As of 2026, Joseph Muscat, Malta’s former Prime Minister, remains involved in ongoing criminal proceedings arising from the Vitals/Steward hospitals concession. He pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him and continues to deny wrongdoing.
The proceedings remain an important part of the continuing legal scrutiny of the hospitals concession and decisions taken during Muscat’s time in office.
Major 2026 Developments
Developments during 2026 have continued to affect the legal proceedings surrounding Joseph Muscat and the wider Vitals/Steward hospitals case.
In February 2026, a court rejected Muscat’s claim that his right to a fair hearing had been breached during the magisterial inquiry into the hospitals concession. Muscat indicated that he intended to appeal the decision.
In August 2026, a court rejected Muscat’s attempt to force the police to prosecute Serbian expert Miroslava Milenovic, whose work formed part of the evidence from the hospitals inquiry. Muscat had challenged issues concerning her professional status and the use of her work in the inquiry.
These developments show that legal disputes surrounding the hospitals case are continuing alongside the main criminal proceedings.
Legal Proceedings
Joseph Muscat faces criminal proceedings connected to the controversial concession involving three Maltese hospitals that was originally awarded to Vitals Global Healthcare and later transferred to Steward Health Care.
In May 2024, Muscat pleaded not guilty to charges including money laundering, bribery and trading in influence.
The proceedings form part of a broader legal and political controversy surrounding the hospitals deal, which has also involved former government officials and individuals connected with the concession.
Recent Court Decisions
Several court decisions and legal challenges have continued to shape the case in 2026.
In February 2026, the court rejected Muscat’s constitutional claim concerning an alleged breach of his right to a fair hearing during the magisterial inquiry.
In August 2026, the court rejected his request to compel the police to prosecute expert Miroslava Milenovic over issues concerning her professional qualifications and role in the hospitals inquiry.
As the criminal proceedings continue, further judicial decisions may affect the direction and timetable of the case.
What Has Changed Since 2019?
Since 2019, the controversy surrounding the Vitals hospitals concession has developed from a major political issue into a continuing legal matter.
The concession has faced extensive scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding its award, its subsequent transfer to Steward Health Care and the financial and contractual arrangements involved.
The case reached a major legal stage in 2024 when Muscat and other defendants were formally charged following the conclusion of a lengthy magisterial inquiry. Muscat pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The continuing court proceedings and legal challenges in 2026 demonstrate that the controversy remains an active judicial matter.
Joseph Muscat’s Response
Joseph Muscat has consistently denied wrongdoing in relation to the allegations against him.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him and has maintained that he did not commit the alleged offences.
His legal challenges during 2026 also show that his defence continues to contest aspects of the investigation and evidence connected with the hospitals case.
His position remains relevant as the criminal proceedings continue through the Maltese courts.
Sources
Joseph Muscat: Full Case Updates
— Malta Bulletin
