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4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 20 JUNE 2025 NEWS Peter Agius calls for European action on cost of living in Gozo MEP Peter Agius has written to Europe- an Commissioner for Competition, Te- resa Ribera, requesting an investigation into why the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) has been without a Director General for Competition since October 2023. This is a crucial role meant to ensure a truly free and competitive market and to investi- gate any abuse that leads to price hikes for consumers. Agius pointed out that, as a result, the MCCAA is in complete paralysis when it comes to enforcing rules against an- ti-competitive practices. This includes a failure to act on cases of collusion be- tween companies to keep prices high at the expense of consumers, as well as abuses of dominant market positions – both of which are fundamental pillars of EU and Maltese competition law. "Families are feeling the burden of the rising cost of living, yet the government has chosen to let these abuses continue – to the extent that it hasn't even ap- pointed someone with the authority to investigate price abuses." Over the past two years, the peo- ple of Malta and Gozo have faced relentless price increases, and the government hasn't even filled this key position of Direc- tor General for Competition – let alone ensured that consum- ers are protected from bearing disproportionate costs. "The government's actions are encouraging price inflation and are vi- olating the consumer rights we gained through EU membership, as well as Mal- ta's obligations under the EU's decen- tralized model of competition law en- forcement.I will not accept the erosion of the rights we earned with the Euro- pean Union. We worked hard to become part of Europe to secure consumer guar- antees and protections. We want these rights to be upheld in practice, not just in words!" said Agius. Agius has called on the European Com- mission to urgently intervene and verify the situation to ensure that all Member States, including Malta, are complying with EU rules. " Maltese consumers and businesses de- serve a fair, transparent, and competitive market," Agius concluded. "The Europe- an Commission must act without delay." The government's actions are encouraging price inflation and are violating the consumer rights we gained through EU membership. Inset: Peter Agius CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Healthcare workers commuting daily to Mater Dei Hospital via the fast ferry said they continue to face serious transport challenges. Their main concern remains Route 300, which is intended to link the Valletta fast ferry terminal with the na- tional hospital. Workers said that the service is limited on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holi- days—standard workdays for many in the healthcare sector. Additionally, they ar- gued that the route's current schedule no longer reflects commuting needs now that schools are closed for summer. A major issue raised is the last bus from Mater Dei, which departs at 7:15 p.m.— too early for those finishing shifts at 8:00 p.m. and trying to catch the 8:45 p.m. ferry back to Gozo. When contacted by GozoToday, Farru- gia said that Route 300 operates five morn- ing and eight afternoon/evening trips on weekdays in both directions, and one morning and one evening trip on week- ends and public holidays. He also highlighted the recent launch of Route X300, a new express service offer- ing direct links from Ċirkewwa to Valletta, with stops at Mater Dei Hospital and the University of Malta. In the absence of reliable public trans- port, many workers said they are forced to spend over €10 per trip on taxis, adding financial pressure to already demanding jobs. "These are not isolated inconveniences— they affect a community of professionals who have deliberately chosen to live in Gozo while contributing daily to Malta's health system. Their commitment to both their profession and their community de- serves a more responsive and practical transport solution," a statement from con- cerned workers read. Farrugia said that Transport Malta re- mains open to feedback. "We are committed to refining pub- lic transport services to better reflect the realities of commuters," he said, specifi- cally addressing the concerns of Gozitan healthcare workers. Workers say route 300 is limited on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays Workers take the Gozo Fast Ferry to Valletta and then route 300 to Mater Dei Hospital

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