Employment, justice and EU Funding: these three key themes find their way in the leading op-eds of Malta’s four newspapers available at newsstands today.
The Times’ Editorial analyses the recovery fund announced earlier this week by the EU, a show of solidarity by the Union. While welcoming the significant commitment being set out by the European institutions, the Editor notes that funds will be partially repaid back through measures which reflect EU policy such as digital taxes. The Editor argues that the recovery fund is good news for those who believe the EU needs more integration and solidarity. It is less so for countries like Malta that stand to lose through more integration on fiscal matters.
The Independent turns its focus on the maladministration of justice. While giving the benefit of the doubt to the majority of judges and magistrates, the Editorial argues that way too often sentences meted out were too lenient or too harsh. or two different culprits found guilty of similar crimes get very different punishments. It also recalls that some people should be investigated and brought to book, but this does not happen. Some people continue to enjoy life as free men and women even though they should at least face investigators. Conversely, the small fish is then persecuted by officers for slight misdemeanours, hauled quickly to court and dealt with unceremoniously.
In-Nazzjon analyses yesterday’s data release by the NSO concerning unemployment, which has risen to over 10,000 since the beginning of the year. The Editor argues that those at the lower-end of the income spectrum will suffer the most from the current crisis and expresses hope that swift, decisive measures are introduced to support the country’s economic recovery.
Employment was also L-Orizzont’s key message, with the Editor highlighting the important role JobsPlus is playing in the current situation. It refers to the increased training and re-skilling initiatives undertaken in the past months which have continued through the use of technology. It also highlights the importance of online courses which are being delivered for specific job requirements, such as care workers or food handling which are among the two most required competences at the agency.
