Updated 1300
Malta cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions by almost 60%:
Malta joined the International EnergyAgency’s General Assembly in Abu Dhabi, with over 1,300 global participants. Minister Miriam Dalliemphasised Malta’s dedication to renewable energy for environmental cleanliness, highlighting a 60%decrease in energy sector greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning from heavy fuel oil. Malta supportedthe Small Island Developing States Lighthouse initiative, fostering alliances with states facing similarchallenges. The initiative focuses on renewable energy collaboration, accelerating energy transitions,enhancing climate resilience, and achieving sustainable development goals. Minister Dalli stressed theimportance of sharing best practices among diverse nations to innovate solutions effectively.
Government deficit dips below 5%, debt at 50.4% of GDP: According to official figures released on Monday,the government recorded a deficit of €950.4 million last year, equivalent to 4.9% of GDP, with a debt of€9,767.8 million, or 50.4% of GDP. The deficit showed an improvement of €14.4 million compared to theprevious year, attributed to increased revenue and expenditure. Total revenue rose by €581.0 million,while expenditure increased by €566.7 million. The deficit as a percentage of GDP decreased by 0.6percentage points from 2022. Despite a €768.1 million increase in government debt compared to 2022, thedebt-to-GDP ratio dropped to 50.4% due to rapid economic growth, down from 51.6% in 2022.
Morning Briefing
PN cuts gap in survey, PL still holds 28k lead
The latest survey conducted by the Times of Malta indicates that the Labour Party maintains a lead of 28,000 votes in the upcoming MEP elections scheduled for June. However, this lead has narrowed by nearly 6,000 votes compared to the previous month. According to the survey results, approximately 51% of voters are projected to support the PL in June, marking a decline of 1.6 percentage points from a similar survey conducted in March. On the other hand, the Nationalist Party (PN) has witnessed a resurgence in support, aiming to reclaim the third MEP seat lost in 2019. PN’s share of the vote has increased by 1.4 percentage points to just under 41% of the total vote.
MEP Elections: Metsola, Agius Saliba increase their lead
Roberta Metsola and Alex Agius Saliba continue to lead the pack in the European Parliament seat race, solidifying their positions as frontrunners ahead of other candidates. Both Metsola and Agius Saliba experienced nearly identical gains since the previous Times of Malta poll last month, maintaining a tight competition in the race. Metsola retains her status as the most favored candidate, garnering support from 21.5% of voters, marking a 1.6 percentage point increase since March. Following closely behind, Agius Saliba secures 20.2% of all votes, with a 1.7 percentage point gain over the past month. (Times of Malta)
Teen suffers serious injuries in motocross incident
An 18-year-old male from Rabat suffered severe injuries in a life-threatening situation during an incident at the Ta’ Qali motocross track on Sunday morning. The incident occurred at 11 am when the young man lost control of his motorcycle and had a fall. A medical team at the scene provided initial aid to the individual before he was taken to Mater Dei Hospital for further treatment. It was confirmed that the man had sustained critical injuries. Magistrate Philip Galea Farrugia is overseeing the investigation. (Newsbook)
