Labour CEO says partisan rhetoric cost party votes
Randolph De Battista, the Labour Party’s CEO said that many people were put off by Labour’s rhetoric in the latest election campaign. Speaking on Andrew Azzopardi’s radio show, De Battista noted that the “partisan” rhetoric regarding the judiciary, particularly Prime Minister Robert Abela’s criticism of Magistrate Gabriella Vella over charges against former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, was a significant issue. De Battista distanced himself from these remarks, suggesting they likely lost more votes than they gained. He emphasized that many people want Labour to adopt a more inclusive tone representing the entire population and had been voicing his concerns internally for years. De Battista also mentioned a “small but noisy” group within Labour that wants to maintain the status quo. (Maltatoday)
Moviment Graffiti stage protest at Portelli’s Qala swimming pool
Moviment Graffitti activists, armed with flares and spray paint, targeted an illegally built swimming pool in the Qala countryside to protest against planning loopholes exploited by developers. They chanted slogans highlighting the “rigged system” and spray-painted the word ‘Illegali’ on the pool’s floor before being confronted by police. Andre Callus from Moviment Graffitti criticised the police for not intervening during the pool’s illegal construction. Despite threats of arrest, the activists continued chanting and ultimately provided their personal details to the police as they left the site. The swimming pool is reportedly owned by Gozitan developer Joseph Portelli. (The Times of Malta)
Property has important social role, Justice Minister says
Justice Minister Jonathan Attard, who is also responsible for the construction sector spoke of the social importance of the property market and the construction sector and how these sectors are interconnected with the rest of the economy. “I believe that everyone recognizes that the property market and the construction sector as two sectors which interconnect with others, such as the social aspect and the quality of life,” he said. He was addressing the opening of the Malta Property Show – Expo, organised by the Malta Developers Association and the Check Your Traders. In his introduction, Attard said that this event continues to confirm the resilience, strength and potential of the property market whilst serving as an opportunity to promote practices that give priority to innovation, functionality and sustainability. (The Malta Independent)
