Morning Briefing

Malta severs travel links with Italy: The Headlines – Malta Today

Malta Today reports that Malta has cut off all travel connections by sea and air with Italy to step up efforts against the spread of the virus. The Prime Minister,…

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Fourth coronavirus case registered: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent leads with the confirmation by Health Minister Chris Fearne of the fourth case of coronavirus in Malta. The patient has recently returned from a trip to northern Italy,…

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Government proposes new cohabitation law: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont says that the government is set to present a bill proposing one form of cohabitation by public act. The new law will replace de facto cohabitation, automatic cohabitation and…

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Adrian Delia calls for hospitals concession to be scrapped: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who said that the Prime Minister has enough information to withdraw the hospitals privatisation deal. Delia said that that the millions pumped into Vitals…

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Airlines suspend over 270 flights from MIA: The Headlines – The Times

The Times speaks to airport CEO Alan Borg who said that a total of 278 flights were cancelled by seven airlines as a precautionary measure against the virus spread. Borg…

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Generous contributions to national orchestra raise suspicions: The Headlines – The Times

The Times investigates a foundation that has donated more than €12 million to the National Philharmonic Orchestra over three years and discovers links with a Russian agency accused of acting…

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Fellow travelers of Covid-19 patients test negative: The Headlines – The Malta Independent

The Independent quotes Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Galea who said that a family which travelled to Italy with the three people diagnosed with Covid-19 have tested negative for the virus.…

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Robert Abela marks seven years of Labour government: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont covers an address by Prime Minister Robert Abela at a political event on Sunday commemorating seven years since the 2013 PL electoral victory. Abela spoke about social and economic…

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Adrian Delia says society needs more women in leadership: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon reports on a PN event on Sunday to mark International Women’s Day. Party Leader Adrian Delia said that society needs women at the forefront in every sector to change…

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Vitals directors agreed on eye-watering compensation for themselves: The Headlines – Malta Today

Malta Today reveals that Vitals directors Ram Tumuluri and Mark Edward Pawley signed a backdated engagement contract three months before selling the hospitals concession, awarding themselves €600,000 and €400,000 annually…

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Coronavirus arrives in Malta: The Headlines – The Sunday Times

The Sunday Times leads with the first reported cases of coronavirus in Malta as a 12-year old Italian girl and her parents, residents in Malta, tested positive. The family is…

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Health Minister says virus situation under control: The Headlines – The Malta Independent

The Independent on Sunday quotes Health Minister Chris Fearne after the confirmation of the first cases of the virus. He said that the affected family was observing the quarantine period,…

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Five people kept in quarantine: The Headlines – Illum

Illum reports on the first appearance of the coronavirus in Malta and says that five people are being held in quarantine. The paper publishes medical advice on precautions that people…

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Developers want new building commission: The Headlines – It-Torċa

It-Torċa speaks to two building contractors who are calling on authorities to set up a commission that safeguards the character of the traditional Maltese townscape and ensure better quality and…

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Minister concedes failures exposed in house collapse tragedy: The Headlines – Il-Mument

Il-Mument quotes Justice Minister Edward Zammit Lewis who admitted failure on the part of government and “all other players” in the circumstances that led to the death of Miriam Pace…

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Positive results for women in seven years: The Headlines – Kullħadd

Kulħadd says that women in Malta have accomplished ‘great advances’ since 2013 and lists a series of positive results including larger participation in tertiary education and managerial positions as well…

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Language schools bear the brunt of travel bans: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent reports that English Language Schools are witnessing mass cancellations due to the strict travel bans imposed by authorities to protect against the coronavirus. Language Schools are anticipating a…

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Malta will not simply replicate prostitution models in other countries: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont carries an interview with Parliamentary Secretary Rosianne Cutajar who said that the government will not simply copy an existing model for prostitution laws but wants a legal framework that…

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Cruise liner re-routes from Malta after doctors’ warning – The Headlines – The Times

The Times says that a cruise ship was refused entry by the government on Friday following coronavirus concerns. Doctors were threatening industrial actions if the MS Opera, with 2,000 passengers…

