Good morning
Your Sunday Morning Briefing with a review of Malta’s Newspapers’ front pages and the headlines from around the world.
MaltaToday says that Cabinet rejected a proposal allowing non-EU residents to vote in local council elections. Equality and EU Affairs Minister presented a position paper which would give third country nationals voting rights in local elections.
The Malta Independent leads with a story about Neville Gafa’ journey to Libya last week, saying it took place just days after a magistrate decided he would hear Libyan witnesses who are levelling charges against the government official in a visa-racket case. The paper says the visit could be seen as an attempt by Gafa’ to influence the witnesses.
The Times reports that sources close to the police investigation into 17 Black disclosed that the probe will “eventually” also examine links to Chief of Staff Keith Schembri and Minister Konrad Mizzi. The paper says the investigation is first establishing facts about the ownership of the once-secret company.
Another story in MaltaToday says that Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne is actively campaigning for the leadership of the Labour Party, meeting party delegates and the business community. The paper says that party employees have been warned not to canvass for contenders from the Headquarters in Ħamrun.
The Times reveals that an FIAU report into money-laundering activities of a Maltese operation in Soho has been passed to the police for criminal investigation, and that the police are also examining possible links to PN Leader Adrian Delia. Contacted by the newspaper, Delia said he finds it “bizzarre” that he would be subject of an investigation, reportedly started in March, when we was never contacted about it.
The Malta Independent says that the Electoral Commission expressed concerns that the new electronic voting system underwent modifications without its consent ahead of a mock vote held on Saturday. The contractor carried out changes after a first test in November saw the scanners unable to read as many as 40 percent of the ballot sheets.
Illum reveals that government will likely legislate in favour of the one-year-minimum rental system suggested in the white paper on the rental market reform. Sources told the newspaper that the government intends to keep a balance between those who called for longer renting periods and those who are against setting a minimum renting period.
It-Torċa announces that the Air Malta fleet will be overhauled over the next five years, quoting from an interview with Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi. The paper says the national airline will upgrade its products and invest in new routes.
In other stories, It-Torċa speaks to House Speaker Angelo Farrugia who defended the ruling demanding news site The Shift News to alter the content of a published article in November and rejected claims that this was a matter of censorship. L-Orizzont quotes Parliamentary Secretary Aaron Farrugia who says that the EU Budget is a priority to the government.
Kulħadd says that the case against BWSC power plant agent Joe Mizzi is still ongoing and that the accused wants to avoid testifying in court afraid of incriminating himself. The paper says that payments of millions of euros were never found on Mizzi’s accounts.
Illum follows up on a story about unstable working conditions at the Gozo General Hospital and says that Stewart Healthcare is now reviewing employee contracts that. The paper revealed that workers were engaged on short-term contracts, renewed every few months.
Il-Mument carries and interview with PN Leader Adrian Delia about the NAO investigation into the Electrogas power station. Delia says that the country is paying around €100 million more every year to make up for the deal between Minister Konrad Mizzi and Electrogas.
In another story, Il-Mument speaks to PN Secretary General who says that the General Council concluded last week sent a strong message the people are the priority for the party.
In other news we read:
French government considers state of emergency over ‘gilets jaunes’ protests
USA and China agree to stop trade tariffs for 90 days and to resume talks
Trump and Putin hold brief encounter during G20 dinner
I will be the Prime Minister who will take Britain out of the EU – Theresa May at G20
Besides Brexit, Britain is revisiting the selection process for the Eurovision contest
Too early to return Ukrainian sailors and naval vessels – Vladimir Putin
Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador sworn in as Mexico’s President
Christmas Tree lit in Betlehem
