Updated 1215
Revamp of stipends system in the pipeline – PM: Prime Minister Robert Abela announced plans to revamp the stipends system gradually over three years, strengthening it to incentivise students to choose subjects conducive to their future careers. He argued that the reform would be guided by a comprehensive study and consultations. However, specific details of the government’s plan were not provided. Abela stressed the importance of preparing individuals for an economic transition characterised by speed and resilience, asserting the need for a locally driven Maltese economy. During his speech, he recounted a recent visit to a company that used AI and expressed disappointment that Maltese workers constituted a minority within the company. (Times of Malta)
Firefighter loses life in Pembroke fire: Joseph Zammit, a firefighter, tragically lost his life while combating a grass fire ignited by waste in Pembroke on Sunday. The incident took place late yesterday afternoon, prompting an immediate response from the Department of Civil Protection. Firefighters from the Department of Civil Protection successfully managed to contain and extinguish the blaze, preventing further destruction. Unfortunately, shortly after the flames were brought under control, the 48-year-old firefighter experienced a medical emergency, resulting in a loss of consciousness. (TVM)
Tougher conditions for contractors were blocked pre-election, inquiry hears: Two months prior to the last general election, a cabinet memorandum suggesting a public consultation on new construction sector regulations was rejected to avoid a conflict with building contractors, as revealed during the public inquiry into Jean Paul Sofia’s death. Lawyer Jason Azzopardi presented this information, along with the draft bill itself, to the public inquiry after requesting to testify. He disclosed that a high-ranking government official had contacted him following Jean Paul Sofia’s tragic incident. The official informed him that the proposed regulations, which the government had pledged to introduce for the oversight of contractors, had already been drafted but were blocked by the Cabinet. (Newsbook)
Morning Briefing
Malta hosts US-China meeting
Malta played host to a significant meeting involving Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor to President Joe Biden of the United States, and Wang Yi, the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs. In the margins of this gathering, Prime Minister Robert Abela also held discussions with Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor to President Joe Biden. The meeting between the United States and China garnered attention from American media, which noted that it occurred during a crucial juncture in the relationship between the two nations. The White House described the meeting as constructive, reaffirming the commitment of both countries to pursue ongoing dialogue between them. During Prime Minister Abela’s meeting with Sullivan, they addressed matters related to stability in the Mediterranean. The Office of the Prime Minister affirmed Malta’s ongoing commitment to hosting discussions that have the potential to contribute to a better future on a global scale.
PN proposes three names for Presidency
The Nationalist Party intends to propose the names of former PN minister Dolores Cristina, Marica Cassar, who serves as Caritas’ PR and fundraising officer, and currently-serving magistrate Joe Mifsud as the party’s nominees for the upcoming election to select a successor to President George Vella. PN leader Bernard Grech reportedly informed his parliamentary group of this decision last Thursday, indicating that he will present these three candidates to Prime Minister Robert Abela when discussions regarding Vella’s replacement commence.
This will mark the first instance in which a president will be chosen through a two-thirds parliamentary majority, following a constitutional amendment enacted in recent years. (Maltatoday)
32 found living illegally in Malta
During police inspections, 32 individuals were discovered to be residing irregularly in Malta. The police department reported on Sunday that the process of repatriating these individuals to their home countries or to nations where they can legally reside has been initiated. These 32 individuals were located in various areas, including Marsa, Ħamrun, Mosta, Żebbuġ, Marsascala, Msida, Qormi, and St Paul’s Bay. The inspections encompassed residences, public transportation, and areas where migrants are commonly found seeking employment opportunities. The police received assistance from the Detention Services during these operations. (Times of Malta)
