Update 1230h Covid19 Update – A 91-year-old woman died while being positive to COVID-19 overnight bringing the number of coronavirus-positive deaths up to 456, the health authorities said on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a further 24 people tested positive for the virus, while another 43 recovered overnight. Times of Malta
Update 1200 – Warning of the pitfalls of greed, Archbishop Charles Scicluna said the craving for money was destroying the country’s moral backbone and natural heritage.
In a timely warning as part of his Independence Day homily, Scicluna said “one of the diseases that is spreading in Maltese society is greed,” adding that this was an expression of extreme individualism. – Newsbook
Newspaper review
The Times leads with an announcement by the Prime Minister that the government wants to start a national discussion about a metro system in Malta. He said that the country needs to be ready to change its mobility habits.
L-Orizzont reports on a PL political rally on Monday addressed by Prime Minister Robert Abela. He described the party as the only political force capable of renewing the country in the years to come.
The Independent covers a speech by PN Leader Bernard Grech on the eve of Independence Day. He said that the country is locked in a struggle for transformation, but radical change can only be achieved if everyone works together.
In-Nazzjon features parts of a speech by PN Leader Bernard Grech during the Independence Day celebration in Floriana on Monday. He urged the public to unite as fellow Maltese and bring about the change in direction.
The Times follows a speech by PN Leader Bernard Grech expressing an ambition for Malta to become a technology hub capable of attracting the likes of Google. He criticised the government strategy seeking investment from companies such as Sadeen Group instead.
The Independent quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela who called the Labour Party the party of the future. Speaking at the end of the PL general conference, Abela highlighted a series of projects introduced by the party in government.
L-Orizzont says that Pfizer-BioNTech is expected to submit a request to the European Medicines Authority to allow the Covid-19 vaccination to be given to children under 12. Company studies showed that the jab is safe for children aged 5 to 11.
Morning Briefing
Tough decisions on governance necessary – PM Robert Abela
PM Robert Abela said that the economy will be seen as the key tool towards a better of quality of life for everyone. Addressing Labour supporters on Monday evening, Abela said that this will be the key rationale behind the upcoming budget.
PM Abela said that while economic growth remains important, it was essential to lessen the gap between the haves and the have-nots: this principle will guide Labour’s approach towards the economy. “This is our belief: better quality of life for everyone. A better quality of life was not just about income but also a healthier one, with more open and public spaces and higher standards for our country”.
On the latter issue, Abela said that “admittedly, we have not always reached expectations in this regard”, adding that Government will not shy from taking away the necessary decisions. He recalled that governance was an important aspect of his tenure, adding that he has undertaken so many reforms in the sector that at times he was criticized of acting too fast, insisting that a culture change was necessary in the manner. This befits a “proud Member State of the European Union”.
PM Robert Abela insisted on the importance of non-discrimination as part of the Party’s political mantra. “We believe in love, irrespective of gender, sexuality or colour of the skin”, he declared, to applause.
Abela also announced advanced proposals on a national metro system.
No obligations towards anyone should I be elected PM – Bernard Grech
Bernard Grech told supporters that should he be elected Prime Minister, he will lead according to the needs of the population, rather than being tied-up with obligations as the current administration is. He lambasted PM Robert Abela for failing to cut ties with Joseph Muscat despite the scandals that sinked the country in the past years.
Grech dedicated large chunks of his Independence eve speech to issues such as environment and health.
“It is time to fight back” on overdevelopment, with an investment in green and public spaces in localities. Grech insisted that the Nationalist Party will do its utmost to protect Malta’s coast, the agricultural land and will defend Malta’s shoreline against further development which was intended solely to ensure boat-owners can moor their boat closer to their home.
On health, he re-iterated his party’s claim that a PN Government would stop the situation were people suffering from terrible diseases such as cancer to have to beg to charities to get the required assistance.
“I want a more ambitious Malta”, Grech insisted, one in which challenges are transformed, into opportunities”, he added at the granaries.
Covid-19 Update: 22 new cases of coronavirus were reported on Monday, while 32 recovered. Active cases now stand at 574, 22 of which require hospitalisation of the patient. During the last 24 hours, two persons a man and a woman aged 99 and 90 respectively, passed away while Covid positive, taking the death count to 455.
CDE News
