Government shifted grey-list burden on businesses and consumers says PN

Feb 12 2022

Chief spokesperson for the Nationalist Party Peter Agius blamed the government for shifting the burden of Malta’s FATF grey-listing onto businesses, importers, self-employed, professionals and consumers.

Addressing a press conference in front of the Malta Business Registry offices in Zejtun, Agius said that the Opposition was contacted by hundreds to complain about excessive levels of scrutiny and bureaucracy being dealt with.

Agius said that whilst the government spent €31 million to hire the MBR offices without issuing a public tender, any Maltese company that carries out transactions is being asked to provide an independent report on the company’s structure.

‘The price for this has to be paid by Maltese businesses’ said Agius. Due diligence checks are also being requested, which in the case of companies have to be carried out for each director.

Agius emphasised how this means that for several sals and purchase contracts, companies are being charged thousands of euros in additional costs. ‘This is a burden that the government has shamelessly placed on the notaries’ shoulders with penalties of up to €60,000.

With trust in local businesses diminishing, Agius said that it is an additional obligation on Maltese businesses which carries a cost, which is ultimately passed on to local consumers through a surge in prices. Some importers are being asked to pay everything upfront before delivery, with he credit facility of 20-60 days prior no longer an option.

The added scrutiny of cash transfers has resulted in the freezing and closing of hundreds of bank accounts of workers and self-employed individuals. ‘Malta’s grey-listing is the result of the incompetence and corruption of the Labour government’ said Agius.

PN candidate Graham Bencini said that the election of a PN government would send the strongest signal to the international community and bring Malta back on the white list within three months. The PN would, if elected, establish a governmental department to deal with due diligence control.

‘This would at least less the burden placed on businesses by ensuring that anyone lodging or purchasing property as well as notaries and banks would have legal certainty and a structure that helps them ascertain the necessary controls with less risk’ he said.

#MaltaDaily

What to expect from the X Factor Malta Season 3 finale tonight!

Feb 12 2022

The excitement is mounting as the finale of X Factor Malta Season 3 draws nearer by the hour. With contestants all surely preparing for their big night, where one of them will be crowned winner, we will be outlining all the stages of what to expect during the finale.

Stage 1 – A Spectacular Opening

Every live show of X Factor Malta opened up with an iconic introduction, each sticking to the themes that particular showcase was channeling.

Whether it was the wonderfully done ‘throwback’ sequence or the soundtrack number, openings for XFactor Malta are always something to behold. For the finale, we’re expecting an introduction like no other, a culmination of spectacle and skill by Malta’s entertainment industry.

Stage 2 – Duets

Every XFactor Finale we’ve had in the past always included some amazing duets with local known artist. The most famous of these was Season One’s collaboration between Ira Losco and Owen Leuellen, which gave Malta one of its biggest hits in recent years.

This year, we’re hoping that we’ll get to see other amazing duets as we’re sure the current contestants will give quite a performance when paired up with other local veterans in the scene.

Stage 3 – Stunning Solos

The competition is, of course, searching for the next X Factor. This means that all contestants will be working on giving the best performance they have ever given during their run on the show.

All four contestants – Lisa, Drakard, Cheryl and Ryan – will be showing who they truly are as artists tonight. The solo performances always bring out the best in each contestant, and the final will undoubtedly boost that element to new levels.

Bonus Stage – Voting Excitement

The decision falls on the audience to pick out who will be crowned winner tonight. As we all await the results, the singers themselves will be hoping for the best. The finale will air tonight at 20:50 on Television Malta, so huddle up with your XFactor squad and vote for your favourite artist.

It all hinges on tonight!

#MaltaDaily

Attempt to smuggle €115,000 into Italy by Maltese man

Feb 12 2022

A Maltese man was caught allegedly trying to smuggle over €115,000 into Italy. The man, 47-years-old, was caught by the Italian Guardia di Finanza, who said the hauler had been caught trying to smuggle the money into the Sicilian port of Catania.

The man had just driven his vehicle off a ferry when Italian customs officials and police started a routine inspection. The man allegedly started to act suspiciously and gave contradictory answers.

The man, who was acting uneasy, was then searched along with his vehicle. The officials said that a bag full of cash was found concealed in a false bulkhead between the car’s cabin and the engine cavity.

The cash was not declared, even though authorities should be informed of anything over €10,000 taken across the border.

#MaltaDaily

Long table negotiations after Macron refuses Kremlin COVID test

Feb 12 2022

Despite meeting up with Russian president Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron was made to sit at a bizarrely long table for his meeting after refusing to take a Kremlin-performed COVID test.

The two leaders sat at opposite end in the Kremlin on Monday when Macron came to Moscow in an attempt to defuse fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Putin’s spokesman said that the decision to subject Macron to the huge table was taken after the French leader refused to take a test performed by the Kremlin’s medics. The table earned a lot of ridicule online, raising eyebrows when Putin sat at a tiny table with the Kazakh president three days later.

Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson, said that talks with some are being held at a long table, with the distance being approximately six meters. ‘It is linked to the fact that some follow their own rules and don’t cooperate with the host side.’

The decision on who is subjected to the long table is not political, said Peskov, and that if medics from both sides cooperate, then Putin communicates with guests directly, closely and shaking hands.

A French presidential official confirmed that the issue ha come about over the conditions of the PCR test demanded by the Russian side. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi were also subjected to the long-table diplomacy when they visited earlier this year.

Putin, who is 69-years-old, is vaccinated with Russia’s home-grown Sputnik V. The Kremlin has gone to extreme lengths to protect the now ageing President.

#MaltaDaily