News

Malta: Tourism sector foresees two-thirds drop in visitors

The Independent speaks to the president of the Hotels and Restaurants Association, Tony Zahra, who said that the most optimistic scenarios for tourism in 2021 predict 1.3 million individual arrivals,…

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Malta: Public Health Superintendent denies resignation claims

The Times claims that disagreements have developed between the Office of the Prime Minister and health authorities over fears of a new wave of Covid-19 infections. Rumours that the Public…

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Malta: Healthcare unions appeal for extension of measures

In-Nazzjon quotes a joint statement by the medical association and the UĦM union, representing healthcare workers, which is requesting the delay in relaxation of Covid-19 measures by two weeks to…

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Malta: Active coronavirus cases reach 125 again

L-Orizzont reports that 13 new tests returned positive from over 1,300 swabs between Wednesday and Thursday. Three patients were also confirmed recovered and the number of active cases stands at…

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Maltese Editors’ Perspectives

The anticipation of the re-opening of a number of outlets particularly in the hospitality and restaurant sector takes centre stage in today’s Editorials. The Times of Malta looks at the…

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Malta: Economic sentiment indicator down in first quarter

The Malta Business Weekly reports that that confidence in most business sectors in Malta was showing a decline even before the coronavirus outbreak. The Economic Sentiment Indicator for the first…

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Malta: Relatives of drowned migrants file judicial protest against PM

The Times leads with a judicial protest against the Prime Minister, the Home Affairs Minister, and the Armed Forces commander filed by relatives of immigrants who died last month in…

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Malta: PN launches national economic recovery plan

In-Nazzjon covers the launch of an economic recovery plan based on ten priorities by the Nationalist Party. PN Leader Adrian Delia said that the “Plan for Malta” document has been…

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Malta: Teens enjoy low life satisfaction

The Independent quotes a WHO study which finds that adolescents in Malta have one of the lowest rates of life satisfaction as well as the highest rates of obesity compared…

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Malta: Company to add 100 new workers

L-Orizzont reports that medical products company Baxter is recruiting 100 new employees. Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said that the government will continue to work with the private sector to turn…

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Malta: Government threatens veto over migrant sharing deal

Malta Today reveals that the government is threatening to veto the appointment of the commander nominated to run Operation Irini unless EU countries burden-sharing of migrants kept on tourist boats…

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Malta: Panama Papers auditors acquire new licence

The Times reports that Nexia BT has been licenced by the Digital Innovation Authority to perform auditing of internal IT systems of high-risk entities such as cryptocurrency exchanges. Another story…

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Malta: Hairdressers raise doubts over new protocol

The Independent speaks to a representative of the Federation of Hair and Beauty who said that some of the requirements for hair salons announced by the government may be difficult…

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Malta: Tourism Minister says safety is the highest priority

L-Orizzont quotes Tourism Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli who said that infringement of safety protocols by catering establishments will not be tolerated when they return to business this weekend. The paper…

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Malta: PN and Chamber of Commerce discuss future of the economy

In-Nazzjon covers a meeting between the Nationalist Party and the Chamber of Commerce to discuss the way forward after the pandemic. PN Leader Adrian Delia said that the country needs…

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Malta: Restaurants and hairdressers reopen on Friday

The Independent follows a government announcement about the relaxation of more restrictive measures. Hairdressers, beauticians, and restaurants can return to business from this Friday. The paper speaks to Chamber of…

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Malta: Social distancing rules relaxed

The Times says that the number of people allowed to gather in public spaces will go up from four to six as social distancing rules are eased. Gyms, bars, and…

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Malta: Opposition publishes Constitutional reform proposals

In-Nazzjon reports the publication of proposals by the Opposition on Constitutional reform. Opposition Leader Adrian Delia said that the recommendations seek to empower citizens and to ensure that politicians truly…

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Malta: Prime Minister says new measures are guided by evidence

L-Orizzont quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela who said that relaxation of measures is based on scientific facts. He expressed satisfaction at the way the country has managed the coronavirus emergency.…

