France To Ban Smoking On Beaches, In Parks, Near Schools

Nov 29 2023

France is set to implement a comprehensive strategy to curb smoking, with Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau announcing a ban on smoking in beaches, public parks, forests, and certain public spaces near schools.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to prevent 75,000 tobacco-related deaths annually and create a “tobacco-free generation by 2032.”

During a press conference on Tuesday, Minister Rousseau emphasized the need to cease trivializing smoking and eliminate the leisure aspect associated with it.

He did not specify an exact timeline for the ban but hinted at potential fines as early as next year. Additionally, Rousseau disclosed plans for a gradual increase in cigarette prices, projecting a cost of 12 euros ($13) per pack in 2025 and 13 euros ($14) in 2027.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the minister stressed that the nation should not become accustomed to the alarming statistic of 200 preventable tobacco-related deaths each day. In line with previous announcements, France had already committed to prohibiting disposable e-cigarettes in September.

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Table Crashes Into Car Windshield In Mrieħel Accident

Nov 29 2023

In a video uploaded to social media by talk.mt, a table can be seen having smashed into a BMW windshield in a freak Mrieħel accident.

The accident, which took place on Tuesday afternoon, saw the metal frame table having one its legs smashed into the glass of the stationary car’s windshield, causing a commotion on the Mrieħel bypass.

According to talk.mt, the table was being transported by a vehicle ahead of the BMW when it flew off and crashed into the woman’s car in the direction of Attard.

The medical team treated the woman for shock on site but thankfully no one was injured. Traffic was directed with the help of LESA and Transport Malta officers.

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Credit: talk.mt

Robert Abela Meets German Chancellor Scholz in Berlin

Nov 28 2023

“Malta and Germany could strengthen their already-strong cooperation, which already exists nowadays with Germany being Malta’s greatest commercial partner with a strong increase in exportation and importation over the past decade.” These were Prime Minister Robert Abela’s sentiments after a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.

In comments to media at the Chancellory in the German Capital after the meeting with Scholz, Abela explained how Malta and Germany have common interests which lead to the two countries’ cooperation, such as that in economic sectors. Industries such as manufacturing with more innovative machinery, pharmaceuticals, financial services and aviation. Such plans also take the environment into consideration whilst also planning to create quality careers for people in Malta and Gozo.

Connectivity was also an important point of discussion, with Malta remarking that connectivity between Malta and Germany will remain strong thanks to Malta’s national airline which will kick off operations in March 2024. The discussions in Berlin also tackled the question of immigration, with Malta maintaining its position on prevention of arrivals and human trafficking. Malta also held that only should illegal human trafficking operations be halted, but a collective effort should be made for human traffickers to answer for their acts.

The Prime Minister also reiterated his belief in strengthening of dialogue and support towards other countries in the Mediterranean such as Libya and Tunisia. Abela, together with Scholz, discussed climate security and Malta’s role in the United Nations Security Council. It was said that, in the face of global challenges, Malta continues to voice its call in favour of peace. “The fact that our country welcomed a high-level international meeting to find peace in Ukraine, named the Ukraine Peace Formula, and the resolution pushed from Malta adopted by the Security Council continues to show the country’s commitment towards peace in different regions.

The two leaders also discussed the energy sector and the journey towards an environmental core in this sector. The importance of research, innovation and strategic cooperation in different regions were also mentioned, such as Malta’s efforts for the Mediterranean to become a centre for clean energy.

In Berlin, Robert Abela was accompanied by Minister for Foreign, Trade and European Affairs Ian Borg, Minister for the Economy, European Funds and Lands Silvio Schembri, Minister for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality Byron Camilleri, Malta’s Ambassador for Germany Vanni Xuereb and head of Secretariat with the Prime Minister’s Office Glenn Micallef.

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Dog Celebrates Birthday After Being Adopted From Shelter

Nov 28 2023

The Association for Abandoned Animals posted an absolutely adorable video of an adopted shelter dog, Eve, celebrating her 1st birthday with her newfound family.

‘We need to see some beautiful things amid all this abandonment and abuse going on’, the AAA wrote. ‘So here is a video that is certainly beautiful.’

‘The family of Eve, adopted as a puppy from AAA, has more or less calculated her 1st birthday date. And here is Eve celebrating her birthday with a birthday party and doggy cake, much loved by her human sisters, mother and father.’

‘If all families were like this family, animals would be tiny kings and queens.’

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