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Vast majority of Maltese expect standard of living to worsen – Eurobarometer:
According to aEurobarometer survey, a significant majority of Maltese citizens anticipate a decline in their standardof living next year. The findings indicate that 85% of respondents expect a downturn in 2024, with50% currently perceiving that things are headed in the wrong direction. This data, encompassingcitizens across all member states, comes to light six months ahead of the European Parliamentelections scheduled for June 6 to 9 next year.
Backbench PL MP implies Malta’s energy subsidy leads to waste
Malcolm Paul AgiusGalea, a backbench Labour Party MP, suggested that Malta’s generous energy subsidy might encouragehigher energy consumption. During the parliamentary session’s conclusion, Agius Galea focused onclimate change and emphasised the need to address consumption habits. Despite acknowledgingMalta’s efforts in clean energy production, particularly through solar power, he expressed concernthat the subsidy might lead to a casual attitude among people, allowing them to waste energy,presuming affordability due to subsidised bills. Importantly, he clarified that he wasn’t advocating forhigher energy bills, highlighting the subsidy’s positive impact in assisting the public.
‘Opposition motion on Rosianne Cutajar should include PN MPs,’ says Labour whip:
Labour Whip AndyEllul has suggested that the Opposition revise its parliamentary motion regarding Rosianne Cutajar’s consultancy with the Institute of Tourism Studies. Ellul proposes focusing the motion on assessing the attendance and work hours of PN MPs in their government roles, suggesting that it scrutinise their clock-in and clock-out times. If necessary, the motion could seek reimbursement from MPs who havenot fulfilled their obligations. The recent Auditor-General’s report labelled the process through which Cutajar obtained her ITS position as “fraudulent,” “irregular,” and in violation of policies, raising concerns about the actual work performed in her role during her tenure as a Labour MP.
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SME Chamber head calls for change in government procurement methodology
Abigail Agius Mamo, CEO of the Malta Chamber of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SME), has advocated for a fundamental shift in the approach to government tenders and procurement. She emphasized the necessity of altering the structure of tender calls, underscoring the significance of prioritizing quality over the allure of selecting the most inexpensive option.
Mamo urged the government to prioritize “value for money,” proposing that by emphasizing quality rather than solely focusing on cost, businesses could sidestep the need to compromise on standards in a race to underbid one another. Expressing apprehensions regarding the contracting department’s condition, Mamo highlighted that despite its substantial expertise, it has been maintained at a level below its optimal state. (Maltatoday)
Zurrieq burglary victim still unable to communicate, Court told
Joseph Carabott, who was a victim of a robbery in Żurrieq in August, remains hospitalized and is currently unable to communicate. According to medical expert Mario Scerri, who provided testimony during the continuation of the evidence compilation against three individuals accused of the robbery, the victim sustained head injuries allegedly inflicted by the accused during the incident. They purportedly assaulted him, tied him up, and carried out the theft. Carabott was discovered lying face down in his store. Donna Borg Sciberras, aged 29, Mohamed Anas Boualam, aged 37, and Zuhair Hadoumi, aged 26, have been brought before the Court regarding this matter. All three have pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted homicide, severe injury, unlawful detainment, and aggravated theft. (TVM)
Women’s national team seals historic Nations League promotion
Malta’s women’s national team secured an extraordinary promotion to League B of the UEFA Nations League, a success so far unparalleled by their male counterparts. Despite trailing by a goal at the Centenary stadium, the team staged a remarkable comeback, clinching a 2-1 victory over Latvia. Going into the decisive match, Malta required just one point to claim the top position in their League C group. This accomplishment stands as a historic milestone in Maltese football history, marking the women’s national team as the first senior Malta squad to achieve promotion in the UEFA Nations League.
