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9 out of every 10 people think corruption is widespread in Malta

Jul 7 2023 Share

In a bombshell revelation, a recent survey has exposed the shocking reality of corruption plaguing European nations in 2023. Startling statistics have emerged, indicating that a significant portion of Europeans find corruption to be an acceptable practice, while an overwhelming majority believes their countries are riddled with this insidious menace.

92% of people in Malta believe that corruption is widespread across the entire nation whilst the EU average stands at 70%.

The survey, conducted across several European Union member states, reveals a disconcerting truth: 64% of Europeans unequivocally deem corruption to be unacceptable. However, a concerning 27% of respondents see nothing wrong with offering gifts or doing favours to secure favours from public administrations or services. Even more alarming, 16% of those surveyed find it acceptable to provide monetary bribes for the same purpose.

The widespread perception of corruption’s prevalence is deeply distressing, as a staggering seven out of ten respondents believe their respective countries are plagued by this societal scourge. Furthermore, a shocking 74% of participants suspect corruption to be deeply entrenched within their national public institutions, while an equally concerning 73% perceive corruption to infest local or regional public entities.

The survey sheds light on the worrisome nexus between business and politics, with a resounding 78% of participants agreeing that close ties between these realms foster corruption. Additionally, 60% believe that corruption is deeply ingrained in their country’s business culture, painting a bleak picture of the ethical landscape. To make matters worse, 57% concur that political connections are the only pathway to success in their nation’s business sector.

Perhaps one of the most distressing revelations is the lack of knowledge and resources available to combat corruption effectively. Astonishingly, 54% of respondents confessed to being oblivious about where to report incidents of corruption. However, there were notable exceptions, with participants from Malta (63%) and Slovenia (62%) exhibiting a higher awareness of the reporting channels. Conversely, citizens from Poland (32%) and Hungary (33%) were least knowledgeable about reporting mechanisms.

The survey unearths disheartening reasons behind the reluctance to report corruption. Approximately 47% of respondents cite the difficulty in proving corruption as a significant hindrance, deterring them from speaking out. Three in ten participants express disillusionment, believing that reporting corruption would be futile, as those responsible are unlikely to face consequences. Furthermore, almost as many (28%) express concern about the lack of protection for whistleblowers, creating an environment of fear and impunity.

Regrettably, citizens exhibit a pervasive pessimism about their governments’ efforts to combat corruption. A mere 35% believe that anti-corruption measures are impartially implemented without ulterior motives. Additionally, only 32% feel that successful prosecutions occur frequently enough to deter corrupt practices. An alarming 30% express doubts regarding their national government’s effectiveness in combating corruption. The survey also highlights citizens’ concerns about the transparency and supervision of political party financing, with a mere 29% believing that sufficient oversight exists in their countries.

#MaltaDaily 

Parliament Discussing The Possibility Of A Public Enquiry Into The Tragic Loss Of Jean Paul Sofia

Jul 7 2023 Share

Posting on social media, Jean Paul Sofia’s mum, Isabelle, has once again asked why are her questions not being answered. The video was filmed outside Parliament, yesterday evening, before Parliament discussed the possibility of a Public Enquiry into the tragic loss of Jean Paul Sofia.

The debate took center stage in Parliament, with emotions running high and family members of the deceased present to witness the proceedings. During the Parliament debate the government spoke against the opposition’s demand for a public inquiry into the tragic death of Jean Paul Sofia, proposing instead a speedy magisterial inquiry.

The Nationalist Party, proposed that the inquiry be appointed by a two-thirds majority in Parliament and that its proceedings be conducted transparently, allowing the public to witness the inquiry through live streaming. Furthermore, they emphasised the importance of providing the inquiry with ample resources to carry out its investigations effectively.

The government, led by Prime Minister Robert Abela, proposed an amendment that omitted any reference to a public inquiry. Instead, the amendment called on the investigating magistrate, Marsanne Farrugia, to expedite her inquiry as swiftly as possible. Prime Minister Abela expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of charges against any party involved, despite seven months passing since the construction collapse.

