Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1508267
EQUALITY FROM THE HEART WWW.MALTATODAY.COM.MT SUNDAY • 24 SEPTEMBER 2023 • ISSUE 1247 • PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY Groundwater resources failing to reach good quality status due to nitrates and pesticides PAGE 4 Roberta Metsola raises expectations of those who see her as the PN's next leader PAGES 12 - 13 Water table Hope or prop? Disconnect PAGE 7 Be sure to get your copy of Architecture & Design magazine Out with MaltaToday Sociologist MICHAEL BRIGUGLIO believes Malta is losing its confidence in politics INTERVIEW MT2 Four police officers to be charged over odometer tampering racket KARL AZZOPARDI FOUR police officers are to be charged in court on 3 October over involvement in the odome- ter tampering racket of import- ed cars, MaltaToday has learnt. The development comes after the police officers were suspend- ed from the force last month, sources close to the investigation said. Wages to rise by €13 per week as inflation worries persist Government decision when to withdraw energy and fuel support is 'hugely critical' KURT SANSONE WAGES are set to rise by almost €13 per week in January on the back of persistently higher infla- tion despite government's hefty subsidies on fuel and energy. The mechanism that deter- mines the cost of living adjust- ment is currently showing a weekly wage increase of around €12.70, according to economist Philip von Brockdorff. The increase will be finalised when the RPI for August is pub- lished tomorrow. If confirmed, it will be the highest ever COLA increase to be awarded, beating last year's record of €9.90. The COLA mechanism is tied to price changes between Sep- tember 2022 and August 2023 as measured by the retail price index (RPI). Wage rises are mandated by law, causing concern among employer organisations that the hefty increase in their wage bill will in turn push prices up. "Wage increases can fuel in- flation, but the major drivers remain supply issues, logistical costs and mark-ups by produc- ers to make up for loss of in- come in the COVID years," Von Brockdorff said. He also noted the international price of oil has increased again, creating a glob- al ripple effect on several indus- tries. PAGE 6 OIL SCANDAL George Farrugia (pictured), who turned State's evidence on the Enemalta oil scandal of 2013, insists the Tax Commissioner's audit for millions in undeclared incomes is time-barred SEE STORY PAGES 2 AND 3 maltatoday €1.95