Morning Briefing - CDE News - The Dispatch

Malta: Increase in marriage breakdowns during coronavirus weeks

The Times speaks to family lawyers who reported an increase in requests for legal advice on separation over the lockdown months. Professionals said that the experience for some married couples…

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Malta: Unrest among migrants held aboard tourist boat

Malta Today reports that migrants aboard one of the Captain Morgan boats are staging a protest after suffering constant sea sickness for five weeks. The captain of the vessel will…

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Malta: New head for Electoral Commission

Kullħadd leads with the unanimous backing by parliament of Joseph Camilleri as the new Electoral Commission Principal. The outgoing Principal, Joseph Church, has been in the role since 2014. Another…

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Malta: Police find unheard recordings by Melvin Theuma

The Sunday Times says that self-confessed middleman Melvin Theuma may have deleted some of the secret recordings he had made. Europol experts discovered audio files on his computers that he…

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Malta: PN launches new policy vision

Il-Mument publishes a plan by the Nationalist Party to restructure the way it does politics. The paper says that the vision is based on four pillars and spread over 14…

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Malta: No tax hikes planned in mini budget

The Independent on Sunday speaks to government officials who said that Monday’s mini budget is unlikely to carry any raises in taxes, but the October budget may be expected to…

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Malta: GWU calls more greater flexibility by employers

It-Torċa announces a collaboration between the General Workers Union and MEP Josianne Cutajar to formulate measures for workers after the pandemic. GWU secretary general Josef Bugeja said that changes c=should…

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Malta: Adrian Delia launches PN reform

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who announced the reorganisation of the party around 14 new policy clusters that will establish a socio-economic vision for the country. Delia said that…

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Malta: GWU denied meeting with Malta Air management

L-Orizzont reveals that a request by the General Workers Union to attend a meeting with Malta Air management was turned down by the company. The union said that employees are…

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Malta: Fast ferry service still being considered

The Independent speaks to Transport Minister Ian Borg who said that the introduction of a fast ferry service between Gozo and Malta is still on the cards. Meanwhile, the minister…

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Malta: Nine in every ten felt lonely during pandemic

The Times quotes a study by the Faculty of Social Wellbeing which shows that nine in every ten people have experienced some degree of loneliness during the Covid-19 period. The…

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Malta: Chris Cardona rejects state witness testimony

The Times carries an interview with PL Deputy Leader Chris Cardona who denied any part in the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, as state witness Melvin Theuma said in court.…

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Malta: Travel agents unsure of tourism corridors

The Independent speaks to the president of the travel agents’ association Iain Tonna who said the industry welcomes the reopening of the airport in July. Travel agents, however, raised concerns…

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Malta: Unions defy orders by head of civil service

In-Nazzjon says that the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin and the Union of Teachers have instructed vulnerable members to work from home following a notice by the head of civil service informing…

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Malta: Pandemic raises fresh concerns over bioterrorism

L-Orizzont says that security analysts in Malta and Europe are concerned over the rising possibilities of bioterrorism. The paper speaks to security officials who said that the Covid-19 pandemic has…

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Malta: Two EU countries consider Malta high-risk for Covid-19

The Malta Business Weekly says Latvia and Bulgaria consider Malta as a high-risk country for the epidemic. While the Balkan country imposed a 14-day quarantine for travellers from Malta and…

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Malta: PM refuses to commit on Cardona allegations

The Times says that Prime Minister Robert Abela refused to take a public position on allegations in court against PL deputy leader Chris Cardona. Abela said that any decisions will…

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Malta: Privatised hospitals change ownership again

In-Nazzjon says that the privatised hospitals are set to change ownership again after employees at Steward Healthcare bought out a 90 percent stake in the company. Health Minister Chris Fearne…

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Malta: Finance Minister says tourism will bounce back in 18 months

The Independent speaks to Finance Minister Edward Scicluna who said he expects the tourism industry to ‘get back on its feet’ within a year and a half. He said that…

