following government amendments to its own judicial reform. Justice Minister Jonathan Attard said this change aims to preserve judicial independence after criticism that the original bill undermined magistrates. The AG’s role was also removed from the appointment of court experts, leaving decisions to the inquiring magistrate and Chief Justice. While the Opposition welcomed these specific changes, it still opposes the overall reform, which limits citizens’ ability to request inquiries and introduces cost-proportionality for expert appointments. Critics, including NGO Repubblika, argue the reform weakens scrutiny of public officials. The bill faces its final vote this week in Parliament amid ongoing controversy. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Keith Schembri had promised Yorgen Fenech presidential pardon, Court told
Assistant Police Commissioner Keith Arnaud told the court that Keith Schembri had promised Yorgen Fenech a presidential pardon after his request. Schembri, former chief of staff, is accused of leaking information about the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder investigation. The court previously heard that he warned Fenech that Vince Muscat was cooperating with police for a pardon. Arnaud testified that Schembri’s name first surfaced when middleman Melvin Theuma was arrested. A box of recordings seized included a photo of Theuma with Schembri. When Theuma was pardoned, Fenech claimed Schembri had assured him one too. Arnaud confirmed Schembri’s name never appeared in leaks related to the Degiorgio brothers’ arrest. (Maltatoday)
William Spiteri Bailey is new Chamber President
The newly elected Council of The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise, and Industry appointed William Spiteri Bailey as its 73rd President. A seasoned accountant and auditor, Spiteri Bailey previously served as Vice President and now leads the Chamber for the 2025-2027 term. He emphasized a focus on helping Maltese businesses transform, automate, and digitalize. “It is an honour to serve as President of The Malta Chamber. Our goal is to support enterprises in becoming more efficient, sustainable, and competitive—ensuring they are future-ready,” he stated in his first public statement following this election.
Nurse forgives colleague who stabbed her, case to proceed
A nurse told a court she could not understand why a colleague stabbed her but was ready to forgive him, as they were friends. The 36-year-old accused, who cannot be named by court order, allegedly stabbed her with a scalpel at Mater Dei Hospital on March 21, causing grievous injuries. He pleaded not guilty. The victim testified that she had just finished her shift when he entered the changing room, waved his arms, and stabbed her. She had no prior issues with him and believed it might have been accidental. Despite her forgiveness, the court ruled the case would proceed, as the charges did not require a victim’s complaint for prosecution. (Times of Malta)
