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Media groups call for consultation on reform
The Institute of Maltese Journalists, PEN Malta, the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation and Repubblika have called on the government to consult journalists, civil society and other stakeholders before finalising its proposed media reform legislation. The organisations said they had written to Prime Minister Robert Abela on September 22 requesting a meeting with him and the ministers responsible for the legislation, followed by a genuine public consultation. They said neither their original letter nor a reminder sent on September 28 had received a response. Their statement came a day after Justice Minister Clifton Grima said the long-awaited reform bill would be introduced within weeks, without committing to a date before the Budget. The four organisations said consultation should take place while proposals could still be amended, arguing that the reform should not be presented to stakeholders as a completed package.
Gozo climate plan proposes measures to reduce car use
A new strategic framework for Gozo’s transition towards net-zero emissions by 2040 has identified private vehicle use as the island’s biggest climate concern. The Gozo Climate Neutral Plan, published by the Gozo Regional Development Authority and KPMG, is a non-binding discussion paper and does not represent adopted government policy. Based on emissions data from 2016 to 2023, stakeholder workshops and a survey of 132 people, it found that 60% of respondents identified private vehicles as Gozo’s most carbon-intensive sector. Among its proposed measures are dynamic ferry pricing for non-resident tourist cars during peak periods, aimed at encouraging visitors to leave their vehicles behind. The plan also proposes demand-based paid parking in congested areas to discourage excessive private car use and promote public transport. Both measures are classified as potentially implementable within two years.
Investor challenges information in €30m MeDirect bond prospectus
An investor has filed a judicial protest questioning whether sufficient information about pending legal proceedings was disclosed in the prospectus for a €30 million MeDirect Bank Malta bond issue. The bank published the prospectus on August 31 for unsecured subordinated bonds carrying an interest rate of 5.85%. The investor claims the document stated that, during the previous 12 months, the bank was not aware of government, legal or arbitration proceedings that could have a significant effect on its financial position or profitability. The protest argues that the bank was aware of two court cases involving the investor and properties linked to another company before the prospectus was issued. It also refers to statements in the prospectus concerning the completeness and accuracy of material information and the directors’ responsibility for its contents. The claims are contained in the judicial protest and remain subject to court proceedings.
Morning Briefing
UĦM Calls for Shorter Working Week
UĦM is calling for a voluntary pilot project to introduce a 35-hour working week as part of its proposals for the 2027 Budget. Companies and organisations would be able to participate in the pilot, which forms part of a wider package of employment-related measures. The union is also proposing support for parents until their child turns three, allowing them more time with their children during the early years. It wants full pay during injury leave, calculated on the average earnings of the previous 17 weeks and including bonuses, allowances and overtime. Other proposals include a flat 10 per cent tax rate on overtime and performance bonuses, and excluding national insurance contributions and the cost-of-living adjustment from taxable income. UĦM is also proposing a national research-based entity to identify future labour market skills needs, particularly in artificial intelligence, digitalisation and emerging sectors. (Times of Malta)
Unemployment Rate Stands at 3.4% in August
Malta’s unemployment rate stood at 3.4% in August, according to figures published by the National Statistics Office. The rate was 3.5% among men and 3.3% among women, the NSO said. Unemployment was considerably higher among young people, with the rate for those aged between 15 and 24 standing at 9.7%. Among people aged between 25 and 74, the unemployment rate was 2.9%. The figures provide a breakdown of unemployment across different age groups and between men and women. Overall unemployment remained below the rate recorded among younger workers, highlighting the difference between the labour market position of younger people and that of the wider working-age population. The latest figures were issued by the NSO as part of its regular labour market statistics. (TVM News)
Family Court Reforms to Strengthen Child Representation
Child advocates will be strengthened under reforms to the Family Court coming into force on 1 October, with more specialised lawyers expected to be recruited to ensure children are represented by professionals with appropriate experience and expertise. The reforms will also provide for additional mediators to help ensure established timeframes for mediation proceedings are respected. Justice Minister Clifton Grima said the changes form part of wider family justice reforms aimed at ensuring children’s voices and best interests remain central to proceedings. He said the reforms would enter a new phase from October, with the focus shifting to their implementation in practice. Grima also highlighted wider measures to strengthen the justice system, including increased resources, judicial specialisation, new infrastructure and digitalisation. The Court Services Agency now employs 642 people, compared with around 588 a year ago, while the judiciary is supported by 50 court attorneys and 59 judicial assistants. (Maltatoday)
