Climate Action Authority Established

Oct 7 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela announced the establishment of the Climate Action Authority, emphasising the importance of environmental justice and collective responsibility.

This new Authority, the first of its kind in Europe, aims to monitor and address the effects of climate change through coordinated efforts and effective action, including legislation and regulation.

Abela described this as a significant milestone and another fulfilled government promise, underscoring the need to act decisively to protect the future and improve current living conditions.

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“Doing nothing is not an option,” Abela stated, adding that environmental policies must address the realities faced by all, particularly in the Mediterranean. He stressed the government’s commitment to progress while ensuring peace and stability for all citizens.

The Authority’s goal is to transform the challenge of climate change into an opportunity by implementing the necessary changes.

Environment Minister Miriam Dalli highlighted the ambition required to lead on climate action, both locally and internationally.

She pointed out that Malta, through initiatives like the MED9, has made strides toward making the Mediterranean a hub for clean energy.

Dalli emphasised that while climate change presents challenges, it also offers opportunities if we are courageous enough to embrace the necessary reforms. The Authority will play a pivotal role in driving this vision forward.

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Maltese Parliament Re-Opens Today

Oct 7 2024

The Parliament of Malta will reconvene today, with the Speaker set to issue a series of rulings, two of which will address matters concerning parliamentary questions.

These rulings will add to the 18 already made in this legislative term, primarily dealing with the handling of such questions.

The Speaker is expected to propose improvements to the process and timing for answering parliamentary questions.

Anġlu Farrugia has also highlighted the need for the Government and Opposition to engage in discussions aimed at reviewing the standing orders of Parliament.

According to data shared with TVMnews, nine out of ten parliamentary question during this term have been answered. Furthermore, the total number of questions asked—21,303—already equaled that of the previous term, with 19,453 answered and 1,146 still pending.

Speaker Farrugia stressed the importance of further shortening speeches, which have already been reduced, and reiterated citizens’ right to seek remedies for statements made in Parliament.

On its part, the Nationalist Party (PN) emphasised that the Government must stop withholding information and start answering parliamentary questions. With Ian Borg replacing Chris Fearne as the new Leader of the House, PN Whip Robert Cutajar and Deputy Whip Paula Mifsud Bonnici called for a change in the Government’s approach, urging respect for Parliament. Robert Cutajar said that over 800 Parliamentary Questions have not yet been answered by Government Ministers.

The PN also revisited its previous proposals to enhance parliamentary work, including a Prime Minister’s Question Time similar to the UK system. They proposed extending parliamentary sessions to Thursday, alternating between Government and Opposition-led discussions, and advocated for child care facilities for MPs and parliamentary staff.

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Vessel Carrying Israel Bound Weapons Banned From Malta Entry

Oct 7 2024

The Maltese government has reportedly banned the entry of the merchant vessel MV Kathrin into its waters, after concerns were raised that the ship was carrying explosives destined for Israel.

A government spokesperson informed Times of Malta of the ban, stating that a request for the ship to stop in Malta for a crew change was denied, and it will not be allowed to refuel either.

The vessel, off the coast of Sicily, is believed to be transporting eight containers of RDX Hexogen explosives, key materials used in bombs and missiles, according to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese.

Local activist group Moviment Graffitti warned that allowing the ship into Malta would make the government complicit in the ongoing “genocide” in Palestine.

The group referenced the Geneva Convention, arguing that granting access would violate international law.

Following the ban, the activist group released a statement saying:

‘We reiterate that Prime Minister Robert Abela and Minister Chris Bonett should clearly and publicly state that no military provisions destined for Israel will be allowed passage, anchoring, docking or provisioning of any services in or by Maltese ports, airports, seas and airspace.’

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Princess Diaries 3 & Devil Wears Prada 2 In The Works

Oct 7 2024

Exciting news for fans of early 2000s classics: The Princess Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada are officially getting sequels!

The Princess Diaries 3 is finally happening, with Anne Hathaway set to return as Mia Thermopolis. Over two decades after The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, the third installment will be directed by Adele Lim, known for Crazy Rich Asians and Raya and the Last Dragon.

Lim expressed her excitement, saying she’s thrilled to celebrate the film’s themes of female power and mentorship. While Julie Andrews may not return as Queen Clarisse, fans are hopeful, with Hathaway committed to trying to involve her.

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The movie will continue the adventures of Mia, now Queen of Genovia, following the events of the second film.

Meanwhile, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is also in pre-production. Filming is set to begin in November 2024, with Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci all returning.

The sequel will follow Miranda Priestly as she faces the decline of traditional magazines, competing against her former assistant, Emily Charlton, now a powerful executive.

Directed by David Frankel, the same director from the original, this sequel promises to capture the same iconic energy that made the 2006 film a cultural phenomenon.

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