In 2023, the budget deficit rose to 4.5% of GDP, or €938.9 million, while government debt remained well below the Maastricht limit at 47.4% of GDP (€9.79 billion), data by the NSO has shown. Despite total spending of €7.5 billion exceeding revenues of €6.56 billion, the deficit improved by €15.5 million compared to 2022’s 5.2% of GDP. Revenue increased by €626.1 million, and spending grew by €610.5 million year-on-year. Although debt rose by €780.5 million, its share of GDP dropped from 49.4% to 47.4%. The NSO noted that the 2023 deficit reflects various accrual-based adjustments, reducing the initial €808 million figure. (Times of Malta)
PN, PL trade war of words on new drug regulations
The Government wants individuals caught with firearms to be treated as ‘victims,’ the Nationalist Party (PN) said. It expressed outrage that the bill proposes individuals caught with firearms, guns, or explosives during the commission of a crime could be considered victims and qualify for special proceedings before the Drug Court. The party condemned this move as scandalous, sending the wrong message to society and posing a serious threat to police and law enforcement. “It is unacceptable for the Government to pass a law that endangers those who risk their lives daily to protect law-abiding citizens,” the statement said. In a statement, the Labour Party clarified that the law presented to Parliament is designed to enhance rehabilitation opportunities for drug victims while reforming legal processes to ensure efficient justice. (Maltatoday)
Young man pleads not guilty to murder at Mount Carmel Hospital
A young man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jesmond Gatt at Mount Carmel Hospital’s Forensic Unit last July, a case initially believed to be an accidental death. Vuk Milic, a Serbian national, appeared before Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia, accused of killing Gatt, who was found unconscious in a pool of blood on the floor of his shared room with two other inmates on 13 July. Gatt, 54, from Ħamrun, later died at Mater Dei Hospital’s Intensive Therapy Unit on 31 July. The prosecution revealed that the case took a turn last Sunday when Milic told a correctional officer at Mount Carmel that he “wanted to confess” about Gatt’s death. After his arrest, Milic allegedly admitted to police that he had killed Gatt.