PN Leader Bernard Grech argued that a public inquiry could prevent future tragedies of this nature. He drew attention to the case of Miriam Pace, where a public inquiry could have potentially saved Jean Paul Sofia’s life. Grech accused those opposing the public inquiry of turning their backs not only on the grieving family but also on potential victims of future construction accidents.

Nationalist MP Jerome Caruana Cilia opened the discussion with a heartfelt appeal to fellow lawmakers, urging them to support the Nationalist Party’s motion for a comprehensive public inquiry.

Construction minister, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, asserted that the government is actively working on improving the construction industry. He outlined several reforms, including revisions to the licensing system for builders and the restructuring of the Occupational Health and Safety Authority, all aimed at enhancing safety and preventing future accidents.

A vote on the matter is expected to be taken in Parliament before the summer recess.

#MaltaDaily 

BigMat Is Turning 8 And Celebrating With a Fun-Filled Weekend For All The Family!

Jul 6 2023 Share

This weekend, BigMat are celebrating their 8th Anniversary with an Open Weekend unlike any other! Join them on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th July for a weekend filled with promotions, freebies, amazing prizes and fun activities for the whole family.

This weekend, BigMat are celebrating their 8th Anniversary with an Open Weekend unlike any other! Join them on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th July for a weekend filled with promotions, freebies, amazing prizes and fun activities for the whole family.

With special discounts and offers on hundreds of products, massive amounts of freebies, exciting raffle draws with incredible prizes and so much more, this definitely isn’t one to miss out on – but that’s not all.

During the grand event, BigMat will be entertaining attendees of all ages, with a lineup of entertaining activities for the entire family including the little ones, with face painting, games, crafts and so much more in store! If you’re craving a bite to eat, they’ll also have a line-up of food trucks and refreshing  beverages on offer!

So if you’re seeking to level up your home, want a shopper’s day out with the fam or just want to check out the long list of unmissable offers and prizes, head on down to BigMat’s 8th Anniversary Open Weekend and have a blast!

#MaltaDaily

5 Things That Last Longer Chelsea & Allen’s Post-Show Relationship

5 Things That Last Longer Chelsea & Allen's Post-Show Relationship
Jul 6 2023 Share

Before jumping right into our article, which is purely satirical, we’d like revisit the #BeKind discussion Malta was on about during Love Island. Let us be the first to say that we respect the decision of each and every islander and, programme or not, no one should receive hate in any shape or form.

That being said, following Love Island winner Allen’s recent story announcing that he and Chelsea are no longer a thing 10 days after being crowned winners, here are 5 things that lasted longer than Chelsea & Allen’s post-show relationship.

AIDAN’s ‘Pupa’ in the local charts’ N°1 spot (2 months)

The local chart-topper’s most recent track Pupa has spent almost 2 months in the local charts’ number 1 spot so far and shows no signs of slowing down.

Ekin-Su & Davide from Love Island UK (11 months)

The Love Island UK-winning couple had broken hearts across the world after their split, but relationship expert Annabelle Knight had told the Mirror: “When you’re in the villa, you’re only having to juggle that one ball. It’s nice and easy, and stress-free. When you get home, you’ve got all the boring mundane things you have to do as an adult.”

Mario Morales’ Christmas Tree Campaign (3-4 months)

The dearly-beloved media personality has become an icon for his seemingly endless Christmas Tree campaign, which normally kicks off around October and goes on until December!

Sphinx’s Truffle Pastizzi (2 weeks)

Sphinx’s recently-returning culinary creation was announced in the past days, with the pastizzi bosses stating that the bold twist on an all-time Maltese classic will be available in local outlets for just a fortnight.

Bajtar Tax-Xewk Season (4 months)

An underrated local product if we ever did taste one, almost ever single looks forward to the few months that Prickly Pears are back in season and with harvest season between July and October, it’s the finest summer love affair we’ll ever have.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Love Island Malta / Petite Events via Malta Weather