Corporate Dispatch Morning Briefing and Newspaper Review

Good morning,

Malta’s tourism sector, the Commons’ taking control of the Brexit process, cease-fire after escalation of violence in Gaza Strip are the main news in this morning’s briefing.

These are the main news as reported in Malta, Europe and around the World.

Maltese operators in the tourism sectors are looking at the business scenario in the sector with ‘great trepidation and concern’. Significantly, the operators are concerned for the sustainability of the tourism industry, claiming that ‘permits for new hotels are being given without the real understanding of the potential outcome of this increase in room supply and the impact on the viability of these operations’.

Hamas, the group that governs the Gaza Strip, said it reached an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire with Israel after an exchange of fire, but explosions in the enclave could still be heard early Tuesday.

In a press release issued Monday, the European Commission pointed out, that as it is increasingly likely that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union without a deal on 12 April, it has on Monday completed its “no-deal” preparations.

MPs have voted to take control of Commons business in an unprecedented move to try to find a majority for any Brexit option.

President Trump signed a proclamation on Monday formally recognizing Israel’s authority over the long-disputed Golan Heights, handing the pen to his grateful guest, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel.

Malta’s Newspaper Review

The Times quotes a study conducted with 733 university students which shows a majority against the legalisation of abortion. More than 58 percent of students who took part in the research said they opposed abortion, a fifth of whom even in cases threatening the mother’s life.

The Malta Independent speaks to the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life George Hyzler who says he is prohibited from looking into the FIAU case involving the Opposition Leader. Hyzler says law allows him to only investigate cases that surface since its establishment of his office.

The Times reports that the European Parliament will today vote on a resolution that calls for the suspension of golden visa schemes. If passed, the resolution will also demand that Malta addresses ‘serious doubts’ on the independence of investigations.

The Malta Independent reports that half of Malta’s internet users have been targeted by fraudulent emails requesting personal data. A third of users have reported discovering malicious software on their devices.

L-Orizzont reports on a visit by outgoing President Coleiro Preca to the General Workers Union. She said that every worker should form part of a trade union and encouraged women in particular to participate in public life. GWU Secretary General Josef Bugeja described Her Excellency as the President of the People.

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who said that the government is being faced by a series of negative reports on transparency. Referring to the latest Moneyval report, Delia said that Malta is risking being blacklisted.

L-Orizzont announces that the dentistry department at Mater Dei hospital has lifted its industrial actions after it reached agreements with the government. Health Minister Chris Fearne said that the new agreement will provide better working conditions and provide a better service to patients.

In-Nazzjon reports on two fatal incidents at separate construction sites on Monday. One case was reported in Sliema, where a worker fell from a four-storey height; the second occurred in St Julian’s where the victim fell from an unspecified height.

In other stories we read

Norbert Feher, a 38-year-old Serbian know as ‘Igor the Russian’, was senteneced to life in jail for the murder. Feher was found guilty of the murder on  1 and 8 April 2017 in the provinces of Bologna and Ferrara, of barman Davide Fabbri and volunteer environmental guard Valerio Verri .

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said that this will be his only term as Prime Minister of Italy and has no plans to serve in any future governments.

The morning briefing is brought to you by CI Consulta’s media monitoring service Be Informed. Contact us if you require specific media monitoring service for your business, to make informed business decisions.