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PN assemblies discuss party renewal guidelines: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says that patients at Sir Paul Boffa hospital in Floriana are being discharged while uncertainty grows among employees. The paper says that the facility is likely to be turned…

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Archbishop blasts state institutions for construction tragedy: The Headlines – The Times

The Times speaks to the Archbishop who criticised “toothless cardboard institutions” for the lack of inspection and enforcement in the construction sector. He said that the fatal crumbling of a…

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PBS to ask for bailout: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says that the board of the Public Services Authority held an urgent meeting this week and is expected to request a bailout from Bank of Valletta that could “run…

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Tourism takes a hit from coronavirus: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent speaks to Hotels and Restaurants CEO Andrew Agius Muscat who said that the tourism sector has been negatively affected by the Covid-19 outbreak but dismissed fears that the…

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Roderick Grech murder case opens in court: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont follows the case in court against Etienne Bartolo, accused of stabbing Roderick Grech to death. The court heard that in his last words the victim cried the alleged killer’s…

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Air Malta to start flights to Ghana this year: The Headlines – The Malta Business Weekly

The Malta Business Weekly leads with plans by Air Malta to launch direct flights to Ghana from Malta in the second half of this year. The CEO of the Ghana…

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Trade mission to Ghana signs MOUs: The Headlines – Business Today

Business Today reports on a diplomatic and trade mission to Malta led by Economy Minister Silvio Schembri. The Maltese delegation signed five MOUs with counterparts in sectors including entrepreneurship and…

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Tourism feeling the virus threat: The Headlines – The Times

The Times carries an interview with Hotels and Restaurants Association President Tony Zahra discussing the effects of coronavirus on the industry. Zahra said that tourism has taken a hit as…

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Activist warns MPs on prostitution law proposals: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent follows a session of the Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs during which women’s rights activist Anna Borg argued that the legalisation of prostitution would be ‘a gift’ to…

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Social Partners meeting on coronavirus today: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont reports that constituted bodies will today discuss coronavirus developments at a special meeting in Castille and says that the General Workers Union will demand clarifications on issues surrounding quarantine.…

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Delia calls out construction reform failures: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon reports on the reactions to the tragedy in Ħamrun by PN Leader. Adrian Delia said that it is now clear that the building reform “quickly announced” by Minister Ian…

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Ram Tumuluri says he turned down €5 million entitlement: The Headlines – Malta Today

Malta Today carries a reaction by former Vitals Healthcare Group CEO Ram Tumuluri who denied claims that he gave himself a €5 million payment. He acknowledged, though, that the contract…

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Six people in custody in connection with Ħamrun collapse: The Headlines – The Times

The Times leads with the arrest of six people over the fatal construction accident in Ħamrun om Monday that left a woman dead under the collapse of her own home.…

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Prime Minister to order revision of building regulations: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont says that House Speaker accepted a request by Opposition Leader Adrian Delia to discuss Monday’s catastrophe at a Ħamrun construction site. Prime Minister Robert Abela announced a revision of…

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Miriam Pace remembered by family and acquaintances: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent follows reactions to the tragic death of Miriam Pace who was described as a “kind and devoted woman” by people who knew her. Pace’s daughter wrote on social…

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Victim died in her birthday week: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon says that Miriam Pace would have celebrated her 55th birthday this coming Sunday. The paper says that there is complete silence in the area after the collapse, with a…

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Magħtab farmers meet Prime Minister: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont covers a meeting between Prime Minister Robert Abela and Magħtab farmers at Castille. The farmers are objecting to expropriation plans to expand the WasteServ facility in the area onto…

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Ħamrun accident victim identified: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon reports the crumbling of the private house in Ħamrun and identifies the victim as a 55-year-old mother of two known to friends and family as Miriam Pace. The paper…

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Woman killed in house collapse next to construction site: The Headlines – The Times

The Times leads with the caving in of a house in Ħamrun on Monday afternoon, trapping 55-year-old Maria Assunta Pace under the rubble who was eventually found dead by rescuers.…

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Sex worker calls for decriminalisation: The Headlines – The Malta Independent

The Independent carries an interview with a sex worker who is advocating for decimalisation of sex work, arguing that it offers the safest conditions allowing workers to screen and refuse…

