Updated 1220
Investigation on collusion on local price increase is State responsibility – Commission
The European Commission has highlighted the necessity of investigating collusive pricing in domestic food products, urging Malta’s consumer affairs authority to take action. In correspondence addressed to MEP candidate Peter Agius, a spokesperson from the Commission’s directorate-general for competition emphasised that when collusive practices are confined within a single Member State, the national competent authority is best positioned to address such concerns. (Maltatoday)
Women’s rights lobby wants better personal sick leave for children care
The Malta Women’s Lobby expressed dismay at employers’ objections to workers using personal sick leave for caring for sick children. They called on the government to tackle this recurring issue faced by working parents. Current Maltese law grants parents just 15 hours of urgent family leave for tending to sick children. This limitation poses challenges, potentially leaving parents without leave for subsequent illness episodes if utilized early in the year. Comparatively, Malta’s 15-hour allowance falls short when measured against other EU countries. Sweden offers up to 120 days of urgent family leave, with the government covering 80% of costs. Poland allows 60 days, while Portugal allows 30 days. The Malta Women’s Lobby criticised the government’s stance,labelling it unrealistic, cost-saving, and lacking sensitivity towards the needs of working parents in the private sector.
eSports to contribute 1% to GDP in five years time – Minister
During the official inauguration of Playcon, the exhibition dedicated to video games and esports held at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali, Silvio Schembri, Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said that these “economic sectors are producing the anticipated outcomes for our nation.” Schembri highlighted the origins of these burgeoning economic sectors, tracing back to a comprehensive strategy initiated in 2019. He emphasized the dedication invested to transform this strategy into reality. Playcon, bolstered by the support of Gaming Malta and featuring displays from both local and international companies within these domains, serves as evidence of the thriving nature of this industry within the country, generating the desired results. The Minister conveyed an ambitious goal for this sector, aiming for it to contribute 1% to the GDP by 2028, illustrating the government’s aspiration for its substantial growth and economic impact.
Morning Briefing
Malta formally asked to take on OSCE chairmanship
Malta has been formally asked to take over the chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Foreign Minister Ian Borg revealed. The organisation found itself in the brink of collapse, with Russia objecting to earlier proposals for the Chairmanship of the post. Senior diplomats from over 50 nations convened in North Macedonia to participate in a gathering of the regional body, but some representatives chose to boycott the event citing the attendance of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. (The Malta Independent)
Over 4,000 still waiting for general surgery
Health Minister Chris Fearne revealed that some 4,069 individuals are awaiting general surgery, surpassing the timeframes specified in Malta’s patient charter. Replying to parliamentary questions, Fearne added that out of those on the waiting list, 1,514 patients have received a scheduled operation date. The extensive queue raises concerns about the healthcare system’s capacity to swiftly address the surgical requirements of the growing population. The patient charter dictates a maximum wait of 12 weeks for urgent cases and up to 18 months for non-urgent ones. These waiting list figures, exceeding the charter’s benchmarks, underscore the strain on Malta’s healthcare infrastructure and the potential impact on individuals awaiting crucial surgical procedures. (Newsbook)
More than 10,000 fines for e-scooter contraventions
During the initial eight months of this year, over 10,000 violations were recorded among e-scooter riders, primarily related to inadequate parking and blocking pavements. Within the period from January to August, 4,811 citations were issued for improper parking, while 5,158 were for obstructing pedestrian walkways. Furthermore, ninety-four fines were imposed on users for engaging in risky driving behaviors, using mobile devices while riding, carrying excessive loads, and disregarding traffic signs. Additionally, sixty-one infractions were attributed to licensing concerns. This information was disclosed to parliament by Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri.
