14th legislature starts today as MPs set to prioritise IVF reform

May 7 2022

Today marks the official opening of the 14th legislature since Malta’s acquisition of independence.

Kicking off with ceremonial mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral, led by Archbishop Charles Scicluna, MPs are set to place IVF reform laws at the top of the agenda.

MPs will be walking down the main streets of the capital along with their loved ones to the Renzo Piano parliament building.

This marks the second full legislature in this new building after the move from the Grandmaster’s Palace in 2015. As MPs fill the chamber, President George Vella will deliver what is known as the ‘speech of the throne’, given he is the official head of the house of representatives.

Once the speech is over, the first item on the table is to appoint a parliamentary speaker. Anglu Farrugia is the government’s nominee for the post, despite facing opposition from the Nationalist Party.

This means Farrugia will need a formal vote to be confirmed in a post he held since 2013. Meanwhile, MP David Agius from the Opposition is set to occupy deputy speaker position. The government said it backs up Agius.

The legislature will have 79 MPs, which is the largest number in electoral history. Today’s ceremony will be followed by an early first meeting next week set to discuss IVF reform, with Prime Minister Abela having already pledged to reform these laws within 100 days of the legislature.

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Government begins public consultation on regional airfield for small aircrafts in Gozo

May 6 2022

The government, Ministry for Gozo and Regional Authority for the Development of Gozo have started a consultation process regarding a regional airfield in Xewkija meant for small aircrafts.

This was announced in news conference addressed by Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri on Friday afternoon. Camilleri stated that, during the past legislature, the government strengthened the connectivity between the islands through means such as a fourth ferry between Malta & Gozo together with the fast ferry service.

The Minister said that, through the small airport, Gozo will have another means of connectivity. He went on to highlight that such a project will be conducted with the environment in mind, causing the minimum environmental impact whilst also reaching the proposed ambitions.

The Minister also stated that through such an investment, the government will create new economic sectors and as such, diversify the economic activity through the creation of sustainable and quality jobs.

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Emma Muscat confirms her dress took up to five weeks to make

May 6 2022

As Eurovision fever continues to spread all across the world, Malta’s own Emma Muscat has shut down previous reports that her dress took 45 weeks to make and revealed that it took between four to five weeks.

The Maltese Delegation confirmed that the designers started to work on the dress after the track ‘I Am What I Am’ was chosen. The team reportedly wanted the dress to reflect Emma’s song. In a recent interview with Eurovoix, Muscat also stated that she wishes to collaborate with Italian and UK representatives Mahmood, Blanco and Sam Ryder.

In a set of stories posted on Friday, Muscat revealed that she was a little bit under the weather and had a ‘hoarse voice’ ahead of her performance at the second semi-final on May 12th.

Will you be watching the Eurovision this year?

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8-year-old boy to run 5K to raise funds for DAR Bjorn Respite

May 6 2022

An 8-year-old boy named Kruiven will be running five kilometres, from Imdina to San Anton, with hopes to raise funds for Dar Bjorn Respite.

“Bjorn can’t move a single muscle yet he is determined to finish his life race by helping others. I want to help Bjorn by running a 5K race”, the boy said. On June 4th, Kruiven will be running to gather funds at a target of €1 per 1m with hopes to collect €5,000 by the end of the race.

So far, they have collected over €530 from 40 contributors and anyone who wished to donate may do so from ALS Malta’s website. A Facebook post from Bjorn himself has since garnered over 2,000 likes and hundreds of comments praising the young boy for his altruistic efforts.

Have you donated? You can do so HERE!

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