A varied agenda greets readers today as editors tackle prostitution, governance, the environment and Valletta’s woes.
The Independent leads with the current discussion on prostitution, arguing that Malta lacks the necessary spaces to discuss topics of a sexual nature, particularly a number of subjects which are still taboo. At the same time, Malta has jumped head-first in such discussion without the necessary groundwork being made. The completely decriminalization of this industry will require further insights, particularly of the sex workers themselves.
The Times of Malta dedicated its Editorial to Malta’s capital city – Valletta, and its struggles. The Editor notes that although according to a KPMG report states that the Maltese economy generated a total investment of €678 million, as a direct result of Valletta’s tenure as European Capital of Culture, this economic boost did not seem to result in a increase of community satisfaction among the city’s residents. A recent project led by Andrew Azzopardi, Dean of the Faculty for Social Well-being, has found that citizens are worried about the gentrification of the city, lack of accessibility and the death of welfare support.
In-Nazzjon leads with a quote by Pope Francis highlighting the need for elected officials should primarily seek human dignity and the common good. The Editor argues that a number of Labour politicians have failed the population, but only token – or no – punitive measures were taken in their regard. The concept of political responsibility, concludes the Editor, is practically non-existent, citing Minister Ian Borg’s attitude following the collapse of a house in Hamrun.
L-Orizzont’s leading op-ed focuses on the need for greater respect towards our environment. While welcoming Government’s efforts at improving the environment on a national scale, citing projects such as the planting of new trees, the better quality of energy production and new projects such as Ta’ Qali extension, it calls for further similar projects in village cores, including through the creation of pedestrian areas.
