Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546498
2 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 9 SEPTEMBER 2026 NEWS Momentum calls for overhaul of justice system with structural reforms MOMENTUM has called for a complete overhaul of Malta's jus- tice system, including the estab- lishment of an independent Spe- cial Prosecutor and separation of powers within the judiciary. "Economic prosperity means very little if our citizens can- not rely on the courts to deliver prompt, visible, and unbiased justice," Karl Anthony Borg, pol- icy advisor for Momentum, said. Momentum says the govern- ment has spent decades pro- crastinating on essential legal reforms. With the 2026 general election over, the movement ar- gues it is time for action beyond campaign promises. Momentum endorsed two existing reform blueprints: Franco Debono's No- vember 2011 Private Members' Motion and Jason Azzopardi's 12-bill anti-corruption package from January 2022. Momentum backs Debono's proposals to split investigative and prosecuting roles within the Police Corps, to separate the roles of inquiring and adjudicating magistrates, to limit the Attorney General's discretion by requiring public reasons for court routing decisions, and to overhaul jury selection for transparency and randomness. Momentum supports Azzopar- di's measures to introduce Unex- plained Wealth Orders requiring public officials to justify asset sources, establish a Specialised Judicial Office for investigating corruption and organised crime, create new criminal offences for abuse of public authority and ob- struction of justice, criminalise mafia-style associations, and en- trench media freedom as a con- stitutional right with anti-SLAPP laws for journalists. Momentum proposed upgrad- ing Ombudsman recommen- dations from advisory to legally binding decisions with adequate resources, introducing fiscal in- centives for jury service, and mandating annual asset audits of all elected officials through the National Audit Office. Momentum stresses that half-measures will no longer suffice. "Malta can no longer af- ford cosmetic adjustments," the movement says. "The era of su- perficial, piecemeal tweaks must end. JULIANA ZAMMIT jzammit@mediatoday.com.mt CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 The concessionaire's obligations span financing, construction, commissioning, certification, op- eration and maintenance for the full 65-year term. At the end of the concession, the operator must return the site to the government in good order and full working condition. Bidders must demonstrate aver- age annual turnover of at least €20 million in the past three years and secure a minimum €17 million credit facility for the development phase. The selected private opera- tor will bear all development and construction costs with no gov- ernment funding or guarantees, whilst the facility must be com- pleted and operational within 48 months of the concession becom- ing effective. The concessionaire will be keep- ing income from studio rentals, workshop fees, and additional sources. The government will then re- ceive an annual concession fee, proposed by bidders, plus €73,402 in ground rent each year. Both amounts are reviewed every 10 years, with the ground rent in- creasing by 10% every decade. A moratorium period during which the concessionaire will not pay the annual concession fee applies, though ground rent remains pay- able from the first anniversary of the emphyteutic deed publication. Tenderers must provide docu- mented evidence of managing at least one film studio, designing a soundstage, and developing wa- ter-tank facilities. Experience with major productions in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe- an Union, Canada or Australia is required. Bidders must also demonstrate experience operating a water tank and engagement with major in- ternational content creators and production distributors in the past five years. Portfolio submis- sions must include client refer- ences and contact information. The project requires 10 key ex- perts, while bidders must also commit to engaging five addi- tional open-profile experts after the concession becomes effective, selected through a separate pro- cedure. Malta's film sector generated €1.2 billion in gross value added and supported over 1,000 local crew in recent years. The sector contributed 2.2% to GDP growth in 2023 when Gladiator 2 filmed on the islands. Over the past nine years, more than 220 film and television pro- ductions have shot in Malta. The industry has shifted from seasonal activity dependent on individual projects to a structural economic contributor operating year-round. The Malta Film Commission said current infrastructure gaps have prevented the country from competing for larger franchise productions. The new studios are intended to help the country attract produc- tions from key target markets, in- cluding the US, UK, EU, Europe- an Economic Area, Switzerland, Canada, and Australia. Proposals must be submitted online through the government's e-procurement platform (www. etenders.gov.mt). Single propos- als must cover the entire conces- sion value; bids for partial work will not be accepted. New film complex will comprise of three zones spanning 92,400sq.m The complex comprises three zones across 92,400sq.m: a deep tank and super stage facility, a shallow tank facility, and a head office production facility. The design incorporates a land-sea super stage that allows productions to film both above and below water in a single location (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)