2025 Pre-Budget Document Unveiled

Sep 18 2024

Minister Clyde Caruana has unveiled the 2025 pre-budget consultation document, highlighting Malta’s strong economic outlook, with growth projected to remain slightly above 4%, despite global challenges.

Malta continues to outperform the EU in labour force participation and boasts the highest economic growth rate among EU nations. Having made significant strides in female employment, the country is expected to lead in Employment Participation by the end of this legislative term.

Malta reached its 2027 employment target early, achieving an 80% rate by 2023, with unemployment among the lowest in Europe at 3.1%, compared to the EU average of 5.8%. Inflation is predicted to drop significantly over the next two years, stabilizing around 2%.

Increased tax revenues, driven by strong domestic demand, corporate profits, and employment growth, have strengthened Malta’s fiscal position, with rising compliance rates further boosting government finances.

Capital expenditure has increased due to infrastructure projects and investments, while recurrent spending is fueled by subsidies, healthcare, social programs, and green energy initiatives. Food and energy subsidies, which accounted for 1.4% of GDP in 2022, will continue but are expected to decrease as inflation eases.

Malta’s fiscal strategy for 2025 will align with the EU’s revised governance framework, aiming to reduce the deficit below 3% of GDP and keep the Debt-to-GDP ratio under 60%.

Minister Caruana assured that Malta’s economic strength will allow for another positive, socially just budget that supports families and businesses while maintaining stability.

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New Leadership At Public Broadcasting Services Announced

New Leadership At Public Broadcasting Authority Announced

Sep 18 2024

The Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government has announced new leadership appointments at Public Broadcasting Services Ltd (PBS).

Anna Bonett will take on the role of Non-Executive Chairperson. With over 45 years of experience in broadcasting, communication, and hospitality, Ms. Bonett is well-known for her various roles at Xandir Malta and later PBS. She has hosted and presented many of the most popular public broadcasting programs and also gained experience with private broadcasting stations.

Additionally, she worked in the PBS archives and has experience in the tourism sector, including a period at Malta’s High Commission office in London. Ms. Bonett holds qualifications in management.

Engineer Keith Chetcuti has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of PBS. He started his career in television, directing numerous popular programs and working in commercial productions. Over the last 20 years, he has been active in the private sector. Eng. Chetcuti holds an engineering degree from the University of Malta.

Both Ms. Bonett and Eng. Chetcuti will officially begin their roles on October 1, 2024.

Engelbert Grech has been appointed as Chairperson of the PBS Editorial Board, following Joseph Sammut’s retirement. With over 30 years of experience in broadcasting, Mr. Grech is a communication graduate. After working in journalism with a private radio station, he began producing programs for PBS and later expanded into the international market.

He also served as Malta’s Film Commissioner for four years and has recently been involved in productions for international platforms. Following his appointment, Mr. Grech stepped down from his position on the PBS Board of Directors. Anna Bonanno will replace him as a board member.

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‘My Grandmother Antoinette Adopted Me At 3 Days Old’ – Ilona on DAR Bjorn Resident

Sep 18 2024

After Ilona’s mother passed away just three days after she was born due to ALS or a similar disease, Antoinette adopted her and treated her as her own daughter. In fact, Ilona says she never had a connection like her friends had with their mothers, but she had a strong bond with her grandmother.

Ilona, Roderick (Antoinette’s son), and the rest of the family found out that Antoinette had Parkinson’s about five years ago after they started noticing certain signs – her body would stiffen, and it became difficult for her to communicate.

“Look at what I’ve come to,” she sometimes tells Roderick as she tears up. She feels she has to depend on everyone. One time, the TV turned off, and she couldn’t turn it back on, spending hours alone with it off.

Roderick often worried about his mother because she frequently choked, and he feared there would be no one to help her. But now, Roderick, Ilona, and all of Antoinette’s loved ones see a ray of hope as she has moved into DAR Bjorn.

Now they can continue their daily lives with peace of mind. They still do the things they enjoyed doing with Antoinette; Roderick does her hair, and Ilona sometimes does her makeup.

You too can be a ray of hope for many people with neurological diseases by joining us on September 22nd during the fundraising marathon and being generous with DAR Bjorn. With your help, we can assist more people.

The annual DAR Bjorn Telethon will be broadcasted across all TV stations, and it’s going to be a day full of entertainment, heartwarming stories, and, of course, plenty of opportunities to win big.

How to Donate

Ready to help and get in on the action? Here’s how you can make your donation:

BOV Mobile Pay: Send your donation to 79096249.

Donation Lines:

Call 5190 2075 to donate €50.

Call 5180 2018 to donate €25.

SMS Donations:

Text 5061 9271 to donate €11.65.

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“Lejla Fil-Park”: A Free Family Event Celebrating Sustainability In Malta

Sep 18 2024

*POSTPONED DUE TO BAD WEATHER: To be held on Friday 27th September*

Malta’s Sustainable Development Action Days, coordinated by the Sustainable Development Directorate within MEER, will take place from 18th September to 8th October. These annual events are part of the European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW), and this year’s theme is ‘Shaping Together the Future We Want.’

The activities during this period aim to promote and raise awareness of sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On Friday, 27th September, the third edition of Lejla fil-Park will be held at San Klement Park in Żabbar, starting at 6 pm.

This public event focuses on promoting sustainability in various areas, including cultural heritage, health and well-being, safe communities, and environmental protection. Attendees will have the chance to engage with representatives from different Government entities, participate in health checks and emergency response demonstrations by the Malta Medical Students’ Association, learn about EU funding opportunities, and enjoy interactive environmental activities.

Lejla fil-Park is designed for families, featuring outdoor activities such as an obstacle course, sports talent exhibitions, games, and entertainment for children. There will also be a performance by the Żabbar Scout Group band and traditional Maltese food by Il-Biċċerija ta’ Malta.

The event is free and open to all.

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