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Malta: Pre-fab hospital plans discarded

The Independent follows a radio interview with Prime Minister Robert Abela who said that plans for the prefabricated hospital have been scrapped as the number of Covid-19 cases have remained…

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Malta: Robert Abela says higher numbers reflect added tests

L-Orizzont quotes the Prime Minister who argued that the coronavirus situation is positive despite a rise in new cases in recent days. Robert Abela explained that more infections were detected…

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Malta: More businesses to open this week

The Times quotes the Prime Minister who said that bars, restaurants, and hairdressers will be allowed to reopen by the end of the week. He said that catering establishments may…

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Malta: Delia says PM and deputy locked in personal feud

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who said that Prime Minister Robert Abela is making ‘irresponsible decisions’ out of rivalry with Health Minister Chris Fearne. Delia said that people will…

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Malta: Opposition to launch Constitutional reform proposal

Il-Mument says that the Opposition will, on Monday, publish its proposals on the Constitutional reform. Opposition Leader Adrian Delia urged the government to ‘take a step back’ and listen to…

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Malta: Changes expected to the police complaints board

The Independent on Sunday claims that a minister’s wife and a PL electoral candidate sit on a three-member police complaints board. Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri confirmed the information but…

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Malta: TV presenter files company against MP

Kullħadd says that TV presenter Karl Stagno Navarra requested the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life to investigate Opposition MP Karol Aquilina for obstruction of order following claims that the…

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Malta: Over two-fifths want Covid-19 measures eased

The Sunday Times publishes survey results which show that 44 percent of people want restrictive measures to be relaxed, up from 26 percent two weeks ago. The share of those…

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Malta: Retail sector requests help from PM

Illum says that 64 business owners representing 130 retail stores have written to the Prime Minister appealing for help and a plan. The letter describes the current situation as ‘catastrophic’…

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Malta: Economic fallout of coronavirus is being managed

It-Torċa compares ten key economic indicators this year with the same period in 2019 to assess the impact of Covid-19. The paper says the results show that the effects of…

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Malta: Government pushing for obligatory EU migrant-sharing system

Malta Today reveals that the EU Commission’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs spoke with Foreign Affairs Minister Evarist Bartolo about migrants held aboard two tourist boats. The government is seeking…

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Malta: Authorities propose safe passage with nine countries

The Times says that Malta is pursuing the idea of tourism corridors with countries that were not heavily impacted by the outbreak. The nine proposed countries are Luxembourg, Norway, Serbia,…

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Malta: Third Captain Morgan boat to pick up migrants at sea

In-Nazzjon says that a third Captain Morgan boat has set out to assist migrants adrift in Maltese waters. The paper claims that the public expenditure rises up to €9,000 daily,…

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Malta: Public employees to lose allowances

The Independent reveals that several public sector employees will not receive work-related allowances including time-in-lieu overtime, disturbance, or transport allowance for the period that they have been working from home.…

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Malta: Trade unions focus on jobs guarantee amid crisis

L-Orizzont speaks to General Workers Union secretary general Josef Bugeja who welcomed the news that Malta has the fifth-lowest rate of precarious jobs in the EU. Bugeja said that the…

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Malta: Crunch time for ALPA-Air Malta negotiations

The Independent quotes Economy Minister Silvio Schembri who said that the coming two weeks are a ‘delicate’ phase in talks between Air Malta and the pilots’’ association. The minister said…

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Malta: Tourism industry looking at five-year recovery period

The Times quotes an EY survey among hotel executives which shows that the industry is generally looking at 2020 as a loss-making year. Hoteliers say that tourism will take up…

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Malta: Highest surge in Covid-19 cases in a month

In-Nazzjon says that seven of the coronavirus cases reported on Thursday were healthcare professionals while the other seven were locally transmitted. The number of positive tests is the highest 24-hour…

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Malta: Third fatal road accident in a week

L-Orizzont says that Malta has ranked as the top country in Europe for gay rights for the fifth consecutive year. Malta scored 89 on 100 in classifications by the European…

