First Anti-Domestic Violence Measures Implemented

Apr 19 2024

The Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, announced significant progress in combating domestic violence within just three months of launching the third National Strategy on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence. She highlighted key measures implemented to strengthen protections for victims.

Buttigieg made these statements during the presentation of the annual report by Commissioner Samantha Pace Gasan from the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence. The report underscores the achievements under the latest strategy titled ‘Ningħaqdu, Ninvolvu, Nelevaw’, launched in November, aligning closely with recommendations from the inquiry report by Emeritus Judge Geoffrey Valenzia.

Buttigieg emphasized an ongoing commitment to combat domestic violence, stating that legislative amendments based on recommendations from the Valenzia report are forthcoming. She also noted positive feedback from foreign diplomats regarding the strategy’s efforts to engage diverse communities within Malta.

Buttigieg applauded recent arrangements prioritizing medical services for domestic violence victims accompanied by law enforcement. Commissioner Pace Gasan highlighted collaborative efforts with various governmental and non-governmental entities through the Interministerial Committee, continuing awareness campaigns and training initiatives to address domestic violence comprehensively across different sectors.

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Man Injured After Getting Stuck Between Lifter & Truck

Apr 19 2024

A 44 year old man resident of Birkirkara had to be taken to Mater Dei Hospital at around 0830hrs after suffering injuries in Triq Clarens, Pieta.

District police convened immediately on site and preliminary investigations showed that the victim had gotten stuck between a lifter and a truck.

It seems as though he got stuck there whilst allegedly fixing the lifter.

A medical team was called on site and an ambulance transported him to Mater Dei Hospital, where he was certified as having suffered grievous injuries.

Police investigations are ongoing.

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Remove Work Limits For Persons With Disabilities, PL Candidate Urges

Apr 19 2024

Steve Ellul, a Labour Party candidate for the European Parliament elections, is advocating for amendments to ensure that large companies fulfill their obligation to employ people with disabilities instead of evading this requirement through low contributory payments.

His proposal aims to increase disability employment rates and enable individuals to realize their potential in the workforce.

Ellul highlighted during a Chamber of Commerce debate that despite the law mandating firms with over 50 employees to allocate 2% of their workforce to people with disabilities, the reality is stark: one in every five individuals relying on unemployment benefits is a person with a disability.

Currently, companies can bypass this requirement by paying a contribution capped at €10,000.

Ellul proposes eliminating this cap and making the contribution equivalent to the median wage of an employee, emphasizing that entrepreneurs should not exploit loopholes but comply with the law.

He stressed that in a tight labor market like Malta’s, excluding willing workers with disabilities is counterproductive. Ellul emphasized that this initiative is not charity; rather, it harnesses the potential of young individuals with disabilities to significantly contribute to Malta’s industries.

Furthermore, Ellul advocated for extending employment opportunities for people with disabilities within government entities exceeding 50 employees. He underlined the necessity of aligning legal amendments with comprehensive training programs for individuals with disabilities and employers to facilitate successful integration into the workforce.

Ellul believes that these policy changes will positively impact people’s lives and foster a more inclusive and productive society.

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Stabbiltà Initiative Sustains March Decline in Food Prices and Inflation

Apr 19 2024

In a recent report from the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise, and Strategic Projects, Malta celebrates a notable achievement in its economic landscape. The data reveals a substantial decline in food prices, marking a significant shift towards stabilization and alignment with European Union averages.

According to official statistics released by the European Union for March, Malta experienced a consecutive decrease in food prices for the second month running. Remarkably, food prices have seen a 2% reduction since the end of January, positioning Malta’s inflation rate at 2.7% in March, down from 3.7% in January. This swift reduction has effectively bridged the gap between Malta’s inflation rate and the EU average, a testament to the efficacy of Malta’s Stability initiative.

The report underscores the impact of Stabbiltà on various food categories, elucidating how the initiative has transformed the trajectory of price trends. For instance, the price of coffee, which saw a concerning inflation rate in Malta, has now aligned closely with the European average. Similarly, frozen vegetable prices, which previously soared in Malta while moderating in neighbouring countries, have halved in inflation rate since January, bringing them in line with EU levels.

Furthermore, Stabbiltà has brought about a significant reversal in the inflation rates of essential food items like margarine and processed fish, particularly oil tuna. Whereas Malta previously experienced inflation rates exceeding the European average, these rates have now diminished, with some products even witnessing price decreases compared to the previous year.

The ministry’s report also highlights the positive impact of Stabbiltà on cereal product prices, which, after a period of divergence, have begun to align with European trends once more. Notably, the inflation rate for cereal products has more than halved since the introduction of Stabbiltà , demonstrating a swift response to economic intervention.

In essence, Malta’s economic landscape has witnessed a remarkable transformation thanks to the Stabbiltà initiative. By realigning food prices with international trends and significantly reducing inflation rates, Malta is poised for greater economic stability and resilience in the face of global uncertainties.

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