Updated 1300
Knife incident at Naxxar school leads to investigation
A girl reportedly chased another student on the Naxxar Middle School grounds while holding a butter knife taken from the staff kitchen. This alarming event has led the education authorities to initiate an investigation, causing concern and fear among students and staff members. The Malta Union of Teachers, in a statement issued on Thursday morning, confirmed its communication with the Education Ministry regarding the incident. The union expressed its commitment to ensuring that the school receives the necessary support and that appropriate sanctions are implemented. This effort aims to address the incident effectively and prioritize the well-being and safety of the students and staff involved. (Times of Malta)
Parl Sec expresses concern on abortion conviction
Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg, has expressed her concern over a recent case involving a woman who was convicted of having an abortion. Buttigieg, echoing the Prime Minister’s earlier statement, expressed disappointment that something they had hoped would never happen, has occured. Buttigieg noted the surprising lack of reaction from human rights NGOs. She described the case as “shocking,” highlighting that the woman was in an abusive relationship and that her partner reported her abortion to the authorities. (Maltatoday)
PA says more than 3,000 homeowners sought funds to restore old property
According to the Planning Authority, over the past few years, it has allocated over €27 million to the Irrestawra Darek (Restore your Home) scheme, benefiting more than 3,000 homeowners with properties located in Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs). The a majority of these properties are situated in Sliema, Valletta, and B’Kara.
Morning Briefing
Report finds bullying, financial mismanagement at San Andrea
An investigation into misconduct allegations at San Andrea School has determined that several claims made by its former assistant head lacked evidence. However, the school acknowledged that the top management failed to initiate disciplinary measures in multiple instances, as highlighted in Judge David Scicluna’s 73-page report commissioned by the school board. The report also highlighted a longstanding issue of bullying and arrogance, emphasizing that a school should not be operated like a personal domain. Furthermore, concerns were raised regarding the financial management practices of the private school. (Times of Malta)
Govt appoints two Directors on Lombard
Government has appointed its first two directors on the board of Lombard Bank, on behalf of the main institutional shareholder, the National Development & Social Fund – the fund which administers the proceeds of passport sales. Former PN international secretary John Bonello, SME Chamber president Paul Abela, will represent the NDSF on Lombard Bank. In 2018, the NDSF obtained a 49% stake in Lombard Bank. This investment, valued at approximately €51 million, aimed to facilitate the exit of the defunct Cyprus Popular Bank. The acquisition was undertaken as a protective measure to ensure the stability of Lombard Bank, which holds ownership of Maltapost, the primary postal service in Malta. (Maltatoday)
Democracy concerns on the rise
Concern about Malta’s democratic credentials appears to have increased significantly in the past months. According to a recent Eurobarometer study conducted by the European Parliament in March 2023, approximately half of the Maltese population expressed unhappiness with the functioning of democracy in Malta. The study, which gathered responses from over 26,000 Maltese participants, revealed that 49% reported being unsatisfied, while another 49% claimed to be satisfied, and 2% were unsure. In comparison, when assessing the perception of democracy in the European Union as a whole, 61% of the Maltese respondents expressed satisfaction. The study aimed to gauge public opinion across the EU member states in preparation for the 2024 EU MEP elections, focusing on the European Parliament and life within the EU.
