Thursday’s full newspaper racks provide us with a variety of discussion leads. While the recent Hamrun tragedy continues to dominate editorial reflections, the economy, migration and AI also make their way in today’s leading opinion articles.
The Times of Malta delves into the current threat posed by conflicts in Libya and Syria which could realistically cause a significant migratory outflow. The Editor notes that the European Union still seems to be unprepared for such a crisis despite the threats, with no plans, mechanisms or political will to act. With Malta’s position as a frontline state, this will certainly create a matter of concern in the coming months.
The Independent latches on a recent European Commission report which found that there is a significant reliance on foreign workers in Malta while at the same time no strategy to keep these same workers in Malta for a longer period. According to the Editor, this demonstrates lack of foresight by the Government leading to intense stress on the country’s infrastructure and green areas. The Editorial calls for an upskilling programme and a re-focus of our educational system, which according to the same Commission report is currently not providing the necessary return on the significant investment being placed within it.
The Business Weekly focuses on a white paper issued earlier in February by the European Commission on artificial intelligence, which the Editor hopes the Maltese Government will strongly oppose. Claiming that the commission underestimates the extent to which the US and China are dominating the AI Market, the Editorial argues that the Commission has not fully captured the multiple facets of the digital revolution and that the EU, for the time being, is simply not a player in this field.
The Business Today keep up the pressure on the authorities following this week’s Hamrun house collapse, noting that a rather recent report, published in October, has flagged as a concern the tendency to accept compromised quality to cut costs. If developers are unable to shoulder the higher costs that come with safer work practices, they should not be venturing into this sector. Cutting corners has to stop, concludes the leading op-ed.
L-Orizzont argues that while regulations are in place, there seems to be an excessive haste to finish off construction projects in view of the amount of projects going on around the island. This adds the risk of similar accidents. In view of this, stronger enforcement was required to ensure that no such tragedies happen again.
In-Nazzjon describes this strategy as simply unacceptable, and the result not solely of an isolated incident but of weakened legislation, institutions and morals. The editor welcomes the Prime Minister’s commitment to not tolerate such situations any longer but it was now a time for action rather than statements, to ensure that Miriam Pace’s sacrifice is ultimately vindicated.
