French Prime Minister Michel Barnier To Resign After No-Confidence Vote

Dec 5 2024

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier is expected to resign on Thursday, just three months after taking office, following the first no-confidence vote in over 60 years. This unexpected move comes after Barnier’s government was ousted by a majority of 331 MPs in the National Assembly, triggered by a standoff over the upcoming austerity budget. The no-confidence motion was lead by the far-left and supported by Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, who criticised the government’s fiscal policies as “toxic” and blamed President Emmanuel Macron for the political crisis.

Barnier’s resignation follows an unrestrained period for Macron, whose government is facing a fragmented parliament after snap elections in the summer, which resulted in a hung parliament. With no clear majority, the far-right holds significant power. Macron now faces the difficult task of selecting a new prime minister, with figures such as Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu and former Socialist PM Bernard Cazeneuve being potential candidates.

The political clamor has worsened France’s domestic crisis, with unions calling for strikes over cost-cutting measures, which could disrupt schools and transportation. The resignation also coincides with Macron’s upcoming international event, the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Despite mounting pressure, Macron has rejected calls to resign.

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4 Friends Recreate Photo They Took Back In 1972 Fifty Years On

Dec 5 2024

In 1972, four teenage friends from Halifax, England—Marion Bamforth, Sue Morris, Carol Ansbro, and Mary Helliwell—took a photo during a trip to Torquay, Devon.

The picture, taken by a roaming beach photographer, showed the friends walking arm in arm along the promenade. It became a cherished keepsake, symbolising their youthful adventures and marking the start of a lifelong friendship.

In 2024, to celebrate their 70th birthdays, the group decided to recreate the photo at the same location in Torquay.

The idea, suggested by Morris, required the friends to find outfits reminiscent of their 1970s styles, including skirts and bright blouses. Despite initial hesitation about the clothing and weather, they embraced the challenge, preparing for the shoot with creativity and humour.

The recreation took place with help from hotel staff and two other friends who directed the group’s poses.

The resulting photo mirrored the original closely, capturing the same camaraderie. The side-by-side images were later submitted to a local newspaper, gaining attention on social media and inspiring others to reconnect with old friends.

The group credits their enduring friendship to consistent effort and mutual support. They remain in touch through WhatsApp and regular meet ups, continuing to plan new adventures together.

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Every Maltese Citizen To Be Automatically Registered As An Organ Donor

Dec 5 2024

During the Council of Health Ministers in Brussels, attended by Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela, discussions focused on advancing a European vision for organ donation and transplantation. Minister Abela announced Malta’s plans to launch an open consultation process to review existing legislation, including the possibility of introducing an opt-out system for organ donation.

This announcement, however, has sparked a reaction from the Partit Nazzjonalista (PN), who claim the government is taking credit for a proposal they first presented in February. The PN’s Private Member’s Bill, spearheaded by Shadow Minister Ivan Bartolo, outlined a framework for an opt-out system, already implemented in various European countries, which ensures organ donation unless individuals explicitly opt out.

Minister Abela emphasized Malta’s commitment to aligning with European standards and stressed the importance of collaboration at both political and clinical levels to benefit all citizens. He also noted that the Ministry is considering adopting Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD), a practice that has increased transplant numbers by 25% in other countries.

The PN’s proposal similarly supports an opt-out model but includes provisions to give families the final say when an individual’s wishes are unclear. According to the PN, such reforms are critical, given that around 90 patients in Malta are currently waiting for a kidney, 15 for a liver, 6 for a heart, and approximately 50 for a cornea.

Both sides agree on the importance of advancing organ donation laws for the common good. Minister Abela concluded by reaffirming the government’s dedication to improving transplant medicine, ensuring no one is left behind.

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Bethlehem f’Santa Venera Returns With a Grander Christmas Celebration

Dec 5 2024

The Santa Venera Local Council, in collaboration with the Ministry for Lands and the Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto, will host the fifth edition of the Christmas event, Betlehem f’Santa Venera, in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.

This year, the event will take place on a larger scale, as it will be held for the first time in both the Romeo Romano Gardens and the gardens of Casa Leoni, which houses the Ministry’s offices.

Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi explained that this event not only brings the Christmas spirit to life but also offers the public a chance to explore the stunning 18th-century gardens.

He highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to make historic sites more accessible, adding that the gardens of Casa Leoni will be open to the public during the event thanks to this collaboration.

Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli described the event as a cherished addition to Malta’s Christmas calendar, preserving traditions while raising funds for a noble cause. She noted that this year, 30 Christmas-related activities will be hosted by local councils.

Mayor Gianluca Falzon announced that the event will feature a live nativity scene, children’s areas, and food stalls. Betlehem f’Santa Venera will be open from December 13–15.

For more information one can visit the Facebook event.

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