Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg announced that, through an investment of half a million euros, free menstrual projects will be handed out to girls in schools.
Buttigieg announced that this initiative seeks to remove the stigma associated with a completely natural process and thus not only help hundreds of girls but also raise awareness about the subject.
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Animal Liberation Malta and Moviment Graffitti jointly organized a symbolic demonstration in front of Mediterraneo Park on Saturday, October 28th, with the intention of shedding light on the suffering endured by animals held in captivity.
One of the activists creatively portrayed a dolphin inside a small pool, symbolizing the severe space constraints that captive dolphins face. To put it in perspective, a pod of dolphins in their natural habitat can travel up to 100 kilometers in a single day.
During the demo, an activist dressed in a wetsuit mimicking a trainer, prompted the “dolphin” to perform tricks like clapping or jumping in exchange for fish. This served to illustrate the conditional training methods these animals are subjected to, effectively transforming them into performing animals, similar to those found in circuses, albeit under the façade of a licensed zoo.
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‘The animals imprisoned in this building spend extended periods alone in confined spaces when they are not performing – sometimes for hours on end. Many of these animals are social by nature, adding on to the number of unnatural conditions they are subjected to.’
Animal Liberation Malta and Moviment Graffitti emphasize that the first step in assisting these animals is for the public to refrain from supporting such shows.
‘Purchasing a ticket effectively endorses these exploitative actions towards dolphins and the rest of the imprisoned animals. They further urge the authorities not to grant permits to Mediterraneo for the importation of new animals, including sea lions, dolphins, or any other creatures, even if they are captive-bred. Additionally, we want to remind the public that there are numerous ethical and educational alternatives to appreciating animals that do not involve visiting zoos.’
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In was has been an absolutely thrilling month for international football fans, FIFA had also announced that the 2030 tournament hosting cap was awarded to Spain, Portugal and Morocco, preventing all European and African nations from bidding for 2034.
After the hosts of the 2030 World Cup were announced, Saudi Arabian Football Federation president, Yasser Al Misehal, stated that they believe “the time is right for Saudi Arabia to host the FIFA World Cup.”
Such as decision will further contribute Saudi Arabia’s expansion into football, with the country’s clubs spending over €800 million in transfer fees during this summer’s transfer window, with stars including former Ballon d’Or recipient Karim Benzema and Brazilian icon Neymar.
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The recent unveiling of Malta’s Budget 2024 by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has sparked a range of reactions from various entities, shedding light on the diverse perspectives and concerns regarding the nation’s financial plan. Let’s take a closer look at the key takeaways from these reactions:
UHM Voice of the Workers: 💬 “With the money we gave to Steward and Vitals we would have made another budget of €500 million”
The UHM Voice of the Workers expressed disappointment over the government’s decision not to exempt the cost of living allowance (COLA) from taxation. This move was seen as essential in alleviating the impact of the high cost of living and could have left €30 million in the pockets of Maltese families. The absence of this measure left many disheartened, especially considering widespread support for it.
Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry: 💬 “Clear on social objectives, vague on wealth creation.”
The Malta Chamber highlighted that a growing portion of the budget is allocated to recurrent expenditure, focusing on energy subsidies and social assistance. While this support is essential for vulnerable groups amid inflationary pressures, the Chamber pointed out that investment in infrastructure, such as energy distribution, waste management, and transportation networks, was insufficient. The budget missed an opportunity to introduce concrete measures to reduce private car use in congested areas, particularly during rush hours.
ADPD-The Green Party: 💬 “A fair Malta… for whom?”
The ADPD expressed concerns over the budget’s allocation of resources, especially subsidies, which they considered wasteful. While they acknowledged the increase in the minimum wage as a step in the right direction, they deemed it insufficient for a decent standard of living. The party also anticipated measures to reduce unsustainable energy subsidies, but these were not clearly addressed in the budget.
Malta Chamber of SMEs: 💬 “Energy subsidies are an important reassurance.”
The Malta Chamber of SMEs welcomed the assurance of continued energy subsidies. However, they noted the absence of specific incentives to strengthen SMEs within the budget, expressing a desire for more emphasis on this vital sector.
General Workers’ Union: 💬 “Budget 2024: A budget that continues to improve the quality of life.”
The General Workers’ Union commended the budget for its significant expenditure on social measures, especially for the most vulnerable segments of the population. Measures such as raising the national minimum wage over four years and increasing social services, including pensions, were highlighted. The continuation of energy, fuel, and cereal subsidies was also appreciated.
Gozo Business Chamber: 💬 “A focus on the social aspect and significant projects.”
The Gozo Business Chamber noted that the budget primarily addresses social aspects and maintains a high standard of living for the Maltese population. They highlighted various upcoming projects, such as the rural airfield initiative and the completion of essential infrastructural developments, which are expected to benefit the community. Additionally, the introduction of an MRI machine for Gozo was seen as a positive step.
Malta Hotels & Restaurants Association: 💬 “Tourism remains the motor of the economy.”
The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting the economic resurgence and expansion, particularly within the tourism sector. The importance of connectivity and the launch of a new airline were highlighted. MHRA also acknowledged the wide-ranging social benefit schemes, although they noted a reduction in the subvention for the Malta Tourism Authority.
These varied responses to Budget 2024 underscore the complex challenges and priorities facing Malta as it navigates economic and social issues in the years ahead.
The budget’s impact on different sectors and segments of the population will be closely watched as the financial plan is implemented.
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