Updated 1200 Watchdog Urges Government to Curb Non-Productive Spending: The Malta Fiscal Advisory Council has urged the government to limit further spending increases, particularly on non-productive areas, warning current trends may not be sustainable.
In its report to Clyde Caruana, it noted strong revenues have improved the fiscal balance but cautioned this could reverse if economic conditions weaken.While employment remains strong, the council warned Malta’s growth relies heavily on domestic demand, posing risks to infrastructure, productivity, and competitiveness.
It called for spending restraint and a strategic shift towards export-led growth to ensure long-term economic resilience.
(Times of Malta) Malta Tightens Tourism Rules, Bans New Low-Grade Hotels: New regulations issued under the Malta Travel and Tourism Services Act will, from June, block applications for one- and two-star hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and most hostels.
Announced by Ian Borg, the reform aims to shift Malta toward higher-value tourism while addressing community concerns.
Caps will limit hotels to 200 rooms and guesthouses to 20 rooms in protected areas.
Short-let rules tighten with a 10-person cap, mandatory licensing displays, and stricter enforcement.
New categories, including boutique, heritage, and “diffuso” accommodations, are also being introduced.
(The Malta Independent) Paola Crematorium Plan Proposes Advanced Emissions Control System: A proposed crematorium near Addolorata Cemetery would use a multi-stage air filtration system to minimise emissions, according to planning documents.
The project (PA/05280/21), submitted by Active Group, includes gas cooling, chemical neutralisation, particle filtration, and continuous monitoring.
Technology by Kalfrisa S.A.
would reduce pollutants such as acidic gases, dioxins, and heavy metals to meet strict EU standards.
Initially handling four cremations weekly, the facility could expand to 25 within a decade.
The proposal, covering 7,800sq.m of land, awaits an outline decision by the Planning Authority on 23 April.
(Maltatoday) Morning Briefing Abela Dismisses Election Uncertainty Claims Prime Minister Robert Abela has dismissed claims that uncertainty over the timing of the next....
