News

Malta: Airport grounds expansion project

The Sunday Times speaks to Malta Airport CEO Alan Borg who said that a €100 million investment to revamp the airport has been put on hold after the disruption in…

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Malta: Banks are halting home loans

Illum says that banks are reviewing sanction letters for the sale of properties and rolling back loans because of a depression in salaries and unemployment. Notaries told the paper that,…

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Malta: Chamber of SMEs pitching new proposals

The Independent on Sunday says that the Chamber of SMEs is in talks with the government over fresh support measures for businesses. CEO Abigail Mamo said that more businesses are…

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Malta: Government to reopen compensation scheme for pre-1979 corps

Kullħadd announces the renewal of a government scheme to pay arrears to members of public corps established before 1979, including port handlers and the police force. The paper says that…

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Malta: Adrian Delia criticises PM for seeking Joseph Muscat’s advice

Il-Mument quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who said that, in consulting Joseph Muscat on the economy, Prime Minister Robert Abela is sending a message that he will not turn the…

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Malta: State rescue package sevenfold of world average

It-Torċa quotes a study by the Centre for Economic Policy Research which says that Malta’s financial response to the coronavirus is seven times higher that the world average. The paper…

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Malta: Hoteliers recommend safe Malta-Sicily travel area

The Times says that the hotels and restaurants association is proposing a controlled travel zone between Malta and Sicily to boost tourism in both islands. Association president, Tony Zahra, said…

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Malta: Attorney General irked by employee’s change of jobs

The Independent speaks to Attorney General Peter Grech who said that the overnight move of one of the staff members, Charles Mercieca, to the legal team of Yorgen Fenech created…

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Malta: Biggest Covid-19 rescue package globally

L-Orizzont reports on a study by Columbia University which says that Malta offered the highest spending package to fight the coronavirus in relation to its economy. The report estimates the…

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Malta: Adrian Delia expects public broadcaster’s impartiality

In-Nazzjon covers a courtesy visit to the Public Broadcasting Services by a Nationalist Party delegation. PN Leader Adrian Delia said that public funds raise expectations on public broadcasting to be…

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Maltese Editors’ Perspectives

75 years after VE day we are back to "the era of the mask". Here are today's key messages in Malta's printed editorials. The Times of Malta celebrates the remembrance…

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Malta: Justice Ministry critical of AG lawyer’s sudden change of employers

The Times quotes a statement by the Justice Ministry calling a lawyer’s decision to leave the Attorney General’s office to join businessman Yorgen Fenech’s defence team ‘insensitive’ but assured that…

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Malta: Teachers demand hygiene regime in schools

The Independent speaks to the union of teachers which says that most teachers do not feel prepared to go back to school unless a strategic plan for hygiene measures is…

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Malta: Teenage postal worker dies in traffic accident

In-Nazzjon reports on a traffic accident on Thursday morning that claimed the life of a 19-year-old postwoman. Elenia Briffa died in Marsa when the company vehicle she was driving overturned,…

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Malta: Court hearings to be ramped up after Covid-19 restrictions

L-Orizzont says that court hearings are set to increase in the coming days after many of the cases were suspended to observe social distancing rules and because the police force…

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Malta: AG office lawyer to join Yorgen Fenech legal team

The Times reveals that lawyer Charles Mercieca has resigned from the office of the attorney general and is expected to join Yorgen Fenech’s defence team. The former member of the…

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Malta: Grim outlook for EU economy

The Malta Business Weekly quotes the latest economic forecast by the European Commission which is bracing itself for the biggest recession “since the Great Depression”. Malta is predicted to suffer…

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Malta: Economy expected to recover within a year

L-Orizzont also cites the EC Spring Economic Forecast which projects a growth of six percent in Malta’s economic performance in 2021. The paper says that, in comparison, the economy grew…

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Malta: VAT on facemasks reduced to five percent

The Independent reports that VAT on face masks and visors will be revised down to five percent from the standard 18 percent. Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said that importers will,…

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Malta: EPP holds e-summit on migration

