News Update
Grech says Mediterranean Film Festival was abuse of public funds
PN Leader Bernard Grech on Sunday called out ‘abuse of public funding’ after it was revealed that the lavish Mediterrane Film Festival cost taxpayers at least a million euros. “Today we read the news that millions of euros covered trips for foreign artists. This is a clear case of abuse of public funding, and how this money goes to contractors close to the Labour Party and Robert Abela,” Grech said during a radio interview on NET FM. Grech accused the Prime Minister of using public funding to remain popular, to stay in politics, and in the meantime, it is clear that there is no good economic plan, no plan to address the skills our workers need to thrive. Grech also said that Cost of Living (COLA) wage increases, which according to him, should not be taxed and that the government should absorb inflation costs through tax incentives. (Times of Malta / MaltaToday)
Archbishop prays for ‘increasingly inclusive society which has space for all’
During a Sunday mass celebrated at the Dar tal-Providenza, Archbishop Charles Scicluna prayed that Malta would continue to be home to an “increasingly inclusive society which has space for all,” celebrating as he did so the achievements Malta had achieved on this front already – including through the venue for his mass. The Archbishop described Dar tal-Providenza as “a monument through which the Maltese people were fulfilling Jesus’ call every day.” Dar Tan-Providenza is holding its annual summer fund-raising volleyball marathon during this weekend. (Newsbook)
Labour MPs express discomfort on watered-down abortion bill
The Sunday Times and MaltaToday report how a number of Labour MPs expressed their discomfort, in anonymity, after the outcome of the debate and the amendments to Bill 28. MaltaToday reports that Labour MPs were left feeling uncomfortable at what they see as Robert Abela’s capitulation in the face of a conservative backlash. The report said that government’s U-turn also has its strategic pitfalls, according to a veteran MP. “If the original proposal was good and something we believed in, we should have explained it better and convinced people. As things turned out we ended up pleasing no one; the Opposition claimed victory; pro-life groups claimed they were right all this time; and in the process liberals who have supported the party’s progressive and reformist agenda over the past years felt betrayed. What did the PL gain from this?” “This was a historic mess, not a historic step,” one MP told Times of Malta on condition of anonymity. A top source in the Labour Party said the government “badly handled the issue from beginning to end”, and the final, watered-down version of the bill left ‘some 10 liberal MPs’ disgruntled and disenchanted. (Maltatoday/Times of Malta)
Two Malta Red Cross Lifeguards save four from rough seas in Golden Bay
Two lifeguards had to step in to save four youths from rough seas in Golden Bay on Sunday afternoon. A video shared by the Malta Red Cross showed the lifeguards springing into action and swimming into rough seas at the bay in Mellieha towards four people who appeared to be stuck in the currents. The Malta Red Cross urged the public to follow lifeguard instructions. (Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
PM calls for urgent decisions at EU level on availability of medicines
Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted the importance of clear principles to foster growth, particularly on a European level, following his participation in the European Council Summit in Brussels. The PM spoke onthe significance of a level playing field in the single market, including access to medicines. He referred how Malta’s efforts led to a conclusion from the European Council urging expedited negotiations on the Pharmaceuticals Package proposed by the European Commission. This package aims to facilitate pharmaceutical companies’ provision of their products to patients across all EU member countries. Consequently, Malta anticipates improved access to medicines, benefiting its relatively small market. (The Malta Independent)
Health authorities remove mask obligation in non-patient areas
Mask-wearing is no longer be compulsory in non-clinical areas of Mater Dei hospital. Initially implemented as a preventive measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, the requirement for masks in public places was largely lifted last year, except for certain settings like hospitals and care homes. However, as of now, the obligation to wear masks will no longer apply in non-clinical spaces such as hospital corridors, the main reception area, public canteen, education centers, conference halls, offices, and administrative areas. Nevertheless, masks will still be mandatory in wards and departments where patients receive treatment, including outpatient areas, operating theaters, and the medical imaging department. (TVM)
Grenes want investigation into EU funds given to Ministers’ families
The Green Party has called for an investigation into allegations that EU funds were given to family members of Labour ministers, raising concerns about potential nepotism and political favoritism. The green party’s chair, Sandra Gauci, highlighted these concerns during a press conference. Ms Gauci was referring to reports, first published by The Shift News, that Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo’s wife, Michelina Refalo, received around €270,000 in EU funds for a yoga retreat project in an ODZ Qala property. Additionally, the company owned by Louis Grech’s three children was reportedly granted €450,000 in EU funds for a boutique hotel project in Sliema. (Times of Malta)
