The environment takes centre stage in the Maltese printed press this Tuesday morning, while politics and democracy dominate the English-speaking leaders.
The latest Eurobarometer survey feeds the discussion for the Times of Malta’s leading opinion article. Following the most turbulent period of politics in recent history, this survey found that while 71% were satisfied with Malta’s democracy in 2018, this has gone down to below 50% by the end of last year. The Editor feels that there is a national malaise which should be addressed as soon as possible, with particular emphasis on checks and balances and power distributed across strong independent institutions. This leads the Editor to insist on previously-made calls for constitutional and institutional change.
The Malta Independent puts its spotlight on the Nationalist Party, expressing its belief that Opposition Leader Adrian Delia’s isolation was set to grow further, referring to the spate of resignations besieging the party in recent months. It also indicates that Marthese Portelli and Simon Busuttil will likely be replaced by David Thake and Ivan Bartolo in Parliament, and being two of Delia’s vocal detractors, Delia’s position would be further undermined.
L-Orizzont carries an appeal in favour of the protection of trees calling out the current practice of simply removing them – even when mature or indigenous – as long as they’re planted elsewhere. Mature trees are the ones which are the strongest in the fight against pollution, which with the increase in traffic has continued to affect the Maltese population. However, it does welcome afforestation projects in Bengħajsa and Ta’ Qali.
In-Nazzjon also puts the environment at the centre of its leading opinion, joining the recent outcry on the news that sorted wasted was being mixed up at Magħtab. It also joins in support to farmers protesting in the same locality following the decision by Wasteserve to take over a significant amount of farmed land in the locality.
