These are the main news items featuring on Malta’s newspapers.
The Malta Independent leads with a story about a University of Malta application to develop a large-scale project consisting of student accommodation, lecture halls, parking spaces and other amenities on a site between the university and Mater Dei Hospital. The earmarked area lies outside development zones but is designated for development by government institutions.
The Times reveals that a permit for the development of a villa in an ODZ area between Żebbuġ and Siġġiewi is set to be issued to Gasan Group CEP Mark Gasan. The paper says that the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal overturned a Planning Authority decision to refuse the application.
The Malta Independent reports that a police investigation is underway on the conclusions of the Egrant magisterial inquiry. Police Commissioner confirmed that investigations are ongoing when he took the witness stand in a case filed by the Opposition Leader. Commissioner Cutajar, however, did not give details about the extent or type of investigations taking place.
In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Adrian Delia who said it is now clear that government is using the report of the Egrant inquiry for political ends. Speaking to the press after a court hearing about the case on Monday, Delia insisted that the Attorney General should hand the Opposition a copy of the magisterial report.
The Times says that Health Minister Chris Fearne has given instructions to sack Neville Gafa’ from the Foundation for Medical Services after Libyan media reported he was in the country as a special envoy of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Gafa ‘denied the reports and said he was in Libya on a personal visit.
L-Orizzont quotes Commissioner for Mental Health John Cachia who said he is satisfied by the proposals in the newly-published strategy for mental health. The document, launched last week by Health Minister Chris Fearne, highlights 75 measures to combat mental health problems.
L-Orizzont says that the condition of the 81-year-old who was involved in an argument in Valletta with Occupy Justice activists is now stable. The newspaper says that the police is investigating the incident to determine the events.
Other news are predominantly linked to Brexit.
After months of negotiations, the Brexit deal was due to be voted upon on Tuesday, in order for the United Kingdom’s Parliament to approve or reject Theresa May’s controversial plan.
