Updated 1300
PM Defends Storm Fund Eligibility Despite Planning Irregularities: Prime Minister Robert Abela said businesses with planning or permitting irregularities would still be eligible to benefit from a government fund set up to compensate losses caused by Storm Harry. Abela said enforcement of planning regulations should be treated separately from assistance aimed at protecting livelihoods. The €1 million fund, announced by the Transport Ministry, allows individuals, NGOs and businesses to claim up to €5,000 for damage not covered by insurance. However, Momentum and several residents’ groups argued that establishments operating illegally, particularly those with unauthorised outdoor tables and chairs, should be excluded. Abela rejected that position, saying the government was willing to support affected families even where infringements existed. Storm Harry caused extensive damage along Malta’s east and south coast, with several coastal businesses, including in Marsascala, severely impacted. (Times of Malta)
GWU Warns of “Motherhood Penalty” Blocking Women’s Return to Work: The General Workers’ Union has warned that rigid work practices are making it harder for women to return to their jobs after maternity leave. The union said members reported losing roles, career opportunities, or being denied flexible and remote work. Section secretary Riccarda Darmanin described the issue as a national concern, citing childcare pressures and lack of support for new mothers. She urged authorities to guarantee mothers’ right to return to the same roles, expand flexible work options, and align childcare provision with the realities faced by working families. (Maltatoday)
Eurobarometer: Maltese More Alarmed by AI Fakes and Online Threats Than EU Average: Maltese citizens are significantly more concerned than the EU average about fake AI-generated content, disinformation and online risks, according to a new Eurobarometer survey. Nearly eight in ten respondents expressed high concern about deepfakes, disinformation, online hate speech and data protection. Security fears, including uncontrolled migration and cyberattacks, are also pronounced. Despite this, Maltese respondents remain optimistic about their personal and national futures and show strong support for a more united and assertive EU, with high backing for EU membership and a stronger European Parliament. (The Malta Independent)
Gozo Channel Hit by Cyberattack, Ferry Services Unaffected: Gozo Channel Ltd said its IT systems were targeted in a cyberattack but stressed that ferry operations between Malta and Gozo were not disrupted. The company said resilient infrastructure and contingency measures allowed the incident to be contained immediately, keeping systems secure. Technical teams are working to restore administrative systems, while external cybersecurity experts have been engaged to support the investigation and recovery process. (TVM News)
Morning Briefing
PM Defends Storm Fund Eligibility Despite Planning Irregularities
Prime Minister Robert Abela said businesses with planning or permitting irregularities would still be eligible to benefit from a government fund set up to compensate losses caused by Storm Harry. Abela said enforcement of planning regulations should be treated separately from assistance aimed at protecting livelihoods. The €1 million fund, announced by the Transport Ministry, allows individuals, NGOs and businesses to claim up to €5,000 for damage not covered by insurance. However, Momentum and several residents’ groups argued that establishments operating illegally, particularly those with unauthorised outdoor tables and chairs, should be excluded. Abela rejected that position, saying the government was willing to support affected families even where infringements existed. Storm Harry caused extensive damage along Malta’s east and south coast, with several coastal businesses, including in Marsascala, severely impacted. (Times of Malta)
PM Tables Motion to Appoint Consuelo Scerri Herrera as Chief Justice
Prime Minister Robert Abela has formally tabled a parliamentary motion proposing the appointment of Justice Consuelo Scerri Herrera as Malta’s next chief justice. The Labour Party said the move followed consultations with Opposition Leader Alex Borg, although no agreement has yet been confirmed. Under the Constitution, the appointment requires the backing of two-thirds of parliament, effectively obliging government and opposition to agree on a nominee. The opposition has criticised Abela for publicly stating his preference before consensus was reached. The motion also includes a formal vote of thanks to outgoing chief justice Mark Chetcuti, who is due to retire upon reaching the age of 68. Abela said he first put forward Scerri Herrera’s name three weeks ago and urged the opposition to clearly state whether it supports the nomination or wishes to discuss alternatives. (The Malta Independent)
Epstein Files Show Malta Featured in Post-Conviction Travel and Financial Plans
Newly examined documents from the Epstein files reveal that Jeffrey Epstein continued to explore travel and financial arrangements involving Malta years after his 2008 conviction in the United States. Records dating between 2011 and 2014 show Epstein discussing potential visits, tax considerations and meetings with Maltese professionals. Emails from 2014 indicate that Malta was being considered as part of broader financial and structuring strategies, rather than solely as a travel destination. The documents also reference cryptocurrency-related discussions, including mentions of “bitcoin gurus” expected to be in Malta during a planned visit. At the time, Malta was emerging as a flexible financial jurisdiction, particularly in fintech and digital assets. The records suggest Epstein retained significant operational freedom during this period, prior to renewed law enforcement scrutiny that eventually led to his arrest in 2019. (Newsbook)
