These are the main news items on Malta’s Newspaper frontpages.
MaltaToday follows the story about the Fisheries Department scandal and reveals that an internal inquiry opened in 2016 had established that the Maltese subsidiary of Spanish company Fuentes – Mare Blu Fishing – was given preferential treatment by the department, which allowed it to harvest larger volumes of tuna.
The Malta Independent on Sunday speaks to suspended Fisheries Director General Andreina Fenech Farrugia who said that she has been ‘singled out’ in an investigation that involves hundreds of individuals. Fenech Farrugia refutes claims that she has acted unfairly against players in the industry.
The Sunday Times says that the police needs more evidence before it can proceed against suspects in the killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia. The paper says between three to five individuals are thought to be involved in the assassination.
MaltaToday publishes results of a survey showing that Transport Minister Ian Borg is viewed as the top-performing minister, with an approval rating of 21 percent nationwide. Borg is followed by Health Minister Chirs Fearne, at 13 percent, and Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi, at 8 percent.
The Sunday Times quotes Voluntary Organisations Commissioner Anthony Abela Medici who said that the office is in unable to fulfil its duties due to a shortage in staff. Abela Medici said that the Commission is in crisis and needs at least three more members on its team.
The Malta Independent on Sunday says that an emergency contraceptive pill will be offered to victims of rape at the Mater Dei hospital. Sources told the paper that the medicine will be made available against a doctor’s prescription.
It-Torċa reveals that the police are investigating a religious organisation which is claiming cure from depression within three minutes. The paper says there is no such treatment and the Commissioner for Mental Health referred the case to the police.
Illum reports that an explicit video of a 13-year-old Maltese girl found its way on a porn website. The paper says that there has been a significant increase in crimes associated with paedophile material in the last years, but these were often generated by the children themselves.
Kulħadd leads with a story about Maltese MEP Roberta Metsola who did not vote in favour of a rule of law report on the situation in Poland. The paper says that during the same session, Metsola ‘attacked Malta.
Il-Mument says that PL MP Robert Abela is ‘embarrassed’ to comment on the prospect of appointing a President of the Republic from outside the Labour camp. Abela is the son of former President George Abela, appointed during a PN administration.
Illum carries a report on a case involving foreigners who placed €160,000 in bets on a football match between Senglea and Balzan.
Il-Mument quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who said that the government is not willing to address the challenges faced by the community in Mellieħa. Delia was in Mellieħa as part of a series of visits to towns and villages ahead of the local council elections.
It-Torċa reports on a meeting between the General Workers Union and MEP candidate for the upcoming election Dr Josianne Cutajar. The two sides spoke about the growing need to secure equal pay for equal work.
Il-Mument covers a press conference announcing the PN General Council ‘Together for our Country.’ Secretary General Clyde Puli said that the administration is working to make the party the natural choice for the many, not the few.