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Malta: Tour operators says people are ready to travel again

L-Orizzont says travel agencies reported a good response from customers after the government announced the reopening of the airport from July. A tour operator said that interest in holiday resorts…

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Malta: Construction workers left unpaid for five months

Malta Today leads with claims of unpaid work by construction workers engaged by international company TACA for the Fortina project in Tigne. The group of 80 workers from Turkey say…

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Malta: Government refuses to return seized cash to Russia

The Times reports that government has no intention of releasing Libyan parallel currency seized at the freeport last year, despite pressure from Russia to return the consignment. The money is…

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Malta: Airport to implement social distancing measures

The Independent speaks to Malta Airport CEO Alan Borg who said that social distancing technology will be introduced to keep passengers safe. Meanwhile, he said that only direct flight will…

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Malta: GWU drafts proposals for economic stimulus package

L-Orizzont says that the General Workers Union presented a series of proposals ahead of the government’s post-Covid budget on Monday. The union wants support measures for businesses to be tied…

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Malta: Pathologists call for caution over coronavirus spread

In-Nazzjon quotes the College of Pathologists who warned against a ‘false sense of security’ over the seriousness of the coronavirus. In a statement, the body said that there is no…

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Malta: Restrictions to be eased by the weekend

The Independent reports on a press conference addressed by the Prime Minister on Monday evening in which he announced that most restrictive measures will be lifted on Friday so people…

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Malta: Chris Cardona rejects court testimony claims

The Times says that PL Deputy Leader Chris Cardona denies any involvement in the Caruana Galizia murder and denounced the testimony in court of middleman Melvin Theuma linking him to…

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Malta: PM skirts questions about visit to Tripoli

In-Nazzjon says that Prime Minister Robert Abela failed to answer questions in parliament about his visit to Libya last week. Opposition Leader Adrian Delia asked whether there were new arrangements…

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Malta: New parameters for new normality

L-Orizzont says that the new normality announced by the Prime Minister will be guided on the principles of social distancing, wearing of facemasks, and personal hygiene. Robert Abela thanked people…

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Malta: Airport to reopen on July 1

The Independent reports on the Prime Minister’s announcements that the airport and ports will reopen as from July 1. Restrictions on gyms, bars and the law courts will be lifted…

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Malta: Government to unveil new economic stimulus plan

L-Orizzont says that the government will, on Monday, present a new budget to stimulate the economy. The Prime Minister said that the new financial package will reward both businesses and…

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Malta: Prime Minister encourages consumer spending

The Times quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela who said that deposits over the past weeks have soared. He said that now that the “coronavirus is behind us” people should feel…

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Malta: PN concerned by unemployment rates

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who said that the party’s priority is rising unemployment and struggling businesses. Delia called on government to provide immediate assistance to those living in…

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Malta: Government ready to fold Air Malta

Malta Today revealed that the government is prepared to break up Air Malta and transfer operations to a new company if negotiations with the pilots’ union fail. ALPA members are…

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Malta: Magisterial inquiry clears PM, AFM of migrant deaths

It-Torċa quotes a government statement which said that the denunciations against the Prime Minister and the Armed Forces over the deaths of migrants at sea “were not based on proof”.…

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Malta: Murder suspect relative raises doubts over police investigation

The Sunday Times carries an interview with a family member of Vince Muscat, one of the three suspected hitmen in the Caruana Galizia assassination. The unnamed relative questioned action taken…

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Malta: Police charge four people over Floriana FC street party

The Independent on Sunday reports that the police have charged four people and fined 43 others for breaking social distancing rules in a spontaneous gathering celebrating the announcement of Floriana…

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Malta: PN leader urges carefulness in lifting of health measures

Il-Mument follows an interview with PN Leader Adrian Delia by independent journalist Albert Gauci Cunningham Delia called for caution over relaxation of coronavirus restrictions and said that the economy can…

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Malta: Junior Minister dismisses HSBC exit rumours

