Maltese graduates are the most likely in Europe to secure employment, with nearly 96% finding a job within three years of completing their studies, according to new EU data. The employment rate for graduates in Malta had fallen below 90% for the first time in two decades during 2021 and 2022, as graduate employment rates declined across Europe following the COVID-19 outbreak. However, in 2023, the rate rebounded to an almost record high of 95.8%, significantly above the European average, according to Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office. Malta remains the only Mediterranean or Southern European country to surpass the EU average. Other Mediterranean nations, including Cyprus (80.6%), Spain (78.7%), France (80.1%), and Greece (72.3%), report figures lower the EU average, with neighbouring Italy at the bottom of the European rankings at 67.5%. (Times of Malta)
Chris Cardona says he had no idea who the Vitals investors were
Former Economy Minister Chris Cardona testified in court that he signed a 2014 memorandum of understanding (MoU) for Gozo’s health sector without knowing who the investors were, saying he did so as part of his ministerial duties. The MoU, signed at the Prime Minister’s office, is a key point in the controversy over the hospitals concession, with the National Audit Office later concluding that the concession to Vitals Global Healthcare should not have been granted since the MoU was signed before the tender process began. Cardona admitted he was not given any background information on the agreement or the parties involved. His testimony is part of ongoing court proceedings against former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, his ex-chief of staff Keith Schembri, and former minister Konrad Mizzi, among others, who face serious charges related to the concession. (The Malta Independent)
Church-owned radio fined for not inviting far-rightists
RTK103 has vowed to appeal yet another Broadcasting Authority decision in favoyr of Imperium Europa, which resulted in the station being fined €4,660 for not inviting candidates from the far-right party, founded and led by Norman Lowell, to appear on “Andrew Azzopardi on RTK103” during the electoral campaign. This is the second fine imposed on RTK103 in favour of the party, known for its extremist, racist, and far-right views. In January, the station was fined €6,410 after Andrew Azzopardi stated on air that he would not allow Lowell to voice his opinions on the programme. The Church-owned portal noted how broadcasters have been fined in the past for inviting Lowell and allowing him to express the very same views that led RTK103 to refuse him airtime. (Newsbook)
