6% of SMEs are planning to expand their business overseas in 2023

Feb 2 2023

According to a Business Performance Survey conducted by the Malta Chamber of SMEs, it was discovered that 6% of SMEs are planning to expand their business overseas in 2023. The survey found that 39% of respondents said 2022 was better than 2019 (pre-pandemic), with 53% of small and medium businesses registering an increase in sales when comparing festive season of 2021 vs festive season of 2022.

It was also reported how 35% reported satisfaction with their turnover during 2023 so far. 39% of respondents remain hopeful and report how they think that 2023 will be better. However, 18% of respondents are fearing it will be worse when compared to 2022.

Still, 21% are planning to expand their business in Malta during 2023 to reach out to new markets. If you wish to read the full study, follow this link.

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Cyrus Engerer has urged for an immediate prostitution law reform

Feb 2 2023

Reacting to an article published by Malta Daily, MEP Cyrus Engerer has urged for an immediate prostitution law reform.

Speaking on social media, the Maltese MEP said that “it is unacceptable that women (or others) who resort to this type of work end up criminalised.”

He said that “illegality leads to everything being done ‘behind closed doors’ and this leads to these women (or others) having no protection from violence, theft and intimidation.”

When speaking about the Malta Daily published article of 13 people arraigned in court over prostitution in Malta during 2022, Cyrus Engerer said that “the right of autonomy of each individual must be respected.”

The MEP explained that on a European level he works closely with ESWA, the alliance that works for the rights of these workers, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch on this subject. This whilst also working against all abuse, human trafficking, and difficulties faced sex work.

Replying to a parliamentary question, Minister for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality Byron Camilleri revealed that, in 2022, 13 people were arraigned in court over prostitution in Malta. 7 of these were Colombian women, 2 were Spanish women and others hailed from Honduras, Morocco, Peru and Venezuela.

They were handed a suspended prison sentence after admitted to allowing a place to be used for prostitution, with the sentences ranging from one year suspended for two and 18 months suspended for 4.

The question posed was tabled by the PN’s Karol Aquilina.

#MaltaDaily

Inquiry into Jean Paul Sofia’s death will not be made public

Feb 2 2023

Prime Minister Robert Abela has stated that the public inquiry into the death of Jean Paul Sofia, who lost his life in December 2022 during the collapse of a three-story building in Kordin, will not be made public.

He believes that the institutions need to ‘work in serenity’ to achieve justice and called on them to give maximum importance to the case so that the victim’s family and society can receive swift justice.

However two inquiries, with one being magisterial, will be taking place. A magisterial inquiry means that it will not be made publicly known. It will also take up longer than that reportedly publicly so as to ensure all details are dealt with.

Five others were also injured in the accident, but no one has been charged. In response to a parliamentary question, the Prime Minister confirmed that an inquiring magistrate is already investigating the case and that other relevant authorities are also conducting their own inquiries.

The statement was in response to accusations from Nationalist MP Jerome Caruana Cilia, who had previously accused the authorities of attempting to cover up the incident.

#MaltaDaily

‘We are promoting road anarchy’: local activist laments parking permit chaos

Feb 2 2023

Local activist Steve Żammit Lupi took to social media to address a current issue concerning permits being issued by Local Councils.

‘Can a relevant authority please explain why the common citizen is paying the local councils for permits when they cannot be enforced later on’ he asked.

Local councils do not have the authority to enforce. LESA and police stopped enforcing/helping in the case of intrusive parking, leaving those who applied for permits hanging, explained Żammit Lupi.

‘The administration is not working and local councils are being ridiculed’ he lamented.

Lupi described this as a disservice to the citizens who try and abide by the law. ‘We are promoting anarchy on the road’ he concluded, appealing to solve this anomaly with urgency.

#MaltaDaily