Election results gave clear understanding of people’s priorities – PM
The election results provide a clearer understanding of the people’s priorities, Prime Minister Robert Abela stated. Speaking on the Labour Party’s ONE TV, Abela noted that the public had delivered a message against polarized politics, rejecting the notion that one side is completely right and the other completely wrong. He emphasized that the public had made it clear that it’s not just the political parties that matter, but the issues they represent. Reflecting on the Labour Party’s campaign, the Prime Minister highlighted that the key takeaway was the need to focus on analyzing these issues and understanding the people’s wishes. (Maltatoday)
PN leader commits to create a new national PN majority
PN leader Bernard Grech highlighted the importance of unity and respect among the Maltese people, while announcing that the vote gap between the Partit Nazzjonalista (PN) and the Malta Labour Party had been reduced by half, a shift of 26,861 votes. Speaking at a press conference Grech expressed his commitment to creating a new national PN majority, a trend he claimed was evident from the recent European Parliamentary and Local Council elections. “The PN has gained control of six new local councils and lost one, bringing the total to 24 councils under its administration,” Grech stated. He added that if Birkirkara and Mellieha, where the PN secured the majority of votes but not seats, were included, the number of PN-controlled councils would rise to 26. Grech also mentioned that Labour had lost control of nine local councils while gaining one. (Times of Malta)
NGOs protest against encroachment of public space in Gozo
Several Gozitan organisations partnered with Moviment Graffitti in a protest against the encroachment of public space at St George’s Square in Rabat, Gozo. In a statement, Moviment Graffitti reported that Canon Joseph Curmi, the Archpriest of St George’s Basilica, has been voicing concerns for years about the complete occupation of St George’s Square by tables, chairs, tents, and other structures belonging to commercial outlets. The Archpriest expressed frustration over unsuccessful attempts to engage in dialogue with responsible authorities, including the Lands Authority, the Malta Tourism Authority, and the Planning Authority. According to him, these authorities have shown reluctance to take responsibility, and enforcement measures are virtually non-existent. He also highlighted that local residents are urging the Prime Minister and relevant Ministers to address the issue seriously. Moviment Graffitti was joined in the demonstration by St George’s Basilica and cultural organisations such as Soċjetà Filarmonika La Stella, Il-Ħaġar Museum (Fondazzjoni Belt Victoria), Għawdix, Din l-Art Ħelwa – Gozo, and Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar. (TVM)
