50% of Maltese Think Country Heading In Wrong Direction

Dec 6 2023

Malta’s public sentiment has notably soured, as revealed by a recent Eurobarometer survey, indicating a significant shift over the past year.

The survey, conducted in late September and early October, reflects a drastic change from a year ago when 65% believed things were going in the right direction, a figure well above the EU average of 24%.

Currently, only 28% share this positive outlook, aligning with the EU average. The survey coincided with revelations about a driving license racket and a disability benefits scandal, possibly influencing public perception.

Notably, 85% of Maltese anticipate a decrease in their standard of living in the coming year, surpassing the European average of 73%. Pessimism extends to living conditions, with 46% expecting them to worsen, an increase from March and above the EU average.

Economic concerns are also evident, as 53% believe Malta’s economy will deteriorate in a year, up by six percentage points since March.

The survey indicates a decline in citizens feeling their voice matters in Malta, dropping to 44%, notably lower than the European average.

Despite this, a significant 92% believe Malta has benefited from EU membership, and almost nine out of 10 acknowledge the EU’s impact on their daily lives. However, concerns about the EU’s role in undermining Malta’s borders, job security, and peace and security are more pronounced among the Maltese compared to other Europeans.

#MaltaDaily

Prime Minister Meets Malta’s Mayors & Regional Presidents

Dec 6 2023

Prime Minister Robert Abela met with the mayors of all localities around Malta and Gozo and the Regional Presidents at Castille, emphasising the government’s commitment to continue investing alongside Local Councils in new and ambitious environmental projects, as well as improved infrastructure and services for citizens in our communities.

On the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of Local Councils, the Prime Minister met with the mayors and the Regional Presidents, highlighting that Local Councils also play a role in making decisions for the country to move forward.

He stressed that decisions should be based on a balance between different interests in society and what we aspire to for future generations.

“The country needs the experience of Local Councils that work towards the dream for communities,” said Prime Minister Abela, emphasising that Local Councils should be protagonists in moving forward with ideas.

He urged them to propose solutions that improve daily life in the localities, perhaps better understood by those who live there.

The Prime Minister said that the government will continue to promote improved communication between government entities and Local Councils, believing that this leads to better results in the work being carried out.

The Prime Minister noted that the upcoming year for Local Councils will pass electoral scrutiny. He expressed gratitude for their strong contribution to Maltese and Gozitan communities and encouraged them to continue strengthening their commitment to the localities.

#MaltaDaily

Youngest Siblings Seen As Funniest By Most Families

Dec 6 2023

The results of a YouGov survey suggest that the youngest siblings in families are often perceived as the funniest by themselves and their family members.

The study involved 1,783 adult siblings, and 46% of the youngest siblings considered themselves the funniest, compared to 36% of the oldest siblings. The research also explored personality traits based on birth order, revealing distinct differences.

Firstborns, constituting 54%, felt a greater burden of responsibility than their younger counterparts (31%). Older siblings tended to view themselves as more organised (54%) and successful (percentage not specified) than their younger siblings.

Younger siblings, on the other hand, were more likely to perceive themselves as easy-going (47%) and favoured by their parents.

The findings suggest that family dynamics and attention shifts play a role in shaping these characteristics, with older siblings taking on more responsibility and developing organisational skills over time.

While age itself may contribute to some differences, birth order appears to influence how individuals perceive themselves within their families.

#MaltaDaily

Cricketing: Rubbing Your Feet Together To Fall Asleep

Dec 6 2023

Engaging in subconscious behaviours during times of stress or anxiety is a common coping mechanism, ranging from nail-biting to hair-playing.

An emerging trend involves a self-soothing movement known as “cricket feet,” where individuals repetitively rub one foot against the other, particularly when trying to fall asleep.

This practice, gaining attention on platforms like TikTok, seems to attract those who find it calming, though it is not widely recognised in clinical literature.

While the motivation for “cricketing” varies, some may adopt it for physical comfort, self-soothing, or anxiety management.

Psychotherapist Lee Phillips suggests that repetitive movements like this can regulate the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Notably, individuals with neuro-divergent disorders like autism and ADHD might find cricketing soothing in reducing overstimulation.

Though cricketing appears largely harmless and may even release feel-good neurotransmitters, sleep psychologist Jade Wu emphasises insufficient evidence to confirm its deliberate use for better sleep.

Generally, cricketing is considered neutral or positive, offering potential benefits like calming the nervous system without known harmful impacts. However, if the habit becomes compulsive or disruptive, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.

#MaltaDaily