Referendum should decide abortion issue – President
Malta’s new president, Myriam Spiteri Debono, has advocated for a referendum as the most equitable method to resolve the contentious issue surrounding abortion. While personally expressing her stance against abortion, she refrained from speculating on whether she would endorse an abortion law if presented with one. During her inaugural interview with Times of Malta, the 71-year-old president stated, “I’m personally against abortion but I won’t speculate further. But let’s not be delusional about this – just like it was introduced in other countries, it will eventually be introduced [here as well]. I speak with many young people, and I’m astonished at how some of them – a few of whom even frequent church – come to believe that abortion is acceptable in certain circumstances.” Spiteri Debono underscored the need for a national referendum as the fairest decision-making tool in addressing such a significant and divisive issue. (Times of Malta)
Maltese OK with EU army, but not Malta’s participation
Maltese citizens are not against the European Union establishing its own army. However, they strongly oppose Malta’s involvement in such an army and are even less inclined to support military intervention in solidarity with another EU member state facing external aggression. Survey findings reveal that 42% of Maltese voters support the concept of an EU army designed to protect member states from potential external threats, while 36% are against it. Conversely, only 38% favor Malta’s participation in such a military structure, with 55% opposing the idea of Malta joining other EU nations in providing military aid to a fellow member state under attack from an external force. (Maltatoday)
Additional benefits to be handed out in May -PM
During his weekly Sunday gathering, Labour leader Robert Abela revealed that the second installment of the additional cost-of-living (COLA) benefit, along with a special allowance for parents whose children continue their studies will be handed out in May, just before the scheduled June elections. In his address to party supporters, Abela highlighted the accomplishments of the Labour-led administration in revitalising the country’s economy despite global challenges, noting Malta’s now prominent economic standing globally. (Newsbook)
Rental of power plant reflects strategy to take money from public – PN
PN leader Bernard Grech remarked that the Government’s sole strategy appears to be taking money from the public rather than investing, citing examples such as the electricity distribution and hospital contracts. He highlighted a recent revelation that the Government plans to spend €37 million on renting polluting diesel generators for a short period. Three years ago, he noted, the Nationalist Party introduced an energy plan that emphasized the necessity of a second interconnector. He pointed out that Minister Miriam Dalli later acknowledged this need for an additional interconnector. (TVM)
