Morning Briefing

Muscat’s final Cabinet meeting: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont reports on the last Cabinet meeting led by outgoing Prime Minister Joseph Muscat on Tuesday. Minister Owen Bonnici later wrote on Facebook that this was ‘undoubtedly the best Cabinet’…

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Adrian Delia wants Karl Cini investigation: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says that PN Leader Adrian Delia called on the police to investigate Nexia BT partner Karl Cini. Delia said that the people are ‘fed up’ of empty words and…

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Court says roads agency can go ahead with Central Link: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont reports that the Civil Court declared that Infrastructure Malta has the right to begin development of the Central Link project stretching from Mrieħel to Rabat. Objectors said the effects…

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Enemalta anticipates more short power interruptions: The Headlines – The Times

The Times quotes an Enemalta spokesperson who said that ‘automatic load shedding’ by supplementary energy turbines are expected to continue until the interconnector is fixed, resulting in power cuts lasting…

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Ian Borg dismisses suggestions of a pact with Chris Fearne: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent leads with Minister’s Ian Borg denial of suggestions that there exists any sort of pact with PL Leader hopeful Chris Fearne. Borg said that he wasn’t promised anything…

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PL confirms ‘circumstances’ in leadership race: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon quotes a statement by the Labour Party announcing that ‘circumstances’ in electoral process for party leader have been addressed. The paper says that this is cofirms allegations by Robert…

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Robert Abela files complaint against Chris Fearne’s team: The Headlines – The Times

The Times reports that PL leadership candidate Robert Abela filed a complaint with the party after members of Chris Fearne’s team were allegedly found updating the official register of eligible…

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Anti-corruption protest held in Valletta: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent says that hundreds of people marched down Republic Street in Valletta on Sunday afternoon in a protest organised by Repubblika. Addressing the crowds, activist Manuel Delia denounced politicians…

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Joseph Muscat says people still behind Labour: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont quotes Joseph Muscat who said that people had ‘every opportunity’ to abandon the Labour Party but they continue to show strong support instead. Muscat was giving his final interview…

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Adrian Delia to formally call for investigation into Karl Cini: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says that PN Leader Adrian Delia announced he will call for an investigation into Nexia BT’s Karl Cini following revelations in the Egrant inquiry. Delia said that ministers failed…

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Robert Abela catching up with Chris Fearne: The Headlines – Malta Today

Malta Today says that Robert Abela has narrowed the gap with Chris Fearne as the PL leadership race enters its final week. Fearne is ahead on 55 percent with Abela…

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Former Pilatus director criticises Schembri-Tonna relationship: The Headlines – The Times

The Sunday Times reveals that a former non-executive director of Pilatus Bank criticised a €100,000 transaction between auditor Brian Tonna and his client Keith Schembri. The director told the Egrant…

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MCAST without Boards of Directors for almost two years: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent on Sunday reveals that MCAST did not appoint any Boards of Studies during the 2018/19 academic year, in direct breach of the Education Act. The last meeting by…

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New affordable housing scheme launched: The Headlines – It-Torċa

It-Torċa says that the Housing Authority is developing a social housing project in Fgura for people who do not qualify for free accommodation but cannot afford commercial rental rates. The…

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Konrad Mizzi linked with Air Malta role: The Headlines – Illum

Illum reports on rumours that Minister Konrad Mizzi will be offered a position at Air Malta after the departure of Joseph Muscat. The paper said that neither of the two…

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Oil scandal resurfaces in PL leadership race: The Headlines – Il-Mument

Il-Mument says that Robert Abela took a swipe at PL leadership rival Chris Fearne whose brother is in business with the son of Tancred Tabone, accused in an oil buying…

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Most agree that Muscat’s premiership was beneficial: The Headlines – Kullħadd

Kullħadd quotes a survey which says that the majority believe that Joseph Muscat’s leadership brought a ‘positive change’ in their lives. The outgoing Prime Minister will hold a final public…

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Kezman, 10, working on his new single: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont carries an interview with 10-year-old Kezman who is working on an original song to be released this year. The visually impaired boy said that God only takes something away…

