Updated 1130
Central Bank marginally raises its economic growth projection: The Central Bank has slightly raised its economic growth forecast for this year but still expects a two-percentage-point decline from 2024. Malta’s real GDP growth is projected to slow from 6.0% in 2024 to 4.0% in 2025, further moderating to 3.3% by 2027. Compared to previous estimates, growth for 2025 was revised up by 0.1 percentage points due to stronger domestic demand and net exports, while 2027 saw a 0.1 percentage point downward revision due to weaker net exports. Despite external uncertainties, Malta’s economy remains strong. Inflation is expected to stay stable, and income tax adjustments should support disposable income growth, helping sustain private consumption as economic growth gradually aligns with potential output. (Times of Malta)
WasteServ announces €75 million investment in a new organic processing plant: WasteServ has announced plans for a new organic processing plant, with a €75 million investment to enhance Malta’s waste management infrastructure. A tender has been issued for its design, construction, and trial operation. Set for completion by 2028, the facility will process 74,000 tonnes of organic waste annually, converting it into renewable energy and high-quality compost, supporting a circular economy. Organic waste collection has grown steadily, with a 67% increase in processing over two years. In 2024, WasteServ generated enough energy to power 967 homes and produced 2,701 tonnes of compost. The project, located at the ECOHIVE Complex, has passed its environmental assessment, and bidding is open until 10 June 2025. (The Malta Independent)
Malta Airport chosen as amongst best European airports: For the seventh consecutive year, the Airports Council International has ranked Malta International Airport among Europe’s best for service quality in the 5-15 million passenger category. This recognition is based on passenger feedback through the Airport Service Quality program, which assesses 367 airports worldwide. CEO Alan Borg highlighted the airport’s record-breaking nine million passengers in a year while maintaining excellent service, reflecting staff dedication. Despite major infrastructure projects and high traffic, service quality remained a priority. The airport scored 4.39 out of 5 on 34 key indicators, including cleanliness, staff assistance, and accessibility. In February, passenger traffic rose 18.2% year-on-year to 560,553, with Italy, the UK, Poland, Germany, and Spain as the top markets. (TVM)
Morning Briefing
Father and son get 20 years prison for Ħamrun murder
A father and son convicted of murder last week were each sentenced to 20 years in prison on Monday. Kurt Grech, 31, and his father Joseph, 61, were found guilty by a 6-3 jury verdict of fatally stabbing Brandon Pace outside his Ħamrun home on 2 April 2017. The defence urged Madame Justice Consuelo Scerri Herrera to impose the minimum 12-year sentence, citing the narrow verdict. However, they received 20 years each. The Grechs had denied wilful homicide, unlawful possession of knives, and threatening the victim’s family. Kurt Grech was also charged with injuring Pace’s partner, while his father faced an additional threat charge. (Times of Malta)
Alleged drug kingpin charged over arson
Alleged drug kingpin Jordan Azzopardi, 35, was arraigned over an alleged arson attack in Marsaskala on 5 March, which damaged two cars. He was charged with multiple offences, including drug possession, receiving a stolen firearm, and breaching two sets of bail conditions. Appearing before Magistrate Charmaine Galea, he was also accused of breaching public peace and recidivism. The prosecution stated that the investigation began after the suspected arson in Triq il-Gardiel, where the fire spread to another vehicle. Azzopardi pleaded not guilty. (Maltatoday)
Government says its has acted on most recommendations from Sofia public inquiry
Of the 39 recommendations from the Jean Paul Sofia public inquiry, 22% have been fully implemented, while 74% are in progress, Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Mark Mallia said during a Cabinet sub-committee briefing. A parliamentary debate on the inquiry’s findings was be held on Monday, with the Prime Minister presenting the committee’s report. The sub-committee, set up in February 2024, includes four ministers—Jonathan Attard, Clint Camilleri, Silvio Schembri, and Byron Camilleri—along with Mallia. It has held around 18 meetings to oversee the implementation of the recommendations. The recommendations that are still on the shelf include a promise to increase bank guarantees given to BCA to 20% of the architect’s value of the works and a suggestion for OHSA cases in court to be heard expeditiously by one magistrate. (The Malta Independent)