Four different themes tackled on the first day of June, with local Editors discussing life after the pandemic from a commercial and environmental angle.
The Times of Malta asks whether remote working is here to stay, quoting a global survey, where from over 300 business leaders, 74 per cent stated that their on-site workforce would be permanently replaced by remote positions in the aftermath of COVID-19. The Editor looks at both sides of the coin, with teleworking bringing increased efficiences but also risks to employees’ mental health. However, the Editorial argues that benefits should not be restricted to work issues only: remote working reduces traffic and air pollution and may help men and woman share house duties and career responsibilities more equitably.
The Independent considers the economic impact of the pandemic saying that for a number of businesses it is now a matter of survival. It quotes the Chamber of SMEs who reported a few days ago that weeks after re-opening a number of business outlets had little or no activity, while costs continued to rise. The Editorial also delves into the recent commitments of EU Funding and calls for such offer not to be brushed aside but rather for Government to negotiate and seek what is best for Maltese interests.
In-Nazzjon puts is focus this Monday on unpleasant ties between Maltese officials and Azerbaijan, including the recent shady agreement exposed by local media between former PM Joseph Muscat and an Azeri think tank as well as the energy deal, signed by former Minister Konrad Mizzi that is resulting in higher utility bills for the Maltese.
The Editor at L-Orizzont tackles a favourite subject for the leading op-ed, the environment, with a focus on improvements made in this regard, particularly in terms of waste management, the promotion of electric vehicles and the increase in green public spaces among us. The Editor, while welcoming the development of new public spaces such as the extension of Ta’ Qali national park, calls for the development of such public spaces in villages and towns.
