Updated 1300
Fearne, Scicluna in court in second day of hospitals scandal case
Two former senior ministers and three permanent secretaries are being charged in connection with the hospitals scandal, with the court in Valletta taking center stage on Wednesday. Among those charged are former health minister Chris Fearne and Central Bank governor Edward Scicluna, who are part of a group of 14 officials accused of ‘lesser crimes’ as the scandal reaches a critical point. While all the officials were charged with money laundering on Tuesday, this charge has been dropped for the two top politicians and the permanent secretaries today. They all deny any wrongdoing. (Times of Malta)
Annual growth in business activity decline slightly, Central Bank says
In April, Malta’s Business Conditions Index showed a slight decline in annual business activity growth, staying just below its long-term average. The European Commission’s economic confidence and employment expectations indicators also fell below their long-term averages. Consumer price expectations rose, while they decreased in construction and industry sectors. In March, industrial production and retail trade contracted, but unemployment remained historically low. Residential permits and property transactions increased year-over-year. Maltese residents’ deposits grew, although the growth rate slowed, while credit grew slightly faster. April’s annual inflation rate fell to 2.4%, matching the euro area average. March saw a lower deficit in the Consolidated Fund compared to the previous year. (Maltatoday)
Malta remains undecided as more nations recognise Palestinian statehood
As more European nations officially recognise Palestine as an independent state, Malta remains hesitant despite its pro-Palestinian stance. Recently, Ireland, Norway, and Spain joined over 140 UN members in recognizing Palestinian statehood, aiming to boost diplomatic support for Palestine against Israel’s military occupation. However, Malta, despite signaling potential recognition, has not yet taken this step. Pressed for clarity, Malta’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its support for a two-state solution but did not commit to a timeline for recognition. The Labour Party, while campaigning for peace and neutrality, has yet to address whether it will support sanctions against Israel or recognise Palestinian statehood formally. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Muscat and associates plead not guilty, freezing orders to remain
Joseph Muscat and close former associated were charged with serious crimes over the hospitals scandal on Tuesday in an unprecedented case for Malta. They all pleaded not guilty to the accusations they faced. In a key decision taken later, the court upheld the prosecution’s requests for the freezing orders “for each and every one of the persons identified.” The Court noted that the AG must have reasonable reason to make that request and, in this case, the court deems that such reason exists. (Maltatoday)
A Black Day for Malta – Bernard Grech
In a televised interview, Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech described Tuesday as a “black day” for Malta, as crowds rallied outside the courts to support Muscat, even though they were charged with serious crimes over the hospital scandal. He noted how it was revealed in Court that the police were not actively investigating the Vitals scandal. He said he was warning Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa’ that he should not continue to serve those who had put him in his post and “controlling him”. (Times of Malta)
PM says PN would take Malta back to Middle Ages
Prime Minister Robert Abela said that the upcoming elections are a choice between those who want to advance Malta’s interests or those who want to put Malta back in the Middle Ages. Speaking in Gżira, Robert Abela said that he would remain laser-focused on achieving further success, as he urged them to renew their trust in him. Abela downplayed the morning’s events, suggesting that it “was the most important day” for the Nationalist Party, whose “electoral programme was the magisterial inquiry report.” He accused the “arrogant” and “elitist” PN of believing “it can govern without the popular vote.” (Newsbook)
