Morning Briefing
Court finds Book Council discriminated against its former Chair
A court ruled that former Book Council chair Mark Camilleri was discriminated against when the National Book Council refused to review his book, A Rent Seeker’s Paradise. The council was ordered to pay him €500 in compensation. Camilleri sued in 2022, claiming political discrimination after the council ignored his book and the government did not renew his chairmanship. Published in 2021, his book criticised the government and Labour Party. His successor cited potential libel concerns and left the decision to a council member, but the review was never published. The court upheld Camilleri’s claim of discrimination but found no issue with the government’s decision not to renew his contract. (Times of Malta)
Extension sought on drug heist inquiry
Retired judge Geoffrey Valenzia has requested a brief extension for his inquiry into the theft of seized drugs from the AFM Safi barracks, which was due for release today. The inquiry examines the procedures behind transferring the drugs to AFM custody, the security measures in place, and any link between these processes and the theft. Valenzia will also provide conclusions and recommendations on what can be published. The inquiry was launched after 136kg of seized cannabis resin was stolen from a sealed container at the barracks. Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri had initially offered his resignation, but it was rejected by Prime Minister Robert Abela. (Maltatoday)
Vacancies in last quarter of 2024 rise 3.4%
In the fourth quarter of 2024, job vacancies reached 7,892, marking a 3.4% rise from the same period in 2023, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO). The NSO’s Job Vacancy Survey, which tracks labour demand through vacancy and employment data, found that over half of all openings came from wholesale and retail trade, transportation and storage, accommodation and food services, and professional and administrative sectors. In contrast, real estate recorded the fewest vacancies, accounting for just 1.6% of total job postings. (The Malta Independent)