Distribution of voting documents to start Saturday
The Electoral Commission has announced that police officers would commence the door-to-door distribution of voting documents starting Saturday, April 27. These documents are required for voters to participate in the upcoming European and local elections scheduled for June 8. From April 27 to either May 10 or 11, police officers will deliver voting documents daily between 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Electoral Commission emphasized that voting documents will only be delivered to the address where the voter is registered. Additionally, all voting documents for individuals residing in the same household will be handed over to a responsible person aged 16 or above, who is either a relative, resident, or employee at that address. (Maltatoday)
BA takes PBS to task on impartial comments during new President swearing-in
The broadcasting has supported a complaint from the PN regarding “imbalance and impartiality” stemming from comments made by Helena Dalli during a live TVM broadcast of Myriam Spiteri Debono’s presidential swearing-in ceremony. During the televised event on April 4, while discussing the inauguration of the President, the European Commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the blocking of Joseph Muscat-era ministers from assuming the presidency, describing it as unjust for “certain people.” Dalli remarked, “People were accused of having blood on their hands because they were in cabinet during a specific period in Maltese history,” in the presence of another former minister and EU Commissioner, Karmenu Vella. Dalli, whose term in Brussels concludes this year, was considered a top contender for Malta’s future head of state position. (Times of Malta)
Over 9% living in severe deprivation
The 2023 European Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) survey indicated a material and social deprivation rate of 9.2%, with a severe material and social deprivation rate of 4.1%. The purpose of the EU-SILC survey is to gather comparable data regarding income, health, disability, employment, and material deprivation. It evaluates households’ perceived ability to afford a predefined set of 13 standard items, offering insights into material and social deprivation markers. In 2023, 30.0% of participants reported their inability to afford a one-week annual holiday away from home, while 15.9% mentioned their household’s incapacity to cover an unexpected financial expense of €770 or more. Additionally, 6.8% struggled to maintain adequate warmth in their homes during winter, and 5.7% experienced difficulties with arrears on mortgage or rent payments, utility bills, or other loan obligations. (Newsbook)
