Gender Balance representation, Malta ‘Tax-Haven’ characteristics, Konrad Mizzi’s links with leadership bid, and another drug haul by customs are amongst the main news as reported by Malta’s news portals.
TVM reports that the Customs Department seized more than 50 kilogrammes of cocaine at the Freeport, with an estimated street value of around €6 million. The website says the case follows a discovery of 288 kilogrammes of the substance a week ago.
Seven EU members including Malta came in for criticism from the European Parliament for aggressive tax planning regimes that carry “tax haven characteristics”. The Shift News says that more than 500 MEPs voted in favour of the resolution presented by the Tax3 committee, with 63 voting against.
Opposition spokesperson from Finance Mario de Marco warns that rumours that Minister Konrad Mizzi could become Malta’s next Prime Minister is harming the country. Newsbook says de Marco’s statement came in reaction to the latest Moneyval report.
The European Parliament voted to end the daytime saving system from 2021. Net News says that the decision on the time zone to retain rests with the countries themselves. The text of the legislation wil now be discussed by EU ministers.
The government launched a consultation document proposing ways to achieve more gender-balanced representation in public life. One News says that the paper recommends a mechanism to increase seats in the House if a gender does not reach the 40 percent mark in the elections.
The Ornis Committee rejected a proposal by the Federation of Hunters (FKNK) to open the season for turtle doves. MaltaToday says that the FKNK representatives were the only members of the committee to vote in favour.
A report by the Asylum Information Database condemned the poor conditions at the Open Centre in Ħal Far. LovinMalta says the document, based on research by Aditus and the Jesuit Refugee Service, flags lack of hygiene, low security and overcrowding.
The Malta Independent says that the police declined to answer questions about a money laundering investigation led by Italian authorities. Twelve people were arrested in an operation by the Carabinieri in connection to financial crimes reaching €75 million.
Identity Malta said that Malta will be among the first to issue new e-ID cards and e-passports. The Times says that the technologically advanced documents are expected to start being delivered by the end of the year.
