By Auxiliary Bishop Joseph,Cde

Copyright cde

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Updated 1200

Abela at UN General Assembly as Malta Prepares to Recognise Palestinian State: Prime Minister Robert Abela is in New York to sign Malta’s formal recognition of a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly, calling it a “historic” step. His office said the move reflects Malta’s consistent support for a two-state solution and peace in the Middle East, while continuing to condemn Hamas’ October 7 attack and demanding the release of hostages. The UK and Portugal are also expected to announce recognition, with France, Canada and other nations likely to follow. The shift by several traditional Israeli allies comes amid Israel’s intensified Gaza offensive. Israel has strongly opposed the decisions and threatened West Bank annexation. UN chief António Guterres urged nations not to be deterred by such retaliation. (Times of Malta)

Fortina rejects ‘misrepresentations’ in NAO land deal report, insists ownership dates back decades: Fortina Group rejected what it called “misconceptions and inaccuracies” in media coverage of the National Audit Office’s (NAO) critical report on its 2019 land deal with government. In a detailed statement, the company stressed it holds full ownership of its Tigné properties, acquired between 1960 and 2000, and that the NAO probe focused not on acquisition but on waivers of restrictions, such as height limits. Fortina argued that the 2000 deed allowed future waivers without extra payment and said the NAO relied on flawed valuations, while withholding full reports. The Auditor General found taxpayers lost nearly €16 million after Fortina paid €8.1 million, far below the land’s estimated value. NAO flagged governance failures and called for further investigations. (Maltatoday)

Smoking to be Prohibited on Two Major Beaches: From 1 January, smoking will only be allowed in designated areas at Golden Bay in Malta and Ramla l-Ħamra in Gozo, with offenders fined €150. The move, part of a pilot project, aims to reduce cigarette waste, a major pollutant on beaches and a threat to marine life. Ashtrays will be placed in smoking zones and emptied regularly Environment Minister Miriam Dalli said children often raise concerns about cigarette butts polluting the sea, which take years to disintegrate. Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela added the measure also promotes public health. Malta thus joins other countries restricting beach smoking to protect the environment. Enforcement will involve multiple authorities under the Saving Our Blue campaign. (TVM)

Morning Briefing

Former fisheries chief to face money laundering chargesFormer fisheries director Andreina Fenech Farrugia is set to face charges of money laundering, trading in influence and criminal association. Giovanni Ellul, director of Malta Fish Farming Ltd, will also be charged for his and the company’s alleged role in the trafficking and sale of bluefin tuna, a species protected by strict quotas. The charges follow a magisterial inquiry that began in 2018 and concluded earlier this year. Prosecutors are requesting a freeze on assets in line with financial crime procedures. Fenech Farrugia’s name first emerged in Europol’s Operation Tarantelo, which uncovered a network trading tuna caught in Maltese and Italian waters, but imported into Spain through French ports. Malta Fish Farming Ltd had also donated to a fisheries minister’s campaign. (Times of Malta)

Chamber warns governance issues hurting competitivenessMalta’s economy continues to expand, but bureaucracy, weak governance and clientelism are undermining long-term competitiveness, the Malta Chamber of Commerce has warned. CEO Dr Marthese Portelli highlighted additional challenges such as connectivity, transport, logistics, human resources and digital uptake. She said only a fraction of the Chamber’s proposals are being implemented, with government often reluctant to “rock the boat”. Portelli warned that populist policymaking and poor infrastructure planning are fuelling public dissatisfaction. On rising government debt, she said capital expenditure with a strong return on investment is essential, while recurrent spending should be cut. She noted progress in implementation rates but insisted more urgency is needed. The Chamber’s pre-budget document calls for execution of Vision 2050 to provide consistency. (The Malta Independent)

Malta marks 61st Independence Day anniversaryMalta commemorated the 61st anniversary of Independence on Sunday. A state Pontifical Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea Curmi, who urged reflection on independence as both a political and ethical responsibility. He said the occasion should inspire concern for victims of aggression, war and injustice worldwide. President Myriam Spiteri Debono and the main political leaders attended the ceremony. In his homily, Galea Curmi reminded that corruption destroys justice, money laundering fuels crime and abuse of power erodes trust. He concluded that independence is measured not only in flags and parades, but by dignity, justice and accountability. (TVM)