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Enemalta plays down risk of further blackouts: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent covers a meeting with Enemalta by the Council for Economic and Social Development on Friday. Social partners were assured by the energy distributor that power outages in the…

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Dip in overall donations to traditional fundraisers: The Headlines – The Times

The Times reports that donations to traditional Christmas fundraising events this year collected some €8.5 million between charities and political parties. The paper says that only the marathon in aid…

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Social partners left frustrated by power cuts: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says that social partners expressed their disappointment in the recent power interruptions, which had a negative impact on businesses and families. Members of the MCESD said that energy investments…

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Stricter AML regulations changing how gaming companies operate: The Headlines – The Times

The Times speaks to the chief financial officer of one of the largest gaming companies in Malta who said that anti-money laundering regulations require firms in the sector to ‘become…

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Urgent MCESD meeting over power outages: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent reveals that the Council for Economic and Social Development are holding an urgent meeting today to discuss the series of power cuts that occurred in the past weeks.…

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Cardinal Grech laid to rest at St Peter’s Basilica: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon reports on the funeral of Maltese Cardinal Prospero Grech on Thursday at the Vatican. The Vice Dean of the College of Cardinals described the late Cardinal as a man…

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President calls for collective effort in new year: The Headlines – The Times

The Times quotes President George Vella who in a televised message on New Year’s Day appealed for a collective effort to overcome the challenges the country is facing. The President…

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Bullying problem is affecting places of work: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont carries an interview with the former president of NGO bBrave who said that the problem of bullying is growing at an alarming pace’. He said that bullying is spreading…

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Facebook language is a menace to Maltese: The Headlines – The Times

The Times publishes findings from an analysis of Maltese language skills among Secondary Education Certificate candidates which concludes that ‘Facebook words’ are to blame for the poor command of spelling.…

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IIP regulator concerned by effects of criticism to scheme: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent quotes the Office of the Regulator of the Individual Investor Programme who said that persistent and ‘highly inconsiderate’ bad publicity in Malta and abroad is resulting in a…

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GWU president calls for radical changes in institutions: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont carries a message by General Workers Union President Victor Carachi who said that the removal of individuals from one role or another is not enough to bring the country…

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Adrian Delia hopes for a ‘normal’ country in 2020: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon quotes a New Year’s message by PN Leader Adrian Delia who said that 2019 was a difficult year for the country but appealed for everyone to put the national…

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IIP scheme surpasses 1,000 successful applications: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent reveals that over 1,000 applicants have successfully obtained Maltese citizenship through the IIP scheme since it was launched. The latest report by the regulator covers figures until the…

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Energy contingency plans costing €150,000 daily: The Headlines – The Times

The Times reports that the interconnector is ‘out of action’ after severe damage to the undersea cables, which Enemata predicts could take months to repair. Meanwhile, alternative power supplies are…

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Alfred Sant takes exception at ‘unfounded’ criticism of Prime Minister: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont quotes PL MEP Alfred Sant who said that any criticism directed at the Prime Minister must be within the parameters of truth. Sant was reacting to comments by Professor…

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Neville Gafa’ left Malta for personal vacation: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon reports that government employee Neville Gafa’ has left the country on a private holiday. The paper says that Gafa’ has often been seen at Keith Schembri’s residence in Mellieħa…

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Investigators yet to question Yorgen Fenech’s uncle and brother: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent reveals that the police have still not spoken to Yorgen Fenech’s uncle Ray Fenech or brother Franco Fenech. Ray Fenech has been named in court by middleman Melvin…

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Leisure business expected to pick up for NYE: The Headlines – The Times

The Times says that the Chamber of SMEs and the Hotels and Restaurants Union are confident of a strong end to the year for the leisure industry, following a slow…

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Muscat will not entertain allegations about gifts: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont quotes Joseph Muscat who said that he will not reply to allegations made by people who speak ‘half-truths’ but says that he will answer to accusations about gifts accepted…

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PN says Muscat is undermining business: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon quotes a statement by the PN which accuses Joseph Muscat of putting his personal interests ahead of the national ones. The party said that Muscat’s decisions are having a…

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Yorgen Fenech still pursuing presidential pardon: The Headline – The Independent on Sunday

