Sofia report: Government MPs object to political responsibility motion in Parliament
Government has defended its Ministers on the Sofia inquiry report, amending an Opposition motion of no confidence in three ministers associated with the Sofia public inquiry, removing any mentions of political accountability. The government’s 41 MPs voted in favor of the amended motion, effectively defeating the original no-confidence motion through modification. Counter-amendments put forth by the PN and its 32 MPs were unsuccessful. Initially, the PN motion demanded the resignation of ministers Silvio Schembri, Miriam Dalli, and Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, all of whom were or had been politically responsible for entities criticised in the inquiry into the construction site death of Jean Paul Sofia. Even a PN request for monthly progress reports on the implementation of the Sofia inquiry’s recommendations, which it wants brought into law within six months, were removed by Government in its amendments. (Times of Malta)
Almost quarter of Maltese experienced violence
Nearly 23 per cent of people aged between 18 and 74 experienced at least one episode of physical or sexual violence, the National Statistics Office has revealed. The Survey on Safety and Well-Being was implemented nationally based on the EU-Gender-Based Violence Survey (EU-GBV) which was a Eurostat-funded research initiative conducted by EU Member States to assess the prevalence and characteristics of gender-based violence (GBV) across the European Union (EU). The survey aims to provide comparable data on various forms of violence. (The Malta Independent)
PA postpones Manoel Island decision
The Planning Authority has postponed its decision on final plans for the development of three massive apartment block of 323 apartments in Manoel Island. It has asked the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage to clarify whether the project will impinge on a proposed buffer zone for Valletta. In a statement Moviment Graffitti and Flimkien Għal Ambjent Ahjar raised concern that approval would infringe on the designation of a buffer zone meant to protect vistas of Valletta. (MaltatodaY)
