Update
Demonstration and Vigil to commemorate journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder fifth anniversary
Hundreds took to the streets of Valletta for a demonstration seeking justice for slain journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, on the fifth anniversary of her brutal murder on October 16th 2017. Protestors congregated in front of the Parliament Building at the Valletta gates, before marching towards Great Siege Square. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was the first to address the protest, saying Daphne Caruana Galizia was always led by the principle “of doing what is right.” “They made you suffer, and the more you hurt, the more they enjoyed it,” she told the slain journalist’s family who were among those protesting. (MaltaToday)
Earlier a silent vigil was held at the place where Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed. A minute’s silence in Bidnija was followed by readings from pieces which the journalist had written in the run up to the 2017 general election: pieces where she sounded that warning that major scandals within the government were afoot. (Malta Independent) European Parliament president Roberta Metsola and anti-mafia activist Maria Falcone were in attendance together with former PN leader Simon Busuttil, MEP David Casa and PN general secretary Michael Piccinino. There were also several journalists. (Times of Malta)
PN can’t be weakened as it will damage the country – Bernard Grech
Bernard Grech on Sunday warned those trying to weaken the PN – from within the party and from outside it – that the whole of Malta would suffer the consequences. Addressing party supporters at Mosta, the PN leader paid homage to Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was assassinated five years to date in Bidnija. “We can come here and clap… however, if we are going to remain alienated… if we continue trying to try to weaken the party instead of strengthening it – not just from within the party, but through various means… – remember that when you weaken the PN – the only party in parliament that can stand up to the oppression of Robert Abela and his mates, those who want to silence the search for justice – you are weakening our country,” he warned. “What you are doing is damaging us all,” he added.
Country must learn from Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder – PM
The country must learn from the “dark chapter” that is Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination, Prime Minister Robert Abela told supporters on Sunday.
“Daphne Caruana Galizia’s homicide was among the darkest chapters of this country’s history, and we would be wrong if we think we can forget or erase that moment from Malta’s past,” he told supporters in Zebbug. Maltatoday
Morning Briefing
Paypal founder interested in Maltese citizenship
American billionaire Peter Thiel, the co-founder of payment company PayPal is reportedly interested in purchasing Maltese citizenship, according to a report by the New York Times. Thiel is a strong backer of the Republican Party and has regularly supported right-wing politicians. The NYT reveals that Thiel, who was also the first outside investor in Facebook, Thiel has an apartment in Valletta listed as an official address, which he also advertises on AirBnb. Malta’s golden passport scheme prohibits the rental of an applicant’s official residence while their passport application is still pending. (Times of Malta)
Journalism should hold political, economic and religious authorities accountable
ADPD – The Green Party said that investigative journalism was a unique tool to hold accountable not only political authorities but also economic and religious ones. In a media briefing in front of the memorial for Daphne Caruana Galizia ADPD Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo said that investigative journalism supported democracy and contributed towards accountability through greater transparency. He said that on the fifth anniversary of Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination it was imperative to appreciate more than ever that journalism that speaks without fear or favour was essential for a healthy democracy.
(Maltatoday)
PN calls for investment in new economic niches
The Nationalist Party said that for workers and professionals to live a better quality life, it is necessary for the government to invest in new economic niches. “In this way we not only create work, but we create better quality work, with value added and profitable wages. In this way, many workers move forward, whilst also allowing for national social mobility to increase.” The PN said that in the coming days it will launch its pre-budget document after discussions with constituted bodies, unions and civil society.
