PM, Leader of the Opposition hold first meeting to discuss new President – reports
Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition leader Bernard Grech convened for their inaugural face-to-face meeting this week to address the appointment of the next president. Despite the reportedly chilly relationship between Abela and Grech, sources familiar with the discussions described the meeting as “friendly.” The specifics of whether the leaders delved into particular names during this initial encounter remain unclear. The term of President George Vella concludes on 4 April, and his successor must be appointed by a two-thirds parliamentary majority, as stipulated by a new constitutional provision. This marks the first implementation of the new rule, emphasizing the necessity for cross-party consensus. Unlike previous appointments, where a simple majority sufficed, this change ensures a departure from the government consistently having its way in selecting the President. (Maltatoday)
Divergent opinions on proposed children cigarette ban
A proposal to consider a ban on selling cigarettes to children garnered varied responses during a public consultation. The proposal was part of the “Children’s Policy Framework 2024-2030” document, released by the Children’s Rights Ministry in November. The document suggested, “Initiate discussions at the national level to ban cigarette sales to individuals born after a specified date agreed upon by stakeholders. This will positively impact the health of all future generations.” When the consultation results were disclosed on Friday, discussions about the proposed ban constituted more than 10% of the submissions received. Alexia Vella, the Ministry’s director-general, noted that reactions to the potential ban were mixed. (Times of Malta)
Chamber of Architects, MDA launch new standards for construction
The National Building Council, a collaborative effort between the Chamber of Architects and the Malta Developers Association, has been officially launched to implement elevated standards for all individuals involved in the construction industry, along with the industry itself. In a press conference held on Friday, the presidents of both the Chamber of Architects and the MDA signed an agreement formalising the establishment of the council, a project they have been diligently working on for over a year. Chamber of Architects President Andre Pizzuto emphasized the necessity for such a council, citing the considerable damage to the industry’s reputation and the negative public perception it has endured in recent years. (Maltatoday)
