Updated 1650
MFA accepts resignation of Malta football coach: The Malta Football Association has accepted the resignation of football coach Devis Mangia. The association said that in his letter of resignation Mangia said that his decision was taken in the best interest of the national team to serenely face the football challenges which lie ahead. The Italian mentor had been suspended after allegations by a number of national team players of sexual misconduct. No reference to the investigations was made.
The Times of Malta follows former prime minister Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici, who is being laid to rest on Monday afternoon, as the country observes a national day of mourning.
The Malta Independent reports that civil society NGO Repubblika has called for the impeachment of Magistrate Nadine Lia and Attorney General Victoria Buttigieg, hours after two decisions which the NGO said “shook the Maltese courts.”
Newsbook says that a group of Cottonera residents have filed a complaint with the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) over the “suffering” caused by the unbridled operations of the shipyard operated by Palumbo and MSC.
TVM says that Charles Mangion, ged 51, from Santa Venera has been held under arrest after he was charged with setting fire to the car of Tik Toker Adrian Zammit. Zammit who is from Marsa is known for the many videos he uploads on Facebook and Tik Tok.
Updated 1205
Fat cats have infiltrated politics, businesses and media – PN MP
Newly-elected Nationalist MP Albert Buttigieg has warned that “fat cats” are reaching everywhere, having infiltrated political parties, commercial entities and the media. In one of his first public interviews following his election the former St Julian’s Mayor said that he has a duty as a politician to speak about this problem and push back against big business interests that derail the democratic process in the country by hijacking politics. Earlier this year he had made similar utterances regarding the PN, but insisting this case was closed: “The PN’s ethics commission supported my recommendations to adopt an internal whistleblower system as well as a revolving door policy for its top officials,” Buttigieg added. (The Times of Malta)
AG ordered to testify on Pilatus case
The Courts of Justice have ordered Attorney General Victoria Buttigieg and police inspector Pauline D’Amato to testify in a court sitting scheduled for tomorrow morning, after the pair both sought to miss their day in court. The decision was taken by judge Christian Falzon Scerri, following a request by NGO Repubblika who is presiding over the case instituted by Repubblika over an order not to prosecute which had been issued vis-a-vis Pilatus Bank owner Ali Sadr Hasheminejad, its operations Supervisor Luis Rivera, the bank’s director Ghambari Hamidreza and bank supervisor Mehmet Tasli. (Newsbook/Maltatoday)
Man stabbed in Marsa
A foreign man was hospitalised on Sunday evening after he was stabbed in Marsa. The man, a 34-year-old Eritrean, sought hospital treatment on his own. He told police offers that he had been assaulted by two people with a knife. A magisterial inquiry is underway. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Culture Minister refutes calls to resign on orchestra scandal
Reacting to calls to resign after the sexual harassment case at the Malta Orchestra, Culture minister Owen Bonnici has insisted that the institutions have functioned. In a statement the culture ministry said “completely incorrect assertions had been made by some media and Opposition spokesperson” regarding the sexual harassment scandal at the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, noting that there are proceedings underway and “moreover a case has already been decided” – in reference to the perpetrator who admitted the charges and was handed a suspended sentence. Malta Philharmonic Orchestra CEO Sigmund Mifsud was charged in Court on Satuday, with attempted tampering of evidence after he allegedly instructed employees to keep quiet about a sexual harassment scandal. Reports indicated that Mifsud allegedly summoned all employees to a meeting some days ago and told them that anyone found to be speaking out about the scandal would be deemed complicit. Mifsud pleaded not guilty. (Newsbook)
Road incidents make headlines again
A 26-year-old man from Żabbar was admitted to hospital after his car overturned in Żejtun. The incident happened at around 3.45pm in Triq San Anard Zejtun limits of Bulebel. Police said that the driver hit a pole and overturned hitting another two cars in the process. Earlier during the day, a man was seriously injured when his car was involved in a crash and then caught fire. The accident happened at Burmarrad Road.
COP27: Malta lays out its sustainable vision in key sectors
Reducing emissions from road transport, mobilising funds towards sustainable investments and increasing energy efficiency in buildings emerged as the three main priorities to speed up Malta’s transition towards a green economy that combats climate change. Addressing the closing of the #ClimateOn conference, the Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Enterprise Miriam Dalli reiterated government’s commitment to achieve climate targets and move towards climate neutrality. “This has been manifested once again in the government’s budget plan as investment in our families and businesses will continue to support them towards the green and just transition”, Miriam Dalli said.
