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Magistrate Monica Vella suspended over administrative shortcomings: Magistrate Monica Vella has been temporarily suspended over delays in issuing written judgments and other administrative issues. Despite appealing the decision and continuing her duties for now, she faces a potential one-month suspension. Vella has previously faced similar criticism and had cases reassigned due to delays. She currently handles one of the heaviest workloads among magistrates, with nearly 1,900 pending cases. Sources cite both staff shortcomings and workload as contributing factors. Disciplinary proceedings are confidential and initiated by the chief justice or justice minister. A recent bill proposes a new standards commissioner for the judiciary to handle such complaints. Vella was appointed magistrate in 2015 and previously served as Xewkija’s mayor.
Launch of ‘Legal Aid Management System’ towards more accessible justice in digital era: Justice Minister Jonathan Attard has launched the Legal Aid Management System (LAMS), a new digital platform aimed at making legal aid more accessible, transparent, and citizen-focused. Unveiled at the Public Service Expo Village 2025, LAMS allows online and in-person applications via servizz.gov hubs across Malta. The €250,000 project, funded by the NextGenerationEU programme, reflects the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals. Attard highlighted the system’s role in improving professional, structured, and dignified legal services. He also announced a 38% increase in funding for the Legal Aid Agency and a rise in its legal staff from 24 to 56. Over 2,000 legal aid requests were received last year, with 500 more already filed in early 2025.
Success of EU’s new Single Market Strategy hinges on political will – MBB: The Malta Business Bureau (MBB) welcomed the European Commission’s new Single Market Strategy, which aims to reduce barriers to intra-EU trade, support SMEs, and boost digitalisation. However, the MBB warned that its success hinges on the political will of member states to implement reforms uniformly. The strategy targets the “terrible ten” most harmful barriers, including complex regulations and poor recognition of qualifications. MBB CEO Mario Xuereb emphasised the importance of the strategy for Malta’s economy and called for a united effort to realise the Single Market’s full potential. Key proposals include harmonised labelling laws, streamlined cross-border services, and improved coordination among regulatory authorities to enhance EU competitiveness.
Morning Briefing
Malta’s native population to decline by 14% by 2050 – study
Malta’s native population is projected to decline by 14% by 2050 and 32% by 2075 if current trends continue, according to a Central Bank report by Senior Economist Lynn Cumbo. The number of Maltese citizens could drop from 405,000 in 2023 to 275,000 by 2075, with foreign nationals expected to make up nearly half the working-age population by 2035. The report underscores the ongoing need for foreign workers to address labour shortages in the medium term. In 2023, foreign nationals made up 28% of Malta’s population and nearly 32% of its working-age group, up from just 2.5% in 2000. (Maltatoday)
Government announces deal with Microsoft to roll out AI system
The government has signed a €4 million deal with Microsoft to roll out the Copilot AI system across the public sector, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced at the Public Service Expo in Ta’ Qali. Over the next two years, 8,000 civil servants will be trained to use the tool and benefit from a Microsoft-run Centre of Excellence. Abela said the investment ensures the public service evolves with today’s needs. This year’s expo, themed “Youth, their Future in the Public Service,” was opened by Public Service Head Tony Sultana, who highlighted the importance of embracing AI and digital innovation. The expo runs until Sunday, with exhibits, live shows, and public services available daily. (Times of Malta)
Labour Deputy Leader calls for formal recognition of Palestine
Labour MEP and Deputy Leader Alex Agius Saliba said Wednesday it is now more urgent than ever for the Maltese government to formally recognise the State of Palestine. He described Israel’s actions as genocide and argued that granting Palestinians an international platform is the only way forward. His remarks come after Malta joined 15 EU member states in urging a review of the EU-Israel trade and cooperation agreement, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that Israel intends to take full control of Gaza. Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg also called for an immediate end to the humanitarian aid blockade.