Your morning briefing, brings you a review of the main headlines and news from Malta’s front pages and also the main news outlets.
News Paper Review
MaltaToday reports that two doctors who revealed the helicopter incident at the Gozo General Hospital in August, in which a patient died, have been transferred to Malta. Steward Healthcare said that it was the doctors themselves who requested the transfer.
The Sunday Times quotes a report which claims that the cost of corruption in Malta is equivalent to €725 million, estimated at 8.65 percent of the economy. The report publishes a study by the European Greens on the cost of corruption across EU members.
The Independent on Sunday speaks to couples waiting to begin IVF procedures who contradict claims made recently by the Prime Minister and the Health Minister about the success of the service. One couple says that the IVF clinic is currently closed and that “not a single cycle” has taken place.
In another story, The Sunday Times says that allegations published by the paper that PN Leader Adrian Delia was linked to a police investigation did not lead to any action within the party. It quotes a source who says that the party structures have not discussed the matter and that it is business as usual.
Illum says that Portuguese MEP Ana Gomes has called out the PN Leader on the alleged connection to a prostitution network in London and insists that he resigns. The outspoken MEP from the Socialist political family said Adrian Delia is undermining the fight against corruption.
In an interview with The Independent on Sunday, Air Malta chairman dismissed claims that the company is looking for a strategic partner and said it is currently focused on growth. The chairman said that this year the national carrier broke even on the operational side.
It-Torċa reports that Air Malta routes increased by more than 20 percent this year, totalling 110 connections up from 91. The paper quotes Tourism Minster Konrad Mizzi who describe the increase as a strategic step.
Another story in MaltaToday says that former PBS chief executive admitted to the Industrial Tribunal that he has recorded board meetings without consent and passed the audio to third parties.
It-Torċa says that a series of international factor will make the cost of buying energy from the interconnector with Sicily much more expensive than that provided by the Electrogas plant. In another story, It-Torċa covers an address by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat at the Congress of Socialist parties in Lisbon where he urged fellow political leaders to challenge and provoke.
Il-Mument says that the government is considering a referendum on the introduction of abortion in Malta. In another story, the paper reports that the Nationalist Party is holding a fundraising event in view of the elections in 2019.
