Updated 1230
Man, 72, arrested over Baħrija double murder
Carmelo Ciantar, 72, known as Id-Durga, has been arrested over the fatal shooting of two men in Baħrija, believed to stem from a family conflict. Ciantar, from Żebbuġ, was apprehended at a supermarket in Mosta around 8:30pm, two and a half hours after the shooting. The victims were identified as 51-year-old Dennis Mifsud and 57-year-old Anthony Agius — the son and son-in-law of Ciantar’s partner. Police say Ciantar, not previously known as a criminal, fled the scene before being tracked down in a manhunt.
Business Activity Slightly Above Average, CBM Says: In June, Malta’s business activity saw a slight increase, staying moderately above its historical average, according to the Central Bank. Economic policy uncertainty fell further below its long-term average. Confidence indicators, including the European Commission’s Economic Sentiment and Employment Expectations, also rose and remained above historical norms. Industrial production increased in May, though retail trade slightly declined, and services output contracted for a third consecutive month in April. The unemployment rate held low at 2.7%, and residential building permits and property transactions rose year-on-year. Deposits by residents grew marginally in May, while credit growth eased slightly. Inflation based on the HICP dropped to 2.5% in June, with core inflation at 2.4%, both above euro area averages. RPI inflation remained steady at 2.4%. Meanwhile, Malta’s Consolidated Fund posted a surplus in May, driven by increased government revenue and reduced expenditure.
Prime Minister Announces Malta to Recognise the State of Palestine at Upcoming UN Assembly: Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that Malta will formally recognise the State of Palestine during the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. In a Facebook post, he said the decision would be officially communicated by Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Christopher Cutajar at the ongoing UN conference on the Israel-Palestine two-state solution in New York. Abela stressed that the move reflects Malta’s commitment to lasting peace in the Middle East through a two-state solution.
Morning Briefing
Edward Scicluna to Return as Central Bank Governor
Edward Scicluna is set to resume his role as Governor of the Central Bank of Malta, the government announced on Tuesday, a year after stepping aside following his arraignment linked to the Vitals hospitals concession contract. He will also return to the European Central Bank’s governing council. The government confirmed he was cleared to resume after formally requesting permission from the Prime Minister and Finance Minister. The Prime Minister consulted the European Central Bank, which raised no objections. Deputy Governor Alexander Demarco, who served as acting governor, was thanked by Cabinet. Scicluna initially resisted stepping down but agreed to do so amid public pressure, retaining his title while the court case continues. He faces charges of fraud, misappropriation and fraudulent gain, all of which he denies. (Times of Malta)
Soldier Granted Bail After Fatal Collision Charges
Benjamin Chetcuti, a 23-year-old soldier from Paola, was granted bail after pleading not guilty to multiple charges, including involuntary homicide following a collision that killed Mildred Azzopardi. He appeared in court charged with involuntary homicide, involuntary injury, drink-driving, reckless driving, speeding, driving without insurance, and failing to prevent an offence. He also faces charges for damaging vehicles, including his own Subaru Impreza. Police breathalysed Chetcuti at the scene, with a positive result, and obtained CCTV footage. Defence lawyers accepted the arrest’s validity and requested bail. The prosecution opposed bail due to the severity of the charges and risk of evidence tampering, but this was dismissed as footage had been preserved, and Chetcuti has a clean record. (Maltatoday)
Insurers call for stronger enforcement on drunk driving
The Insurance Association of Malta has called for stronger enforcement of drink and drug driving measures. It advocates for legal amendments that would grant roadside drug testing the same importance and clarity in law as alcohol testing. The Association emphasizes the need for consistent year-round road safety measures, not just during the holiday season. It commended the Malta Police Force for their efforts in conducting road checks and issuing fines, which contributed to safeguarding lives on the road. However, the Association expressed disappointment that similar initiatives are not conducted consistently throughout the year. It urges the authorities to take decisive action to uphold road safety and make Malta’s roads safer for everyone. (The Malta Independent)
