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Inquiry sought into suspicious payments to former Transport Malta head: A formal request was filed on Wednesday for a magisterial inquiry into suspicious payments made to former Transport Malta CEO and ex-Labour Party CEO James Piscopo, and an adviser linked to former PM Joseph Muscat. The call, led by Repubblika president Vicki Ann Cremona, follows media reports that blacklisted consultant Shiv Nair was involved in a financial probe tied to Piscopo. Investigators uncovered €30,000 in questionable payments from 2015—the year of major transport contracts and the €35 million Kappara Junction project. Repubblika stressed the need for action and justice. Previous reports also linked Piscopo to €600,000 in alleged illicit foreign funds. Piscopo has denied all allegations. The inquiry request was filed by lawyer Jason Azzopardi. (Times of Malta)
Controversial Hungarian bank eyes HSBC Malta deal: Hungarian bank OTP, previously criticised for its operations in Russia during the Ukraine war, is reportedly among the frontrunners to acquire HSBC Malta. HSBC confirmed that its sale process has begun, with several bidders accessing confidential information, though it stressed no preferred bidder has been chosen yet. OTP, Hungary’s largest bank with 17 million customers in 11 countries, would be expanding beyond Eastern Europe for the first time. The bank has faced backlash for maintaining operations in Russia, including accusations of aiding the Russian military—claims it denies. Given HSBC Malta’s systemic importance, the sale will require approval from both Maltese and EU regulators. HSBC declined to comment on individual bidders, citing confidentiality. (Times of Malta)
Libyan militia chief accused of war crimes granted Schengen visa by Malta: Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, a Libyan militia leader accused of war crimes and torture by Amnesty International, was recently seen in Italy after entering with a Schengen visa issued by Malta. Known as ‘Gheniwa’, al-Kikli heads the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), a Libyan militia group involved in EU-backed anti-migration operations and accused of migrant abuse. His appearance at the hospital bedside of a Libyan minister in Rome sparked controversy, particularly as his visa was approved by Maltese authorities in line with Schengen procedures. While some claim he is wanted by the ICC, this is disputed. The incident comes amid rising concern over EU links to Libyan militias and follows Italy’s recent release of another alleged Libyan war criminal.
Morning Briefing
Dusty weather to linger throughout the week
Saharan dust is expected to remain in the air throughout the week, reducing air quality, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma. A spokesperson for the Meteorological Office said the dust, which is causing hazy and dusty conditions, reached the Central Mediterranean region on Saturday and is likely to linger until Friday. “An area of low pressure over Algeria, extending to Sicily, is gradually moving eastward. This has led to the hazy atmosphere due to suspended dust and ‘blood rain’—a phenomenon where rain appears reddish because of dust particles. Unstable weather will persist throughout the week, with rain or thundery showers expected,” the Met Office stated. However, a shift in airmass will improve visibility, and rainfall will eventually clear the accumulated dust. The dust is expected to dissipate from the Central Mediterranean by Friday, the office added. (Times of Malta)
NGO laments PM’s calls for reform of human rights convention
NGO Repubblika has expressed disappointment at comments by Prime Minister Robert Abela who called for a discussion reforming European conventions to reflect modern migration realities. The NGO said that such a position was aligned with the far right and undermining fundamental human rights. The organisation accused Abela of abandoning decades of bipartisan consensus in Malta’s domestic and foreign policy. Repubblika rejected Abela’s suggestion that human rights conventions from eighty years ago are outdated and should be changed. The organisation warned that the Prime Minister’s stance implies removing existing rights to allow actions currently considered illegal. It emphasised that human rights are fundamental to human dignity and violating them leads to inhumane treatment and behaviour. (The Malta Independent)