In-Nazzjon follows a virtual conference for leaders of the European People’s Party focusing on immigration. PN Leader Adrian Delia said that collaboration is necessary to prevent a humanitarian crisis. Another…

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Malta: Prime Minister Abela seeks advice from predecessor Muscat

The Times reveals that former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is advising his successor on economic recovery plans. Muscat was seen emerging from Castille after an “hours-long” meeting on Monday night.…

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Malta: Forthcoming construction authority can suspend contractors

The Independent speaks to the Infrastructure Ministry about the Building and Construction Authority that is still in the process of being set up. A spokesperson said that the body will…

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Malta: Elderly man dies from Covid-19

Malta Today leads with the death of an 81-year-old man who tested positive to Covid-19 on Monday. The patient, who was being treated at Karin Grech Hospital, is the fifth…

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Malta: PN proposes €2 billion package for tourism industry

In-Nazzjon quotes PN spokesperson for tourism Robert Arrigo who proposed a €2 billion fund over the next 18 months to help the tourism industry back on its feet. Arrigo argued…

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Malta: Restaurants whetting appetite for business

L-Orizzont says that restaurants are planning to start reopening shortly, although with a restricted seating capacity. The paper says that Covid-19 trends in Malta reflect those of most countries in…

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Maltese Editors’ Perspectives

While two Editors chose their leading op-ed to focus on the economic impact of the pandemic, two others have taken a deep look into the Foreign Minister's Facebook posts. The…

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Malta: Opposition leader declares no savings for third year

The Times reports on the financial filings submitted in parliament by Opposition Leader Adrian Delia. Delia is declaring that he has no savings in local or overseas banks but said…

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Malta: Pharmacists reach deal with government over price of facemasks

The Independent says that the Chamber of Pharmacists reached an agreement with the government over the price caps imposed on facemasks and visors. Pharmacies will be compensated for losses incurred…

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Malta: Asymptomatic Covid-19 carriers pose a lower risk

L-Orizzont quotes Public Health Commissioner Charmaine Gauci who said that asymptomatic carriers have a lower probability of spreading the virus, but the risk is still present and appealed for the…

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Malta: Home Affairs Minister not perturbed by Alfred Sant disapproval

In-Nazzjon says that Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri played down criticism by PL MEP Alfred Sant about the method of appointing a Police Commissioner proposed by the government. The minister…

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Live Update: Covid-19 Bulletin Malta – Tuesday 5th May 2020

Updated 1430 The Nationalist Party said that two days were not enough of an advance notice for restaurants to start operating again. In a Press Conference this afternoon, Robert Arrigo.…

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Save European culture and values, MEPs tell Commission

Rebuilding the hard-hit cultural and media sectors in post-COVID-19 Europe must be a major objective in the EU’s recovery plan, MEPs said in a debate on Monday. In their discussion…

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Maltese Editors’ Perspectives

Four papers in print today, with local Editors sharing their thoughts on hunting, affordable housing, poverty and, inevitably, the coronavirus pandemic. The Times of Malta tackles the issue of hunting…

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Malta: Three in four businesses do not expect full recovery within a year

The Times carries a survey conducted by the Chamber of Commerce showing that 85 percent of businesses registered a decline in sales and exports, but only a quarter are confident…

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Malta: Sarraflu freshwater pool severely damaged by act of vandalism

The Independent reports that the freshwater pool in Kerċem known as l-Għadira ta’ Sarraflu was vandalised by dumping oil and fuel. The site is a protected area under the Environment…

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Malta: Institute of Journalists calls for Prime Minister’s question time

In-Nazzjon quotes a statement by the institute of journalists which said that the Opposition Leader’s invitation for interviews by independent media was a step in the right direction. The institute…

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Malta: Priest living in prison says disease has greater impact on vulnerable

L-Orizzont publishes an interview with Fr Hayden Williams, who is living in at the Corradino Correctional Facility. He said that, although no one is immune to the Covid-19, the most…

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Malta: Government turns to Turkey to pressure Libya on traffickers

Malta Today reveals that Malta is seeking Turkey’s help to stem the flow of migration from Libya. Turkey is backing the Government of National Accord in the war-torn country and…

