Good morning,
The reaction by PN leader Dr Adrian Delia, to the budget dominates the front pages of Malta’s newspapers. Elsewhere the news headlines include questions on the Lion Air flight tragedy, the extreme weather conditions in Italy and the British budget.
This is your morning briefing.
The Review
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The front pages of In-Nazzjon, The Times and The Malta Independent lead with the reply of the PN leader to the Budget. The Malta Independent refers to Dr Adrian Delia’s comment ‘This is a PR government not a PL government” in its headline. In-Nazzjon presents seven highlights from Delia’s speech which were the main ‘criticism’ elements highlighted by the PN leader. The title of In-Nazzjon refers to a plan for the country. The Times says that the government’s economic policy was putting the country under excessive pressure, adding that the government’s lack of long-term planning was starting to show.
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The Times leading story is about Gibraltar which is reported to have launched a political offensive aimed at stopping lucrative gambling companies from relocating to Malta after Brexit. Concerned by announcements already made by two massive online gambling operators currently based on the British ‘Rock’, Bet365 and 888, that they intend relocating some or most of their operations to Malta following the UK’s exit from the EU, Spain has now reassured its minute neighbour that things will not change drastically.
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L-Orizzont’s front page carries the reaction of the Prime Minister to Delia’s speech, saying that the speech was a ‘Halloween’ one, where the PN leader tried to scare off the people. The budget reference to the proposed investment in Health features also on the newspaper’s front-page.
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L-Orizzont’s main story is about the proposed security cameras with facial recognition which are to be installed in Paceville and Marsa, saying that these cameras are aimed to reduce criminality on the island.
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In another story we read about the reaction of X factor participant Matthew Grech who said that the way he was treated following his comments on gay-conversion therapy, is probably illegal.
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The Malta Independent reports in its front page that this week the Planning Authority is to decide on an outline application for 115 bedroom hotel on Hunters Tower in Marsaxlokk.
The Latest
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Six regions are on red alert due to the wave of storms, torrential rain and gales that is battering Italy. Seven people were killed and one missing as storms battered Italy on Sunday and Monday, leading Venice vaporetto services to be suspended as a big ‘acqua alta’ hit the lagoon city, submerging three quarters of the historic centre. Italian Media
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A day after Indonesian Lion Air flight 610 crashed into the sea minutes after takeoff from the capital Jakarta, questions are being asked as to what caused the new Boeing jet to suddenly lose altitude, killing all 189 people on board.
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The UK’s finance minister unveiled his budget before Brexit on Monday. Hailing the “end of austerity”, some of his key announcements included a pledge to inject billions of funding into road repairs, defence spending and mental healthcare. And additional £500 million will be ring-fenced for no-deal Brexit planning and a commemorative coin will be launched to mark Britain’s exit from the EU in March. Euronews
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Swedish Social Democrat leader Stefan Löfven said Monday he has failed to form a new government, leaving no clear candidate for prime minister nearly two months after an inconclusive election. Politico
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Turkey’s newest airport, planned to be the world’s largest, has been officially opened in Istanbul. Istanbul Airport will be capable of handling up to 90 million passengers by 2021, with further expansion leading to a total capacity of up to 200 million. Euronews
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The United States said on Monday it will send over 5,200 troops to help secure the border with Mexico, a far larger-than-expected deployment as President Donald Trump hardens his stance on immigration ahead of Nov. 6 mid-term elections. New York Times
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The European Commission’s plan to stop regulating seasonal clock changes has ended up with warnings of cross-border travel chaos and “catastrophic” consequences for the functioning of the single market. FT
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A 6.2-magnitude earthquake has struck central New Zealand, causing parliament to be suspended. The quake was felt most strongly in central New Zealand, including the capital city of Wellington. It struck at a depth of 207 kilometres south-west of Taumarunui.
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Protesters in Greece threw stones and petrol bombs at riot police surrounding parliament in Athens, who responded with tear gas. The demonstrators also smashed the window of a bus stop across from the parliament building. Euronews
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Brussels has responded to financial industry calls for continued access to London’s capital markets by providing reassurance that EU groups will temporarily be able to use crucial derivatives clearing services in the UK even after a no-deal Brexit. FT
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A commemorative 50p coin will be issued to mark the UK’s departure from the European Union (EU) next year. The Sun
