Madagascar president concedes defeat in polls: statement – Reuters
Saudi crown prince mingles with G20 leaders as Trump fuels summit tensions – France 24
Cameroon stripped of hosting 2019 Africa Cup of Nations – France 24
North Korean soldier defects to South – DW
‘It Was Rough’: New Documents Emerge in Ronaldo Rape Allegations – Der Spiegel
Baltic states and 11 other EU members object to cutting cohesion funding and direct payments – The Baltic Times
The Malta Newspapers Front Pages review
The Malta Independent reports figures from the GU clinic that more than 2,400 cases of sexually transmitted diseases were diagnosed this year. 41 percent of those tested had contracted an STD, with some having more than one. December 1 is World Aids Day.
The Times reveals that two gaming companies based in Malta were handed fines for violating anti-money laundering rules by the UK Gambling Commission. Casumo was fined €6.5 million and Videoslots €1.1 million for cases that occurred in the UK. Another company CZ Holdings gave up its UK licence after discovering that it was under scrutiny.
The Malta Independent quotes the Prime Minister who says that the NAO’s conclusion that energy from the interconnector was cheaper than the Electrogas power station stemmed from a ‘misinterpretation’. Joseph Muscat told the press he accepted criticism on technical matters but insisted that the Auditor General agreed with the way the selection process was made.
Another story in The Times says that Starwood Hotels suffered a hack attack that exposed personal information of 500 million guests, including passport details and phone numbers. In Malta, the Westin Dragonara is part of the international hotel brand.
L-Orizzont says that cyclists welcome the national strategy for cycling announced by the government this week. The paper said that most cyclists it spoke to believe that limiting speeds is a step in the right direction.
In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who said the Prime Minister now admits the country is being robbed of almost €100 million every year. Speaking at a press conference, Delia said that Joseph Msucat’s inability to take action after the NAO report means that he is being held hostage by Minister MIzzi and Chief of Staff Schembri.
L-Orizzont says Malta will host a global aviation summit with the participation of major airline directors. The paper says the decision to hold the CAPA event in Malta follows Air Malta’s recognition as ‘Turnaround Airline of the Year’ by the body in November. Another story in L-Orizzont says that domestic violence leads to a loss of 137 work-hours every year. General Workers Union Secretary General Josef Bugeja addressed a conference to raise awareness on domestic violence.
Another report in In-Nazzjon covers the opening of the Christmas celebrations at the PN Headquarters in Pietà. Misraħ il-Milied was inaugurated by PN Leader Adrian Delia with the lighting of a Christmas tree.
