Updated 1230
Inflation edges further up
In April 2022, the annual rate of inflation as measured by the HICP edged up further, reaching 5.4%, up from 4.5% March. As a result, the 12-month moving average rate for April stood at 2.1%. The highest annual inflation rates in April 2022 were recorded in Food and non-alcoholic beverages (9%) and Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (8.6%). On the other hand, the lowest annual inflation rates were registered in Communication (-1.8%) and Alcoholic beverages and tobacco. Malta’s cost of living rate is however the lowest in the EU.
Major parties reveal no major donations
Both Labour and PN have failed to name a single large political donor for 2019, simply by marking out the area in official forms that requests the information. The electoral commission revealed donation declaration forms submitted by both the PL and the PN this month, but both parties say that their donations were in tiny sums that do not require donors’ identity to be published.
Domestic demand driving recovery- CBM
Domestic demand was the main driver behind GDP growth during the last three months of 2021, the CBM has found. In its quarterly review, it said that the contribution of net exports, while positive, was marginal. Sector data show that the expansion was primarily driven by the services sector, especially the sector comprising wholesale and retail trade, transportation, accommodation and related activities. Nevertheless, this sector has not fully recovered from the impact of the pandemic, with its GVA standing almost 6.0% lower than its level in the fourth quarter of 2019. ż
Covid-19 Update
Health authorities reported 74 new coronavirus cases today, while 160 patients recovered. The active case tally stands at 2,148. Two new deaths were registered in the past 24 hours, taking the death tally to 716.
Morning Briefing
PCR no longer needed for kids under 12 – Fearne
Children under the age of 12 will no longer require a PCR test to visit Malta as of June 6, according to Health Minister Chris Fearne. On the same day, he stated that social distancing limits at childcare centers will be lifted. Fearne made the announcements in Parliament on Tuesday evening. Even when the remaining key limitations were eased, he said the COVID-19 situation had remained stable in recent weeks. Infection rates were declining, and hospitalization rates remained low.
Wizz Air to set up base in Malta
The Transport Ministry and Wizz Air announced on Tuesday that the airline is establishing a primary base in Malta and also setting a new company here. The low-cost carrier will apply for an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and an Operating Licence (OL) from the Malta Civil Aviation Directorate for its Maltese subsidiary, Wizz Air Malta.
De Marco questions relevance of neutrality in 2022
PN MP Mario de Marco claimed that it was past time for Malta to evaluate whether the 1987 Constitution’s neutrality article was still relevant 35 years later, particularly in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Speaking in Parliament, the former PN deputy leader – one of three party veterans left out of party leader Bernard Grech’s shadow cabinet – pointed out that the clause was enacted in a completely different context, when Malta was pursuing non-alignment in the midst of a Cold War between two superpowers. “However, the situation has changed,” he continued. “We must therefore ask ourselves. Will we be able to maintain our neutrality in the face of an illegitimate invasion? De Marco further suggested that the ongoing constitutional revision process assesses whether the 1987 clause was still relevant in 2022.
Covid-19 Update: Malta reported 110 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday. With 156 recoveries the number of known active cases dropped to 2,234. A new death was recorded.
