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Inquiry Reforms Stalled, Businesses Face Permit Backlog

Malta is facing renewed scrutiny over the government's commitment to implementing public inquiry reforms, particularly concerning the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder investigation. The Opposition has pledged to exert pressure if the recommendations are not fully adopted, while a new report highlights the government's slow pace in enacting proposed changes.

Economically, businesses are reporting severe and months-long backlogs in work permit applications, contributing to labor shortages across various sectors. The Chamber of Commerce has cautioned the Prime Minister on the need for a fundamental reset of the economic model ahead of the 2027 budget, with private warnings contrasting with public assurances of normalcy.

Further domestic stories include an order for several charities to refund a substantial €285,000 in donations, a Nationalist MP's call for the Energy Minister's resignation over alleged neglect of Gozo, and a warning from a pest expert that Malta could lose its beekeeping industry within a decade due to pest invasion.

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Public Inquiry Reforms and Justice System Developments

There is growing concern and political pressure regarding the slow implementation of recommendations from public inquiries, particularly the Daphne Caruana Galizia investigation. The Opposition leader, Alex Borg, has warned of 'necessary pressure' if the government, led by Prime Minister Robert Abela, fails to act on these reforms. Meanwhile, a reserve juror has been arrested in connection with the ongoing perjury probe related to the Yorgen Fenech trial, and an investigation continues into a…

Economic Challenges and Business Concerns

Maltese businesses are facing significant operational hurdles due to months-long backlogs in work permit applications, leading to severe labor shortages. The Chamber of Commerce has urged Prime Minister Robert Abela to fundamentally reset the country's economic model in preparation for the 2027 budget, noting that businesses have been privately warned about tight finances despite public assurances.

Call for Energy Minister's Resignation

A Nationalist MP has echoed calls for Miriam Dalli, the Minister for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, to resign. The MP stated that Gozo has been neglected for years, particularly concerning energy-related issues.

Environmental Warnings and Wildlife Enforcement

An expert has issued a stark warning that Malta is nearing a 'point of no return' and could lose a significant portion of its beekeeping industry within a decade due to pest invasion. In wildlife enforcement, a hunter has received a lifetime ban and a €5,000 fine for illegally shooting a protected black stork.

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