Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Friday that the government has plans to re-establish the Commercial Court as a standalone entity in order for commercial cases to be addressed with more efficiency.
Abela made the announcement in an ‘open mic’ event organized by the Żgħażagħ Laburisti in Valletta, where youths asked the Prime Minister about a myriad of topics.
Abela announced that the government will be re-establishing the Commercial Court as a standalone from the First Court, further explaining that this is done in the context of the economic growth that Malta experienced in the last few years requires that commercial matters be addressed with more efficiency.
With regards to questions on the judicial process and Malta’s correctional system, he pointed out the changes that are underway including the reform in the Family Court and added that the next step for change is towards the specialisation of the judicator. Furthermore, he said that the Maltese penal system must keep moving towards one of reform that helps people re-integrate into society adding that the change in connection to freezing orders was done to address aspects that were “excessive”.
When asked about planning, Abela cited the “chief principle from which no one should budge”: no tolerance for development on virgin land that is not for development and pointed out that change is underway to bring into action the policy that development works should not be done until a final decision is reached in the stage of appeal for any development.
On empty properties and those in zones of urban conservation, he said that the government wants to continue pushing a policy of incentive instead of introducing new taxes. He went on to point out the “strong” tax exemptions on empty properties and incentives in favour of investment in properties within the UCA.
Moving onto tourism, Abela said “We cannot keep on talking in terms of an increase in the number of tourists but look towards quality. We need to make a choice that favours the development of quality. We cannot say no for every development but rather we must look to aim for quality tourism which is the fruition of prudent, quality investment.”
Regarding Glenn Micallef’s nomination for the European Commission, “This is a government and party, that truly believes in the voice of the youth,” Abela said and noted the disappointment by those who deemed the youth sector as less important. He also noted however a large number of organizations, including those of youth, welcomed the nomination as a positive development for the country. He added that youth activism must continue getting stronger and continue being reflected in the country’s decisions, “by the youth for the youth.”
Abela was then asked on the topic of mental health answering that it can affect everyone and sketched the importance of more services in the community and closer to the people.
In sum he said, “We must continue renewing ourselves as the Labour Party in government because we want to keep on making your dreams a reality together with you.”