Malta generates enough energy even for ‘extreme heatwaves’ – Enemalta:
Malta has adequate energysupply for peak summer demands, with plans for an emergency power plant ongoing. Enemalta assurescapacity to handle extreme heatwaves despite last year’s outages. The emergency plant, initially budgetedat €12 million but now at €46 million, aims to mitigate power cut risks. Evaluation for the project isongoing, with potential completion before summer. Despite increased energy demand, plans aim to ensureuninterrupted supply this summer.
2023 deficit at €808m, debt climbs to €9.7 billion – NSO:
The NSO reported a €808.0 million deficit inMalta’s Consolidated Fund by December 2023, bringing the national debt to €9.7 billion. Revenueincreased by €545.1 million, mainly from Income Tax and Social Security, while expenditure rose by €468.3million, notably in Personal Emoluments and Operational Expenses. Capital spending surged by €259.1million, attributed to Capital Projects and Investment Incentives. The deficit decreased by €76.9 millioncompared to 2022, despite a rise in debt to €9.7 billion, primarily due to increased Malta GovernmentStocks. This information underscores fiscal challenges despite revenue growth, prompting a need forcareful financial management.Cost of living cheating students out of ‘full university experience’ –
KSU says cost of living impacting students
The Kunsill Studenti Universitarji(KSU) highlighted the detrimental impact of the high cost of living on students, leading to longer workhours and mental health struggles. They stress that financial pressures impede participation in educationalopportunities like Erasmus+. TheKSU proposed policy changes including increasing the minimum wage,reducing commercialisation of leisure, enhancing financial literacy education, and ensuring faircompensation for student placements.