The Independent on Sunday reveals that Yorgen Fenech is still hopeful of being granted a presidential pardon but is ready to request a plea bargain seeking a reduced sentence if…

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Chris Fearne in front in PL leadership race: The Headlines – The Sunday Times

The Sunday Times reports that Chris Fearne’s support in the PL Leadership race remains at a constant 65 percent among eligible voters, two weeks ahead of the election. Senior party…

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2019 from the perspective of Joseph Muscat: The Headlines – Malta Today

Malta Today takes a look back at 2019 which it says took Joseph Muscat from glory to disgrace. The analysis says that the Prime Minister kept ’an explosive secret’ throughout…

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Annus Horribilis for Muscat and the Labour Party: The Headlines – Illum

Illum says that the Labour Party this year achieved the greatest electoral win but was also dealt the greatest blow in the last 30 years. The paper describes 2019 as…

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Average salary tops €20,000 for the first time: The Headlines – Kulħadd

Kulħadd reports that the average pay has risen to over €20,000 according to figures by the National Statistics Office. The paper says that salaries have increased by an average €4,100…

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Malta’s name suffers from Prime Minister’s OCCRP ‘honour’: The Headlines – Il-Mument

Il-Mument says that Malta’s reputation continues to ‘nosedive’ after the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project named Prime Minister Joseph Muscat Person of the Year for corruption. Another story reports…

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Diplomats worried by situation in Libya: The Headlines – It-Torċa

It-Torċa speaks to Maltese citizens in Libya who said that the North African government has lost control of the situation and many are fleeing the country. Diplomats expressed concerns at…

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Muscat bags undesired title by international anti-corruption body: The Headlines – The Times

The Times reports that the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project named Joseph Muscat Person of the Year 2018. The anti-corruption body of investigative journalists said that Muscat ‘failed leadership’…

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Joseph Muscat spotted en route to Dubai: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon reports that Joseph Muscat left Malta for Dubai on Friday. The paper says that the Prime Minister was spotted at the airport with an escort of eight people including…

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Little merry for retailers this Christmas: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent speaks to GRTU CEO Abigail Mamo who said that the Christmas period has been slower than previous years, including 2008 when the EU was in recession. Mamo named…

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42nd anniversary since Karin Grech tragedy: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont carries a feature about Karin Grech, who was killed by parcel bomb exactly 42 years ago. The paper quotes then Archbishop Michael Gonzi who described the tragedy as the…

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Yorgen Fenech was guest of honour at Girgenti reception: The Headlines – The Times

The Times reveals that Yorgen Fenech was a guest of honour at a party thrown by Joseph Muscat in February this year. The paper says that the businessman gifted the…

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Boy dies in tragic accident in Siġġiewi: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont reports on a boxing day tragedy which claimed the life of a 7-yaer-old boy at a Siġġiewi quarry. The accident happened some time after 7:00 am when the child…

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Repubblika files police report over PM’s €20K watch: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent says that NGO Repubblika has filed a police report over claims that Joseph Muscat accepted a watch worth €20,000 from Yorgen Fenech after the Electrogas consortium won the…

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First L-Istrina edition under George Vella – The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon reports on this year’s edition of L-Istrina which it says is the first to be held under the patronage of President George Vella. The paper says that PN officials…

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Enemalta braces itself for further power cuts: The Headlines – The Times

The Times quotes an Enemalta statement which attributed a three-hour power cut on Monday to damage on the interconnector cables between Malta and Sicily. The corporation said that the damage…

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Keith Schembri’s office was not immediately searched by police: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon reports that the first police search at Keith Schembri’s Castille office took place about 10 days after the former chief of staff was arrested. The paper says no police…

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Caruana Galizia investigation has not been concluded yet: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont quotes inspector Keith Arnaud who told the court on Monday that the ongoing Caruana Galizia investigation has many ‘loose ends’. The paper also says that a request for bail…

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Community Chest Fund manager appeals for L-Istrina generosity: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent carries an interview with Claire Micallef Pule, manager at the Community Chest Fund Foundation, who urged people to put their differences aside and help those in need through…

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