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Malta: Gaming association chief warns about impacts to sector

Business Today carries an interview with the chairman of association of iGaming companies, Enrico Bradamante who wanted that a change in attitude towards illegal gambling in Sweden could affect the…

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Malta: Sixth Covid-19 victim was Prof. Aaron Casha

The Malta Business Weekly leads with the death of Prof. Aaron Casha, the sixth victim of the coronavirus in Malta. The 53-year-old was consultant cardiothoracic surgeon and an Academic at…

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Malta: Opposition demands 30c decrease in fuel prices

In-Nazzjon quotes Opposition spokesperson for Energy Ryan Callus who said that diesel prices in Malta are the highest in Europe while petrol prices are the second-highest. The Nationalist Party is…

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Malta: Public appointments to be made by Cabinet, not PM

The Times quotes a letter by the government to the European Commission for Democracy which said that high-ranking officials will start being appointed by the Cabinet instead of the Prime…

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Malta: Chamber of SMEs propose national campaign to revive economy

L-Orizzont carries a report by the Chamber for SMEs which found that businesses that returned to trade last week did not make much sales. The Chamber is proposing a national…

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Malta: Education Minister unveils think-tank

The reports on an announcement by Education Minister Owen Bonnici about the setting up of a think-tank on the future of education. The seven-member team does not include teachers or…

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Malta: Probe into potential revolving doors situation

Malta Today says that an inquiry has been launched by the Justice Ministry to investigate the case of a lawyer who left the AG’s office to join Yorgen Fenech’s defence…

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Blood from Maltese patients used in European coronavirus study: The Headline – The Independent

The Independent reveals that plasma containing antibodies from patients who have recovered from Covid-19 will be used as treatment for other patients. Malta is taking part in a European study…

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Malta: Financial services watchdog doubles down on breaches

L-Orizzont says that the Financial Services Authority issued 12 administrative sanctions since the start of the year, more than were delivered over an entire year in 2019. The watchdog says…

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Malta: Air Malta deciding on flights on day at a time

The Times speaks to an Air Malta spokesperson who confirms that the carrier is making day-by-day decisions about flights beyond the end of May. Until now, the airline was cancelling…

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Malta: Tourism sector worried about economic outlook

In-Nazzjon quotes the Hotels and Restaurants Association which expressed concerns over the state of the economy. The association said that members are unable to keep paying salaries for much longer.…

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Malta: MFSA focusing on anti-money laundering

The Independent quotes the 2019 annual report of the financial services watchdog which prioritises the fight against money laundering and financial crimes. The paper says the sector represents five percent…

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Malta: Four candidates for Police Commissioner

L-Orizzont says that the applicants for the role of Police Commissioner have a background in the force and law. The paper names Herman Mula, May Muscat, Frankie Sammut and Sandro…

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Malta: Boats keeping migrants cost €3,000 daily

The Times quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela who told parliament that the tourist boats holding migrants at sea cost a total €6,000 daily. A Captain Morgan boat was sent out…

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Malta: Government silent on Standards Commissioner report

In-Nazzjon says that the government has not reacted to a report by the Commissioner of Standards in Public Life showing that ministers have used public funds to boost content on…

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Malta: Chamber of Commerce calls for further support to business

The Times quotes the president of the Chamber of Commerce David Xuereb who urged government to extend financial aid to all business sectors. Xuereb said that the main priority was…

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Malta: Prime Minister says country exiting pandemic

L-Orizzont quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela who declared that the country is coming out of the coronavirus emergency. He praised authorities for their work throughout the pandemic and said the…

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Malta: Maltese letters permitted for names but not surnames

The Independent speaks to a spokesperson from the parliamentary secretariat for citizenship who confirmed that Maltese characters will soon be allowed for registration of names. However, letters cannot be used…

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Malta: Adrian Delia says mothers are an example to society

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who said that the nation should take the example of mothers to build a genuinely caring society. The party held a special conference to…

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