These are today’s main news from Malta as reported by Malta’s news portals.
Malta’s leaders, this evening delivered messages of love, peace and unity at the Milied Flimkien event, the traditional activity in which political and church leaders address the nation on the eve of Christmas week. The President said that Christmas is for everyone not only for Christians. She said it is a time to open our hearts to everyone. Our children and youths are the ones who set this example of positivity and altruism. Malta Independent
The Planning Authority had a full day of decisions on developments. TVM says that the proposed Students Residence on the University grounds in Tal-Qroqq was approved, building 690 units and 465 parking spaces. The Malta Independent reports that the luxury residence development in Swieqi on the site of the former Halland Hotel was also given the green light by the Authority. Meanwhile, MaltaToday says that the PA demanded more information on the modifications planned for the Manoel Island project and the decision was, thus, postponed.
Neville Gafa’ has been voluntarily working for the Office of the Prime Minister since he was dismissed from the Ministry for Health last week. Principal permanent secretary Mario Cutajar told The Times that Gafa’ has no official designation but the paper says sources said he still reports for duty at Castille.
Malta ranks 91st out of 149 countries in the Global Gender Gap index complied by the World Economic Forum. The Shift News says Malta sits second from bottom among western countries, registering a gap of 30 percent between the genders. The index measures differences between men and women in four key areas: health, education, economy, and politics.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that one of the first reforms planned for the coming year is the equal representation of genders in Parliament. One News follows the exchange of new year’s greetings with President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.
Birdlife Malta reported 41 illegalities in 10 days, including discovering 11 unregistered trapping sites. LovinMalta publishes a video showing breaches spotted by the Birdlife Malta in various areas in Malta and Gozo.
An anti-drug operation that started on Tuesday uncovered more than 5,000 kilogrammes of cannabis resin hidden in a container at the Malta Freeport. Net News says this represents the second-largest drug haul by the Customs Department with a market value of €450,000.
Konrad Mizzi failed to turn up in court for a hearing about a case he filed himself. Newsbook picks up a post by PN MEP David Casa who described the situation ‘incredible’ and accused the Minister of using every means to escape justice.
