Updated 1300
Journalists’ lobby backs Opposition amendments to anti-SLAPP law: The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) is urging MPs to support Opposition amendments to Malta’s anti-SLAPP laws ahead of a parliamentary debate. Anti-SLAPP provisions protect journalists from costly lawsuits designed to silence them, as seen in the case of Daphne Caruana Galizia. While an EU directive exists, critics argue it is too weak, covering only foreign cases. The Nationalist Party proposes extending protections to domestic cases and increasing fines for vexatious lawsuits to up to €100,000. IĠM supports these amendments, calling them a step forward. It also criticised the government for failing to deliver on its promised media reform White Paper, which includes changes to constitutional, defamation, and criminal laws.
Tweaked electoral districts could split Birkirkara, among others: Malta’s electoral boundaries are under review, with proposed changes potentially splitting Birkirkara. Part of the town may join the first district, while part of Marsascala could shift to the second. The revisions, led by the Electoral Commission, aim to keep district populations within a 5% variance. The Nationalist Party opposes the Birkirkara split, fearing it could impact political balances. Other changes include Naxxar partially joining the 10th district and Ħal Farruġ moving to the sixth. The largest district will have 28,005 voters, while the smallest will have 24,430. Once finalised, the report goes to Parliament for approval, with changes taking effect after the next dissolution. Gozo remains a single district regardless of population size. (The Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
SMEs blame unfair competition, higher wages and employee loss for increasing prices
Nearly two-thirds of small and medium-sized companies have raised prices due to higher employee wages, according to the Chamber of SMEs’ 2024 Business Performance Survey. The survey also found that employee shortages are the biggest challenge, with 44% of respondents citing it as a major issue. Additionally, 27% of companies flagged overpopulation as a concern. 63% of businesses cited rising wages as the primary driver of price increases, with Chamber President Paul Abela noting that worker poaching has also played a role. The second most significant issue was unfair competition, affecting 26% of companies, with Abela highlighting the disparity between the tax rates of local and foreign businesses. “The time has come for this to be resolved,” he said. (The Malta Independent)
5000 TCNs get skills pass in tourism
A total of 5,000 non-EU workers have received a complete skills pass to work in Malta’s tourism and hospitality sector. Of these, 78% are already employed in Malta, while the remainder applied from overseas. Since May of last year, non-EU workers in hotels, bars, and restaurants are required to obtain a €475 skills card to work in the sector. Over the past four months, the number of candidates for the skills pass has risen by 57%, with 58% of applicants already working in Malta. Among non-EU workers in the hospitality industry in Malta, 37% have successfully obtained their skills pass.(The Times of Malta)
Former police sergeant granted bail after being charged with leaking sensitive info
Former police sergeant Cherise Camilleri and Ruud Buhagiar were granted bail on Tuesday after being charged in November with serious offences, including leaking internal information about drug-related raids. Camilleri, a 28-year-old from Qormi, faces accusations of disclosing police operation details to third parties. Buhagiar, a 30-year-old from Birżebbuġa, is charged with bribing a police sergeant to access sensitive information on ongoing operations. During Tuesday’s hearings, both individuals were granted bail under strict conditions, including a €20,000 deposit, a €100,000 personal guarantee, and the requirement to sign the bail book twice daily. (Maltatoday)
