On the second day of the week, Maltese Editors tackles four different issues, covering oil prices, health, early school leavers and the price of energy.
The Times of Malta praises the decision by the Minister for the Environment and Planning, Aaron Farrugia, to repeal the 2015 Fuel Services Station Policy and replace it with one that better protects the environment. The Editor notes that the 2015 policy had led to abuse in the approval of many controversial applications by placing fuel stations on virgin land. The revised policy, which has been several years in the making, and under consultation for almost a year, makes a number of key changes, including stopping this abuse and imposing a cap on the overall number of fuel stations which will be permitted.
The Independent’s Editorial focuses on comments made by former PN Health Minister Joe Cassar who heaped praise on the authorities’ response to the current pandemic from a health perspective. The Editor once again highlights the dedication shown by healthcare professionals in achieving the results seen so far. It also highlights Cassar’s recommendation to parents to ensure that children continue to follow a timetable during these challenging times.
In-Nazzjon reflects on the current price of oil which has gone down in some markets into negative territory, while recalling that Maltese consumers are still paying hefty prices in view of the deals signed by Labour with Azeri and Chinese interests.
L-Orizzont tackles the challenge of early school leaving, asking the authorities to provide more up to date information on the matter. The editor insists that new jobs which have been attracted to our shores require new competences and effective training programmes need to be developed to assist those that fall out of the educational system at a young age. The Editor argues that if the country’s businesses do not find the right skills among the local population they will have no choice but to import workers.
