For the second consecutive quarter, Malta has recorded the highest surge in greenhouse gas emissions within the EU, as per the latest data from Eurostat. Between July and September, the country experienced an almost 8% increase in emissions, mirroring the previous quarter’s rise. This figure surpasses the second-highest surge observed in Cyprus, where emissions climbed by nearly 3.7%. Malta’s emissions trend sharply contrasts with the broader EU landscape, where 23 countries witnessed a reduction in emissions. The most substantial decreases occurred in Estonia (-30.7%), Bulgaria (-18.6%), and Germany (-12.2%). Overall, greenhouse gas levels decreased by just over 7% across the EU during the same quarter in 2022. Aside from Malta and Cyprus, the sole countries reporting an increase were Latvia (3.4%) and Slovakia (0.9%). (Times of Malta)
PM, Leader of the Opposition hold first meeting to discuss new President
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)
Man dies in balcony fall
A man has died after he fell one storey from a balcony, the police said Saturday. The accident happened in Zurrieq Road, Safi, at 4pm. The man, aged 79, fell one storey from a balcony in his own residence. He was certified dead on site. Magistrate Caroline Caruana Frendo is leading an inquiry. (The Malta Independent)
