First €1,000 Of People’s Income Now Tax Free, PM Announces

Nov 4 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that the first €1,000 of people’s income is now tax-free, highlighting the “historic” widening of tax brackets introduced in the recent budget.

Speaking at a political event, he said that individuals paying the single tax rate will no longer pay tax on the first €12,000 of their earnings, resulting in savings between €375 and €675 for workers.

Abela emphasised that lower taxes would boost consumption and economic confidence, noting that Malta’s economic growth has more than doubled compared to 2012 under the PN government. He contrasted his government’s approach, which reduced taxes and lowered the debt-to-GDP ratio, with that of the previous PN administration, which raised taxes and increased debt.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that, combined with the rise in children’s allowances, a medium-income family with two children could see an increase of €1,800 in their annual income.

He claimed that energy bills would have soared had the Opposition been in power, accusing them of wanting to privatise energy distribution, which would have led to higher costs.

Abela criticised the PN for attempting to stop government budget adverts on the national broadcaster, mocking their efforts to “gag” his administration. He concluded by saying people now look forward to budgets, knowing they will benefit under his government.

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PN Government Would Repeal NI Hike For Post 1976 Workers, Says Grech

Nov 4 2024

Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech promised that a new PN government would repeal the raise in National Insurance (NI) contributions announced in the latest budget, which affects those born after 1976.

The measure, which increases the number of contributions required for a full pension from 41 to 42 years, has been criticised by the PN for effectively forcing some people to work beyond the current retirement age of 65.

During an interview at the PN General Council, Grech stated that this rollback would be one of the first actions taken if his party wins the next election.

Grech also addressed other key issues. He acknowledged the government’s reduction of income tax but said it lacked vision compared to the PN’s own proposals.

He criticised the Labour government’s handling of healthcare, noting that many citizens were forced to seek private treatment due to long waiting times for operations. Grech emphasised that the PN’s long-term economic plan would focus on reducing dependence on foreign workers and encouraging innovation in new sectors.

On development, Grech said the PN supports progress but will ensure that it doesn’t harm residents. He defended the party’s engagement with developers, stating that such meetings are necessary, but stressed that donations would not influence PN policies.

He also reiterated the PN’s pro-life stance on abortion and vowed to modify the recreational cannabis law to ensure respect for public spaces.

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Local Youth Surprise Grandma With Sleepover

Nov 4 2024

A group of local youth decided to throw a surprise sleepover at their grandmother’s house to reignite some old memories from their childhood.

@micheladarmanin5

Surprise Sleepover ❤️Making memories #familytime #grandma #sleepover #cousins #memoriesbringback #fyp @Rebecca Darmanin @Matthew Niksu Darmanin @Niksu @Martina Darmanin

♬ suono originale – sophia ★

The group went to their grandma’s house ready with mattresses and other sleepover related trinkets and necessities, leaving a massive smile on their nanna’s face.

They even played a little joke on her by playing the ‘give me my money’ TikTok trend – and she walked right into it in the most wholesome way possible!

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MEPs Grill Glenn Micallef On EU Commissioner Role Today

Nov 4 2024

Glenn Micallef, Malta’s nominee for the European Commission, will face an important grilling today by the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education (CULT).

MEPs will question him about his suitability for the role of Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport.

If Micallef demonstrates the necessary expertise and competence, he is expected to pass this critical stage and move one step closer to joining the EU’s executive body.

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Sources within the European People’s Party (EPP) suggest that his political affiliation as a Labour Party nominee will not play a significant role in the decision.

The CULT committee is known for being more consensus-driven than other, more confrontational committees, and Micallef’s main task is to prove his command of the portfolio.

His grilling comes early in the series of Commissioner-Designate hearings, which might help him avoid the heightened political tension expected later in the process.

At 35, Micallef is the youngest nominee for EU Commissioner, making him one of the youngest in the EU’s history if confirmed.

He is a graduate in Economics and European Politics from the University of Malta and has extensive experience in EU affairs, having served as Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Robert Abela and Director General of Malta’s EU Coordination Department.

With informal votes by party coordinators determining the outcome, his strong familiarity with EU structures and policies will prove crucial for this important step in his role.

#MaltaDaily