Good morning
These are the main stories from today’s newspapers.
The Times quotes an International Monetary Fund report which warns about the rising rate of relative poverty in Malta. The document released this week says that people earning below 60 percent of the median income are classified as such, often including single mothers, low-income tenants, and elderly citizens.
The Malta Independent covers the opening of a public debate on gender equality at which Minister Helena Dalli said that more needs to be done for more women to join the workforce. The minister said it is essential to empower both women and men for society to thrive.
The Times reveals that Bank of Valletta has been reviewing client relationships which resulted in the closure of several accounts, mostly in US dollar denominations. The paper says that the country is experiencing pressure following claims of lax anti-money laundering processes.
The Malta Independent reports that the Planning Authority has received an application to turn a quarry in Mqabba into a solar farm. The Environment and Resources Authority already declared its agreement with the proposal.
L-Orizzont speaks to Crisis Resolution Malta head Mark Xuereb who urged against sensationalism about the Momo Challenge, which could lead to serious harm. Xuereb told the paper that online games do not, of themselves, push children to commit suicide.
In-Nazzjon says that Carnival opened officially on Friday and the celebrations will spread over five days until Tuesday. The paper says participants are hoping for good weather and expect thousands of visitors to join in the fun.
L-Orizzont quotes General Workers Union Secretary General Josef Bugeja who called on Members of the European Parliament to reinforce the social aspect in the EU. Bugeja said that equality, fairness and social protection are distinguishing features of the Union.
In-Nazzjon reports that mobile classrooms used in the St Paul’s Bay school cost the taxpayer €200,000. The paper says government procured the ‘containers’ by direct order from BAVA Holdings Ltd.
L-Orizzont follows a case of a Ukrainian man who is claimed to have abused of the vulnerability of a Maltese woman by treating her badly. The paper says that he forced her to give him money to spend on other women.