L-Orizzont speaks to parliamentary secretary Clayton Bartolo who denied claims that HSBC Banks is planning to leave Malta. The junior minister said that the pandemic has given fresh impetus to…

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Malta: Court rules breach of Yorgen Fenech’s rights

The Times reports on a court declaration that an order by the Public Health Superintendent to suspend legal time-limits indefinitely because of the pandemic had breached Yorgen Fenech’s right to…

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Malta: Covid-19 claims two more lives

The Independent reports on the death of two Covid-19 patients on Friday, becoming the eighth and ninth casualties of the pandemic. The victims, both men, were aged 56 and 68,…

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Malta: Some businesses in Valletta remain closed

In-Nazzjon speaks to business owners in Valletta who said that trade in the city is slow and are hoping for the reopening of the airport to boost sales. The paper…

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Malta: Government to create special migration units with Libya

The Times says that Malta and Libya are setting up joint units to coordinate operations against illegal migration. The announcement was made by the government following a visit by the…

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Malta: GWU demands teleworking regulations

L-Orizzont says that the General Workers Union is calling for a legislative framework that regulates remote working to safeguard workers’ rights. Union secretary general Josef Bugeja said he is confident…

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Malta: Chamber of Commerce advises restaurants to exercise restraint

The Malta Independent speaks to Chamber of Commerce deputy president, Philip Fenech, who urged catering establishments to demonstrate ‘common sense’ not to obstruct passageways when they make outside seating arrangements.…

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Malta: PN urges plan on reopening of tourism

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Deputy Leader Robert Arrigo who said that tourism in Malta has a direct impact on half of the country’s businesses and called on the government to set…

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Malta: HSBC weighing local business in global shake-up

The Malta Business Weekly says that HSBC Holdings is considering its operations in several countries including Malta. The global bank’s board is reported to have called for a ‘deep restructuring’…

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Malta: Airport eyeing mid-July for reopening

The Times says that authorities are planning to reopen the airport for visitors in mid-July, four months after it was closed down. MIA CEO Alan Borg said that more than…

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Malta: Local economy to receive €1 billion from EU recovery fund

The Independent says that Malta’s share from the EU recovery budget is expected to amount to €1 billion spread over the coming years. The EU Commission on Wednesday published proposals…

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Malta: Pandemic claims seventh life

L-Orizzont reports the death of a 97-year-old man, the seventh coronavirus victim in Malta. Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci said that one new case was registered on Wednesday and a…

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Malta: PN leader calls for carefulness in Covid-19 exit

In-Nazzjon covers a visit by PN Leader Adrian Delia to the Mosta health centre on Wednesday. Delia thanked professionals and staff for their work and said that, with caution, the…

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Malta: Migrant welfare officials still have no permission to visit moored boats

The Times reports that the Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers has not been granted access to the migrants aboard the three Captain Morgan boats moored outside territorial waters,…

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Malta: Virologist concerned over spontaneous football celebrations

The Malta Independent quotes virologist Chris Barbara who described the celebrations on the Granaries by Floriana FC supporters on Monday as “very dangerous” and said they facilitate the spread of…

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Malta: Restaurant performance beats expectations on first weekend

L-Orizzont speaks to Hotels and Restaurants Association president Tony Zahra who said that restaurants reported better activity than expected when they returned to business on Friday. He also called for…

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Malta: No new Covid-19 cases registered on Tuesday

In-Nazzjon reports that the number of active cases remained at 120 after no one tested positive to swabbing between Monday and Tuesday. The paper quotes the Public Health Superintendent, warning…

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Malta: House collapse victim suffered anxiety over works

The Malta Independent follows the complication of evidence against four people charged with causing a woman’s death when a house collapsed in Ħamrun in March. The courts heard that victim…

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Malta: Covert military operation from Malta contracted by Libyan warlord

The Times says that informed sources confirmed details of a covert operation by military contractors who left Malta for Libya in June last year. Intelligence reports believe that the operation…

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