France officially bans short haul flights to push train use

May 24 2023

A new ban was signed into law in France this Tuesday targeting short domestic flights for journeys which can be completed in two-and-a-half hours by train.

Speaking in a decree, France’s transport minister Clement Beaune said that this is ‘an essential step and a strong symbol in the policy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.’

Only three routes have been discontented: those which link Paris-Orly airport to the cities of Bordeaux, Nantes and Lyon. Other connecting flights will remain unaffected.

The EU insisted, for the ban to apply, that the air route in question must have a high-speed rail alternative which makes it possible to travel in less than two-and-a-half hours.

There must also be enough early and late running trains to enable travellers to spend at least eight hours at the destination.

However, some have criticised President Emmanuel Macron for ‘watering down’ proposals which recommended bans on flights where train journeys were an alternative.

Critics stated that high-speed train lines were already doing the job and the ban is basic lip-service to climate concerns. The three routes affected by the ban represent, according to estimates by group Transport & Environment, just 0.3$ of emissions produced by flights taking off from France and 3% of domestic flight emissions.

#MaltaDaily

Christina Aguilera is coming to Malta for EuroPride Valletta 2023!

May 24 2023

Singer, songwriter and all around media icon Christina Aguilera is headed to Malta in September to headline EuroPride Valletta 2023’s main concert in the capital.

The musical legend will be gracing the EuroPride main stage with hits like Lady Marmalade, Genie in a Bottle, Beautiful, Candyman and so much more.

EuroPride 2023 is a 10-day, non-stop celebration of equality which will welcome members of the LGBTIQ+ from across the globe for discussions, events, activities, concerts and theme parties.

The hugely inclusive Pride Week is coordinate by ARC – Allied Rainbow Communities, NGOs, individuals and partner organisations to ensure all minorities are represented. It is also supported by The Government of Malta and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Reforms and Equality support and promote LGBTIQ+ equality. Malta is regarded as the gold standard in LGBTIQ+ rights, according to the United Nations Human rights office.

Send this to a Christina Aguilera fan!

#MaltaDaily

Tourists barely make flight: buses diverted due to unannounced roadworks

May 24 2023

Taking to social media, independent electoral candidate Arnold Cassola shared the complaints he received by tourists which revealed that they barely made their flights due to unplanned roadworks.

‘Simply time of the Flintstones’ said Cassola, likening the situation to the prehistoric animated show.

‘Contacted by a group of tourists: “Hi, me and a group of travellers tried to reach the airport by bus, but all the buses turn before reaching the airport more than a km away and so we had to run to not miss our flights. It’s a sham”. You should be ashamed of yourselves’ wrote Cassola.

Times of Malta confirmed with a Malta Public Transport spokesperson that routes 71, 72, 73, X3, X4, 218, 117, X1, X2 and 135 could not access Malta International Airport late on Tuesday afternoon.

The MPT were not aware of the roadworks, resulting in six buses getting stuck on Triq il-Kunsill tal-Ewropa.

The company aided the officials on site to move buses through concrete bollards partly blocking the road, with tourists walking through the rubbled roads.

#MaltaDaily

Red Electric & Wayne Camilleri answer Jake Vella’s wish to learn guitar

May 24 2023

After a visit by Minister for Public Works and Planning Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Jake Vella’s dream of learning the guitar might just become a reality thanks to the goodwill of local musicians.

The Minister spoke to the currently hospitalised Jake, who became a sports symbol on the island for his undying passion for swimming, about the school lessons he continued to follow whilst in hospital.

Jake revealed to the minister that he wished to learn to play the guitar, promoting Zrinzo Azzopardi to issue a call online for someone to teach the young athlete.

The calls was responded to by both Wayne Camilleri, a local guitar legend, and Red Electric’s Peter Borg, after they were both tagged in the post.

Kudos to both these musicians for taking on the mentorship call! Who knows, maybe we’re looking at the creation of a future rockstar thanks to these already established musicians!

#MaltaDaily