Momentum & IGM Condemn Rejection Of Stronger Anti-SLAPP Measures

Momentum & IGM Condemn Rejection Of Stronger Anti-SLAPP Measures
Jan 30 2025 Share

Momentum and the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) strongly condemned the government’s decision to oppose key amendments aimed at strengthening anti-SLAPP protections.

During last night’s parliamentary sitting, the government rejected an Opposition motion that sought to extend safeguards to domestic cases and impose stronger penalties on vexatious lawsuits.

The IĠM expressed disgust at the government’s stance, criticising Justice Minister Jonathan Attard and other government representatives for prioritising increased libel damages over real protections for journalists.

Instead of engaging in meaningful reform, the government offered yet another promise of consultation—an empty commitment it has repeated since October 2023 when it pledged a White Paper on expert-recommended reforms, the IGM said. ‘No timeline for this White Paper was provided, further delaying necessary action.’

Dr. Matthew Agius from Momentum stated: “These amendments were crucial to closing loopholes and ensuring anti-SLAPP protections apply within Malta, not just internationally. Supported by the IĠM, they would have reinforced transparency, accountability, and journalist protections. Instead, Robert Abela’s government continues to leave journalists without the safeguards they deserve.”

Momentum and the IĠM said that the government’s ongoing procrastination is unacceptable. ‘Daphne’s Law’ must go beyond rhetoric and offer concrete legal protections against SLAPP cases.

#MaltaDaily

2 Men Arrested In St Paul’s Bay Shop Over Drug Trafficking

2 Men Arrested In St Paul's Bay Shop Over Drug Trafficking
Jan 30 2025 Share

Police investigations and surveillance on a shop in Triq l-Alka, St Paul’s Bay in connection with the suspicion of drug trafficking led to the arrest of two men yesterday.

The two men were a 47 year old from the Ivory Coast and a 34 year old from Mali.

Searches on the men and the shop yielded 50 packets of drugs, suspected to be cannabis, ready to be trafficked as well as an amount of money in cash.

The men are being held under arrest as police continue their investigations.

#MaltaDaily

Employee Shortage Biggest Concern For Local Businesses In 2024

Employee Shortage Biggest Concern For Local Businesses In 2024
Jan 30 2025 Share

According to the Business Performance Survey 2024, employee shortage was the biggest concern for most local businesses.

The survey, which forms part of the Malta Chamber of SME’s Barometer, revealed that 44% of a total of 364 respondents (businesses operating in Malta) think that employee shortage was the most pressing issue in 2024 Q4.

The second most urgent issue was unfair competition, which was touted by 26% of businesses. This places employee shortage at an approximate double rate of concern.

Issues with late payments, increase in inflation and excessive competition were the remaining three concerns that rounded off the top five, with 23%, 22% and 21% respectively.

The employee shortage concern was at its peak during the second quarter of 2024, whereas unfair competition increased as a concern during the last three months of 2024.

The businesses also thought that lack of good governance (42%) and levels of corruption (40%) were the top issues the country is currently facing.

#MaltaDaily

New National Integration Strategy & Action Plan Launched

New National Integration Strategy & Action Plan Launched
Jan 29 2025 Share

Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, has introduced the second national integration strategy and action plan, set to run until 2030.

This strategy aligns with the Malta Labour Migration Policy, which ensures that foreign workers vital to the economy meet specific requirements and undergo training to support their integration into Maltese society.

According to Buttigieg, the new strategy builds on its predecessor and enhances the ‘I Belong’ integration program by expanding its availability across more educational institutions. Since 2018, this program has provided training in Maltese language, culture, and identity to over 5,000 foreigners, with many more awaiting enrolment.

She stressed that effective integration depends on mutual commitment, highlighting Malta’s history of harmonious coexistence with foreign communities.

The policy will be supported by €6 million in EU funding, with the Directorate for Human Rights overseeing its implementation. Additionally, a consultative council will be formed to collaborate with stakeholders and propose further actions.

“Through collective effort, we must foster an inclusive society and stand against xenophobia, hate speech, and racism, which have no place in our communities,” Buttigieg concluded.

#MaltaDaily