Here’s What Will Happen Thursday As Malta Gets A New President

Apr 3 2024

This Thursday, Malta will experience something that only happens every 4/5 years – Malta will be getting a new president. Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono’s oath taking ceremony will take place tomorrow April 4th 2024 during a special Parliamentary sitting at Valletta’s Presidential Palace.

Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono is expected to exit her private residence in Birkirkara at 09:15hrs. From there she will make her way to St John’s Co-Cathedral for a mass led by Malta’s Archbishop Charles Scicluna.

At around 11:00hrs, the president elect, along with her husband, will make their way to St George’s Square. The public will be invited to welcome the president along the road to the palace.

Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono is expected to take her oath of appointment at around 12:15hrs, with the oath being signed & confirmed by speaker Anġlu Farrugia. Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono will then make her first address as the new President of Malta, before addressing the public from the palace’s balcony.

A flypast by the Armed Forces of Malta’s Airforce will greet the new president and Prime Minister Abela. The ceremony will end with the placing of flowers on the War Monument, before the President enters San Anton Palace.

The public and organisations are urged to raise a Maltese flag on the day of appointment.

Will you be attending?

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Drunken Man Pees On Floor On 1st KM Malta Airline Day

Apr 2 2024

According to court proceedings detailed by Times of Malta, a man admitted in court to urinating on the floor of a KM Malta Airlines plane after disobeying cabin crew orders to wait for the bathroom.

German national Andreas Heize, 49, was on a flight from Berlin when he asked to use the bathroom during the seatbelt sign.

Despite crew instructions to wait, Heize became aggressive and relieved himself on the carpeted floor. Witnesses observed his actions, leading to his arrest upon arrival in Malta.

He was found to be intoxicated and pleaded guilty, expressing regret. Magistrate Joseph Gatt sentenced him to a three-month suspended jail term after considering submissions from both sides.

Despite learning it was Heize’s birthday soon, Magistrate Gatt warned him to avoid further misconduct, emphasizing the consequences of repeated offenses.

Lawyer Adriano Spiteri represented Heize in court. The incident occurred on the airline’s inaugural day of service, drawing attention to the importance of following flight protocols and maintaining decorum while traveling.

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New Airline Ordered To Include Maltese, Prime Minister Says

Apr 2 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela stated on Tuesday that KM Malta Airlines must ensure its cabin crew can speak Maltese, particularly when he flies with the national carrier.

Abela’s comments came in response to criticism over the airline’s decision to drop Maltese proficiency as a requirement for cabin crew hires, a move aimed at broadening the pool of prospective recruits.

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The Nationalist Party condemned this decision, labeling it “shameful” for a national carrier not to prioritize the country’s primary language. In response, Abela emphasized the importance of treating the Maltese language with respect and safeguarding it in state agencies.

A spokesperson for KM Malta Airlines assured that at least one cabin crew member on each flight would speak Maltese, with a commitment to adopting Maltese as the airline’s first language.

Abela also expressed the need for government buildings and projects to use Maltese in signage, stressing the importance of preserving the language’s unique identity. While no specific examples were mentioned, the emphasis was placed on valuing and safeguarding the Maltese language.

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In Work Benefit & Carer’s Grant Payment Issued By This Week

Apr 2 2024

By the end of this week, the first installments of the In-Work Benefit and the Carer’s Grant for the current year will be distributed. This follows the recent disbursements of the Carers Allowance and the Carers Supplement. Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Michael Falzon, made this announcement.

The initial three-month payment of the In-Work Benefit, covering January to March 2024, will reach over 23,262 recipients, totaling almost €3.5 million for the first quarter. Among these recipients, 1,023 will receive letters to provide their IBAN numbers for payment processing, as they are new beneficiaries.

The In-Work Benefit payment will also include the promised €50 increase per child annually, as outlined in the Budget 2024. Minister Falzon emphasizes that this increase complements the existing In-Work Benefit threshold, extending support to more families. He underscores the significance of social investment in these four benefits, totaling nearly €8.2 million and benefiting 25,324 families.

Additionally, another payment scheduled for this week is the Carer’s Grant, provided to parents unable to work due to caring for a disabled child over 16, who qualifies for Severe Disability Assistance. Permanent Secretary Mark Musu explains that this benefit, which initially began at €300, has now risen to almost €5,000 annually, equivalent to half the minimum net wage.

Effective January 2024, reflecting the increase in the National Minimum Wage along with the COLA raise, the payment will total €4,997. Eligible recipients will receive €1,249.25 every three months. Furthermore, starting this year, Carer’s Grant beneficiaries will enjoy an annual increase of nearly €500. In total, there are 416 beneficiaries, with an investment of almost €520,000 for the first quarter.

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