Election will be dictated by national interest says Prime Minister

Despite being pressed for an answer, the prime minister remained mum on the information as rumours have made rounds that one as early as November might be called.

Sep 1 2021

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Prime Minister Robert Abela was asked multiple times whether an early election will be called. Despite being pressed for an answer, the prime minister remained mum on the information as rumours have made rounds that one as early as November might be called.

Abela pointed out that were he to act according to the spreading rumours, an early election would have been called months ago. Instead, the government was said to be all hands on deck on creating the budget for next year. Abela said he is determined for that budget to be announced and implemented.

He also pointed out, after being asked yet again, that the date of the election will be revealed when the national interest dictates. The budget will be presented in parliament on the 11th of October and the debates and approval could take at least two weeks since its presentation.

The latest that a general election can be held is September of 2022, but the Prime Minister can call an election at any point in time beforehand. The shortest period between an election and its announcement being 33 days, any election this year would have to be held in December’s first weekend.

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Photo Source: Pressconnects, Robert Abela FB

Here’s how Kanye West’s new album connects to Malta

Sep 1 2021

Kanye West has made a massive hit with his latest album release ‘DONDA’. The highly anticipated album was released last Sunday and runs for nearly two whole hours. However, the super-star rapper happened to sale a popular YouTube meme which acquired millions of views three years ago called ‘Globglogabgalab’. West’s meme sample was particularly special as it was a mash-up remix created by Grandayy, a Maltese YouTuber who boasts millions of subscribers.

fun fact: the globgogabgalab sample at the end of remote control on donda is actually specifically from a grandayy mashup of globgogabgalab and gucci gang that’s just been thrown through an AI stem splitter. you can tell because you can hear the lil pump track’s drums as well lol

— elle  (@KrashHash) August 29, 2021

Grandayy shared the Twitter post which pointed this out, stating that it’s ‘time to sue Kanye West.’ Grandayy’s edit has amassed well over 45 million views and its absolutely bizarre to think of a Maltese meme rising up to such worldwide fame that Kanye West himself sampled it. DONDA was streamed over 60 million times in the US in the first full day of release, with West being the usual controversial figure he is known to be.

Time to sue Kanye West https://t.co/g9kNMi5O5a

— Dr Grandayy (@grandayy) August 29, 2021

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Photo Source: BBC, @grandayy Twitter

Paris sets 30 kph speed limit in bid to reduce pollution

Sep 1 2021

Authorities in the French capital Paris are forcing drivers to slow down whilst driving as they set a speed limit on almost all of the city’s roads at 30 kilometres per hour. This was done in a bid to reduce pollution but questions were immediately raised as to whether this will work. Some critics actually point out that it will worsen the city’s rush hour traffic jams and thus increase greenhouse gas emissions.

Authorities are also getting rid of 60,000 of Paris’ 144,000 parking spaces on public roads to ‘make them more accessible to everyone’ but also dissuade drivers from taking vehicles into the city. With sidewalks being widened and cycle lans to be installed, 59% of the city’s resident were in favour of the new limit which are into effect on Monday.

Opposition to the limit was however much higher in the wider Île-de-France region at 61%. Delivery drivers were most annoyed with the limit, as time was of the essence for them and thus a 30kph limit affects their work directly. Parisian Deputy Mayor David Belliard told BFMTV that the hope for the limit was to put more people off driving altogether and encourage more walking, public transport and bike usage.

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Photo Source: Tip Savvvy, CNN

5 myths about buying a home in Malta which aren’t true

Sep 1 2021

Buying a home seems like one of the most intimidating tasks of adulthood and in between filing paperwork, managing finances and finding the right home, it’s easy to hesitate in the face of such obstacles… but it doesn’t have to be. First-time buyers and return property-seekers will rejoice at the fact that securing a home loan is as easy as ever and MeDirect are here to make sure of that.

Malta’s first digital bank does not only offer super competitive rates and minimised costs, but peace of mind with the fact that the bank’s professional advisors will be with you ever step of the way. When purchasing a property, having the right mindset is half the battle and that’s why you should know about these 5 myths about buying a home in Malta which aren’t true:

Myth #1: It’s complicated ❌

MeDirect’s straight-to-the-point plans and tailor-made digital service mean that you won’t get lost in the details. The bank allows you to submit your documentation via email and the MeDirect mobile app gives you access to your accounts anytime and everywhere.

If that wasn’t enough, home loan advisors are always just a call away to make sure that your questions are always answered.

Myth #2: The process will take ages ❌

MeDirect are there to help you every step of the way. Bank representatives will get back to you as quickly as possible to answer any queries you may have and even your sanction letter will be approved within a matter of weeks! That’s why securing a loan has never been so easy.

You can even plan ahead of time and estimate your loan repayments and maximum loan amount with the MeDirect handy home loan calculator which is freely available on their website.

Myth #3: You’ll drown in extra fees ❌

Rest assured that extra fees are the least of your worries when getting your home loan. MeDirect is very transparent and are not charging any processing fees or bank legal fees. On top of that MeDirect are also giving a partial refund of the notarial costs incurred.

Taking your mind off so many hidden costs and fees will allow you to focus on more important issues and allows you to think critically when approaching your loan and ultimately, your home.

Myth #4: The interest rates are a killer ❌

Interest rates can be complex and at times, it may be challenging to calculate the true cost of your home loan.

Thankfully MeDirect’s rates are straightforward – one can either opt for a Fixed Rate (for the first 3 years starting from the contract date) at a negotiable 1.75% interest rate with a variable rate of 2.85% thereafter or else go for Variable Rate only which is in the range of 2.65% to 2.75% depending on the loan requested compared to the property’s value.

Myth #5: Planning will consume all of your time ❌

With MeDirect being Malta’s first digital bank, time consuming tasks like the calculation of loans, access & submission of documentation, as well as, any consultation meetings can be conducted online. In addition to saving a lot of your time and hassle, the bank’s quick response time will ensure a steady communication and an efficient experience.

See? Approaching a home loan doesn’t have to be the most difficult thing in the world, and when you are working with professional advisors who are available to assist at any time, buying a home could be much easier than you think.

Tag someone who needs to see this.

Whether you want to buy your first home, refinance your current property or acquire a second residence, we’re here to…

Posted by MeDirect Bank Malta on Monday, 9 August 2021

MeDirect Bank (Malta) plc, company registration number C34125, is licensed to undertake the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371) and investment services under the Investment Services Act (Cap. 370). MeDirect Bank (Malta) plc is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority as a Credit Institution under the Banking Act 1994. Applications are subject to the Bank’s lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request.

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