Good morning,
In Malta, EY Malta’s attractiveness survey occupies most of the front pages’ space on today’s newspapers. The headlines around the world are shared between the news and concern on the various explosive devices sent to prominent people in the USA and the story related the first speech delivered by the Saudi Crown Prince after Khashoggi’s murder.
Your morning briefing.
The Latest
US voters express concern about the ‘violence inducing and condoning’ narrative used by Trump after explosive devices sending to Obamas, Clintons and CNN. Meanwhile Trump, called for unity as officials investigate the possible explosive devices which were discovered during the day.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince has said “justice will prevail” over the killing of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It was his most public attempt yet to separate himself from the suspected killers, who include some of the crown prince’s own aides
Italian transport unions, consumer associations and Rome residents have called for a full investigation into the maintenance and safety of the city’s metro system after 24 CSKA Moscow football fans were injured when a crowded escalator suddenly sped up before collapsing.
Laughter is the last refuge of the stupid – European Parliament Antonio Tajani tells Farage after the latter’s ridiculing EU’s role in defeating Nazism.
Apple and Samsung have been fined €10m and €5m respectively by investigators in Italy for what they are calling ‘planned obsolescence’.
The pensioner filmed hurling racist abuse at a Ryanair passenger has been disowned by friends and family as he was questioned by police for the first time.
Friends actor David Schwimmer has posted a video “proving” he was not behind an alleged theft carried out by a lookalike in Blackpool.
Barcelona beat Inter 2 – 0 while Borussia Dortmund won against Atletico Madrid 4 -0. The same score was registered by Liverpool against Red Star Belgrade. Monaco, and Club Brugge ended their match in 1 – 1, as Napoli and Paris St Germain drew their encounter 2-2.
The Review
The Malta Independent reports on conclusions from an EY Attractiveness Survey which says that Malta’s perceived attractiveness slipped by 4 percent from 2017. Shortages in talent is the main cause of concern while perceived transparency dropped to 44 percent from 58 percent. 78 percent of respondents believe they will still be in Malta in 10 years’ time.
Covering the EY event, The Times quotes Economy Minister Chris Cardona that despite an apparent decline in perception of transparency, the government has a different experience on the ground and these impressions do not affect investment.
The Malta Business Weekly leads with the outcomes from the EY Attractiveness Survey and says that taxation and the social climate in Malta are the main drivers behind investment. Expansion is most likely to go into R&D, Sales and Marketing, and manufacturing.
In-Nazzjon features the EY event too and says that the survey report indicates the need for investment in education for Malta to remain competitive. The newspaper says that, in his address, Chamber of Commerce President Frank V. Farrugia said he was not surprised by the conclusions.
In-Nazzjon reports on a speech delivered by PN Leader Adrian Delia at the EY Competitive Survey event in which he said that the country’s economy needs sustainable growth and cannot continue to depend on the increase in population for the generation of wealth.
Another story in The Malta Independent follows up on the MFSA actions against Satabank, with iGaming companies now insisting with the Authority to offer a banking alternative since many of the institutions do not accept companies in the sector as clients. Assets have been frozen, and the companies are unable to issue payments to their customers and employees.
The Malta Business Weekly says that depositors have been queuing outside the Satabank branch in St Julian’s on Monday, but the bank’s doors were closed, and a sign read that internal meetings were ongoing. In a statement the MFSA said that it blocked the funds to protect the depositors’ money.
L-Orizzont speaks to MFSA CEO Joseph Cuschieri who says that legitimate clients will not lose their funds as the bank has enough liquidity. He said the Authority will ‘free’ customers that are not under suspicion.
The Times reports on recent population statistics which show a steady growth of eight percent since 2015. St Paul’s Bay registered an above-average increase of 26 percent in the same period, reflecting a trend of heavy growth rates in the north of the island. Population in Gozo, too, grew by five percent.
L-Orizzont features an interview with economist Gordon Cordina who says that Malta has one of the best macroeconomies in the EU. Cordina believes the budget suggests that the government is planning to turn Malta into a centre of disruptive technologies. The newspaper also quotes Minister for Social Dialogue Michael Falzon that the measures in the budget will strengthen family life.
