Foreign Minister dismisses Lavrov’s anti-Western tirade
Foreign Minister Ian Borg has dismissed Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s anti-Western remarks at the opening of today’s OSCE conference, asserting that the organisation “will not be intimidated” by Moscow’s rhetoric. Responding to Lavrov’s claims that Western nations were provoking a “hot war” with Russia while pursuing “neo-colonial hegemony,” Borg said he found the comments neither surprising nor intimidating. “Russia has made similar statements on various international platforms over the past 1,000 days since its illegal and aggressive invasion of Ukraine,” Borg remarked. He emphasised the need for unity among European nations, urging them to deliver a “clear and resolute message to Russia” in response to its actions. (Times of Malta)
Education Minister takes MUT to task on industrial action
Education Minister Clifton Grima has criticised the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) for persisting with industrial action over proposals he described as unrealistic and unacceptable in any other educational institution or the public sector. “The Ministry has repeatedly urged the MUT to suspend industrial actions that are impacting the welfare and education of the College’s students,” the statement read, noting that negotiations have been ongoing for over eight weeks without resolution. The industrial action by educators at MCAST stems from a breakdown in negotiations between the MUT and the government earlier this year. The dispute centres on a collective agreement that expired three years ago.
Government launches public call to develop offshore renewable energy project
The government has announced a public call to develop Malta’s first offshore renewable energy project, situated 12 nautical miles off the coast within the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone. During a press conference at Fort St. Angelo, Prime Minister Robert Abela, alongside Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, emphasised that the project represents a major step forward in positioning Malta as a Mediterranean hub for renewable energy investment. Earlier today, an international pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) was issued, inviting private sector involvement in the floating wind turbine initiative. The PQQ provides key project details and serves as a platform for interested parties to showcase their technical and financial capabilities.