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Maltese Editors’ Viewpoints

The environment takes centre stage in the Maltese printed press this Tuesday morning, while politics and democracy dominate the English-speaking leaders. The latest Eurobarometer survey feeds the discussion for the…

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Melvin Theuma called on Castille after murder: The Headlines – The Times

The Times reveals that self-confessed middleman Melvin Theuma visited Castille for a second time three weeks after the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia. On this occasion he met with Keith Schembri’s…

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MEUSAC head confident direct EU funds could compensate for smaller budget: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent speaks to the head of the Malta-EU Steering Committee, Mandy Falzon, who said that if the country’s financial allocation in the EU Budget is reduced, Malta could still…

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MCESD to discuss Covid-19 implications: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont says that the Economic and Social Forum is expected to discuss the quarantine and leave mechanism at a meeting on the coronavirus this week. Health authorities will brief partners…

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Adrian Delia wants hospitals to be returned to the state: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who insisted that Malta can manage its own healthcare system and said that the opposition will not allow overseas companies to ‘rob families’ in…

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Adrian Delia trails Robert Abela by 37 points nationally: The Headlines – It-Torċa

It-Torċa publishes survey results indicating a 37-percentage point gap in trust ratings between Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition Leader Adrian Delia. The report says that the Labour Party would…

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Joseph Muscat coaxing international art dealer into launching precious wares freeport: The Headlines – Malta Today

Malta Today reveals that former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has written to Swiss art dealer Yves Bouvier proposing the setting up of a Freeport for precious goods in Malta. Known…

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European Commission urges Malta to prepare for sustainability challenges: The Headlines – The Independent on Sunday

The Independent on Sunday quotes the Malta Semester Report by the European Commission which warns that while the country’ economy is growing fast it is also facing long-term sustainability challenges.…

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Steward Healthcare owes millions in tax arrears: The Headlines – The Sunday Times

The Sunday Times speaks to government sources who said that US healthcare prover must pay back between €12 and €15 million in taxes and social security arrears or risk being…

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Leadership election casualties in the Labour Party: The Headlines- Illum

Illum says that following the sacking of Randolph Debattista from PL CEO, other officials within the party are being side-lined. Among them, a member of the Fearne leadership election team…

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New MPs for Districts 9 and 12 to be elected by mid-March: The Headlines – Kullħadd

Kullħadd reports that the causal elections for the parliamentary seats vacated by MPs Simon Busuttil and Marthese Portelli are likely to be held on March 13. There are 23 candidates…

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Magħtab farmers block major road in protest: The Headlines – Il-Mument

Il-Mument reports on a protest by Magħtab farmers on Saturday where they blocked the roads with farming equipment. Full-time farmers said that they were not consulted over plans to expand…

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Jump in Maltese dissatisfied with state of democracy: The Headlines – The Times

The Times quotes a Eurobarometer survey conducted over the last two weeks of November showing that 46 percent of people in Malta were dissatisfied with the state of democracy, a…

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Chamber of Commerce frustrated by lack of clarity over virus: The Headlines – The Independent

The Independent says that the Chamber of Commerce is calling for ‘clarity’ on the coronavirus and its possible impact on industrial relations. The Chamber expressed disappointment at the cancellation of…

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GWU requests urgent MCESD meeting over Covid-19: The Headlines – L-Orizzont

L-Orizzont says that the General Workers Union has written to the president of the Council for Economic and Social Development request a meeting to discuss the coronavirus. GWU secretary general…

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Magħtab farmers file judicial protest against WasteServ expansion: The Headlines – In-Nazzjon

In-Nazzjon reports that 25 farmers with land in Magħtab have filed a judicial protest against plans published in the government gazette to expropriate agricultural property to increase the WasteServ plant…

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Today’s Editors’ Viewpoints

With the exception of one editor, today’s leading op-eds give their readers a break from viral analysis – focusing on different facets of democracy, as enshrined through Carnival, Union membership…

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Marthese Portelli resigns from Parliament: The Headlines – The Times

The Times leads with the resignation of Opposition MP Marthese Portelli from parliament. She announced her decision in a social media post on Thursday where she said she would “cherish”…

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