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Arnold Cassola Criticises Malta’s Budget 2025 as “Lacking Quality”

Oct 29 2024 Share

In a reaction interview with MaltaDaily, Arnold Cassola expressed strong dissatisfaction with the recently announced Budget 2025, unveiled by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana. Cassola acknowledged certain beneficial measures, such as the widening of tax bands, increased Children’s Allowance, and support for individuals assisting people with disabilities. However, he emphasised that these steps fell short of addressing deeper quality-of-life issues, calling the budget a “budget of quality without quality.”

When asked what he would have done differently, Cassola highlighted the pressing issues of overdevelopment and traffic, criticising the government for not addressing these critical topics in the budget. “Overdevelopment and traffic—how are we supposed to tackle these?” he questioned, pointing out that there were no plans to counter these growing problems. Additionally, Cassola took aim at the lack of clarity on corporate tax adjustments, which are expected to rise from 5% to 15% in the coming years. He argued that local businesses, as well as foreign investors, require a stable outlook to plan for such changes.

Cassola voiced particular discontent with what he described as minimal increases for pensioners. He argued that the government’s additional €8 for pensioners is a mere gesture that does little to genuinely alleviate their financial pressures. “Don’t treat us like fools,” Cassola urged, highlighting that the government has granted a €5.24 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to everyone, yet pensioners will only see €2.76 of it.

He also criticised the government’s initiative to provide free six-month gym memberships to first-time voters, implying that this was a superficial attempt to attract youth votes. “Young people are far smarter than the government takes them to be,” he argued, adding that the funds could have been better directed to support young volunteers in culture and the arts.

Cassola raised additional concerns over the budget’s push toward private pensions. While the tax band expansion provides modest relief—estimated to save individuals about €450 annually—he pointed out that the government simultaneously expects citizens to invest at least €600 a year in private pension plans. He interpreted this as an admission that the state pension may not be sufficient for future retirees. “Explain this clearly to people. Don’t deceive them,” Cassola insisted.

Moreover, Cassola touched on the implications of population growth on the labor force, with the Finance Minister projecting an increase in workers. With Malta already experiencing full employment, he suggested that this means further reliance on foreign labor, potentially exacerbating overpopulation issues.

Cassola concluded his critique by reiterating that Budget 2025 is focused more on quantity than on improving quality of life. He lamented the lack of substantial initiatives to tackle environmental challenges, overpopulation, and the impact of overdevelopment on daily life. “Quality of life—how is it going to improve?” he asked, emphasising that the budget fell short in offering any clear direction on enhancing the living conditions of Maltese citizens.

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Couples Are Actually Using ChatGPT to Win Arguments Now

Couples Are Actually Using ChatGPT to Win Arguments Now
Oct 29 2024 Share

Couples are taking a new approach to winning arguments: turning to ChatGPT for support. What started as using AI to help plan weddings, write vows, and even secure dates has evolved. Some partners are now using ChatGPT to get an edge during disagreements.

A Reddit user recently shared his story, revealing that his girlfriend turns to ChatGPT every time they have a dispute. According to him, she leaves mid-argument to discuss their disagreement with the AI and returns with a meticulously structured counter-argument. This tactic, he claims, feels like an “ambush,” leaving him struggling to keep up with ChatGPT’s detailed breakdowns.

Despite his objections, his girlfriend justifies her approach, often telling him things like “ChatGPT says you’re insecure” or “ChatGPT says you lack the emotional bandwidth to understand.” Frustrated, he asked if he was wrong for wanting her to stop.

Comments poured in, with users humorously advising him to fight fire with fire, saying, “Respond with ChatGPT until she gets the point” and “Ask ChatGPT how to break up with her.” However, the original poster noted that ChatGPT is “biased to the user’s input,” leaving the AI unhelpfully one-sided.

Have you ever used ChatGPT to argue?

#MaltaDaily

Police Mistakenly Raid Home of 95-Year-Old Woman Due to Having Wrong Address

Police Mistakenly Raid Home of 95-Year-Old Woman Due to Having Wrong Address
Oct 29 2024 Share
In an unsettling incident in Marsa, the police have mistakenly raided the home of a 95-year-old woman, breaking down her door and causing unnecessary alarm due to an address mix-up.
Nationalist Party MP Darren Carabott spoke out about the incident, highlighting that this isn’t an isolated event. Referring to a similar case in August, also in Marsa, he condemned the mistaken raids on private homes due to inaccurate information. “Imagine being in your own home, minding your business, when officials suddenly break in, based on incorrect information,” he stated. He questioned how residents could feel assured that such incidents would not happen again, pointing to the troubling trend and calling for improved police practices.

This incident has sparked public debate on police protocol and information verification, with many questioning the safeguards in place to protect citizens from such invasions of privacy.

Authorities have yet to respond directly to Carabott’s statement.

#MaltaDaily

Malta’s Special Olympics Team Shines with Six Medals in Monaco

Malta’s Special Olympics Team Shines with Six Medals in Monaco
Oct 29 2024 Share

Maltese athletes made Malta proud last weekend at the Special Olympics European Swimming Meeting, held on October 26-27 at Monaco’s Prince Albert II Water Sports Centre. Competing among Europe’s best, the Maltese contingent returned with six medals: 3 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze.

Maria James kicked off the medal spree with a gold in the 50-metre breaststroke, achieving a personal best time of 1 minute, 4 seconds. Sean Farrugia followed suit, seizing gold in the 50-metre backstroke with a record-breaking 35.73 seconds, while Alessia Distefano swam to Malta’s third gold with a time of 46.84 seconds in her category.

In the silver category, Nicole Caruana’s stellar performance in the 50-metre freestyle earned her a place on the podium, alongside Sean Farrugia, who took silver in the 100-metre freestyle. Maria James rounded off the team’s success with a bronze in the 100-metre freestyle.

#MaltaDaily