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Malta: Acting Police Commissioner let down by officers’ misconduct

The Independent on Sunday publishes an interview with Acting Police Commissioner Carmel Magri who admitted that he felt betrayed by the traffic police scandal. He said that measures have been…

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Malta: Two-fifths want airport to wait for vaccine before reopening

The Sunday Times publishes survey results which find that three in four think that reopening the airport prematurely would be unwise. Only 13 percent says that the airport should be…

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Malta: Angelo Gafa’ is frontrunner for police top job

Illum claims that Angelo Gafa’ is favourite to become the new Police Commissioner. He declined the paper’s offer for an interview and did not offer any comments to questions about…

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Malta: Over €20 billion bank deposits in March

It-Torċa reports that bank deposits in Malta grew by 1.3 percent from February to March. A record €20.7 billion were deposited, registering a 5.6 percent jump compared with the same…

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Malta: Covid-19 active cases fall to 85

Kullħadd quotes Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci who said that the number of active cases has fallen to 85 from a total of 468 reported infections. Another story says that…

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Malta: Europe calls for global fund to fight coronavirus

Il-Mument reports that the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Council, and four European Leaders are appealing for a global fund of €7.5 billion to initiate…

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Live Update: Covid-19 Bulletin Malta – Sunday 3rd May 2020

Updated 1839 Economy Minister Silvio Schembri announced on Facebook this afternoon that Government has fixed a maximum price for masks, which will be required to access shopping outlets. Surgical Masks…

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Malta: Face masks and controlled number of shoppers as ‘new normal’ begins

The Times says that face masks must be worn on public transportation and shops as the government announced a gradual return to a “new normal”. The number of customers permitted…

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Malta: Acting Police Commissioner upbeat about Moneyval objectives

The Independent speaks to acting Police Commissioner Carmelo Magri who said that the force is making substantial investment in the financial crimes unit to reach anti-money laundering targets set out…

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Malta: More Covid-19 measures will be eased after Monday

L-Orizzont quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela who said that the decisions to roll back some of the Covid-19 restrictions are based on medical evidence. He expects more measures to be…

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Malta: Adrian Delia predicts a significant shift to self-employment

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who said that the pandemic will accelerate a transformation of work and predicts that the majority of people will be self-employed by the end…

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Malta: Government votes down opposition motion to revoke Steward deal

In-Nazzjon follows the vote in parliament on a motion to cancel the Steward Healthcare deal which was blocked after the government side voted against it. Opposition Leader Adrian Delia vowed…

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Malta: Tourist boat out to pick up rescued migrants

The Times reveals that a tourist boat left Sliema on Thursday afternoon to pick up migrants rescued in Maltese waters. The Captain Morgan boat will initially take 57 people aboard…

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Malta: UĦM CEO says country is not at crisis point

The Independent publishes an interview with Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin CEO Josef Vella who said that statistics for March do not indicate any crisis situation but warned that it is too…

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Malta: GWU Secretary General says pandemic illustrates role of trade unions

L-Orizzont quotes General Workers Union secretary general Josef Bugeja who said that the ongoing emergency demonstrates how important it is for workers to be part of a trade union. The…

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Malta Chamber study confirms need for wider support and better guidance to business

This week, the Malta Chamber carried out a further survey among its members to gauge the opinions of business in the face of the continued economic stress and stagnation and…

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Government extends wage supplement by 2 months, shares plan to ease restrictions with MCESD

Government has announced that its COVID-19 wage supplement, which was originally announced for the months and April will be extended for another two months, covering May and June. Economy Minister…

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Maltese Editors’ Perspectives

It is The Times of Malta's turn to tackle the issue of construction, demanding a different way of doing things post-pandemic. The Editor insists that in a post-COVID Malta,…

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Malta: Four-fifths of IIP funds channeled to rescue schemes

The Times quotes Finance Minister Edward Scicluna who told social partners that Malta’s GDP is forecasted to fall by 5.4 percent this year before rebounding by 3.9 percent in 2021.…

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