How Did Budget 2025 Affect Gozo? PN & PL React

Oct 30 2024

On Monday, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana presented the Budget 2025 speech, outlining Malta’s financial plans for the coming year.

Labour Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, and Nationalist Party Spokesperson for Gozo, Alex Borg, took to social media to share contrasting views on the budget’s impact on the island. While Camilleri celebrated the record funding, Borg raised concerns over the government’s commitment to addressing Gozo’s core challenges.

Camilleri praised the €93 million budget, calling it the largest investment Gozo has ever received. Highlighting a 10% increase over the previous year and a 180% increase “compared to the last Nationalist budget”, he detailed new projects: a Gozo Aquatic and Sports Centre, residential developments in Taċ-Ċawla, road upgrades, a rural airfield, and additional Gozo Channel ferry services.

The minister also cited educational investments in Kercem and Żebbuġ primary schools and a bolstered budget for elder care facilities. Emphasising the Labour Party’s commitment to Gozo, Camilleri argued that their “promises are fulfilled.”

Conversely, Alex Borg expressed skepticism, noting that while Gozo was mentioned in the budget, it was done “passively” with little specificity. He argued that ongoing issues—limited healthcare access, traffic congestion, and reduced job opportunities—remain unaddressed. Borg criticized the government for not prioritizing Gozo’s needs, suggesting that Gozitans often feel treated as “second class” citizens. He concluded with a call for a “new direction” to uplift Gozo, aiming for a Gozo that reflects residents’ aspirations and deserves its “true quality.”

These contrasting viewpoints underscore the political debate on Gozo’s future direction and investment needs.

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Roberta Metsola Visits Maltese Schools to Talk Leadership & Environment

Oct 30 2024

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola recently shared highlights from her visits to Maltese schools, including San Andrea School and the Archbishop’s Minor Seminary, underscoring the importance of engaging with the next generation on critical values and sustainable practices.

Metsola, expressed on social media that returning to her former school was an inspiring experience. “It was great to be back, meeting students, listening to their aspirations and expectations,” she shared, assuring followers that “the future is bright!”

At the Archbishop’s Seminary, Metsola engaged with upper secondary students, including members of the student and eco-school councils. Discussions centred on values such as dignity, teamwork, and integrity, all tied to environmental stewardship. For the younger students, Metsola emphasised practical actions like reducing food waste and practicing mindful consumption, demonstrating how individual contributions can benefit both the planet and communities in need.

The Seminary also celebrated her visit, posting on social media, “Her visit highlighted the importance of environmental education and youth involvement in addressing global challenges. We are proud of our students’ passion for sustainability! Let’s keep working together for a more caring and sustainable world.”

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Vatican Announces New Mascot ‘Luce’: Here’s What Maltese Mascots Would Look Like

Oct 30 2024

The Vatican is getting creative for the 2025 Jubilee year, unveiling a new mascot named Luce. Created by Italian pop artist Simone Legno, known for the tokidoki brand, Luce is a neochibi character aimed at capturing the hearts of kids raised on anime.

Symbolising hope and faith, Luce is designed to resonate with younger generations through her vibrant, playful design and Japanese-influenced style. Set to debut at Lucca Comics & Games, she’ll be the first Vatican mascot introduced at a comic convention, a fitting setting for her mission to spread the message of hope.

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Inspired by the Vatican’s initiative, we wondered: what if iconic Maltese locations had their own mascots? We asked AI to bring this concept to life, and the results are fun, imaginative, and full of Maltese charm. Meet “Pistu the Pastizz” from Serkin tal-Pastizzi, proudly representing Rabat’s traditional cuisine, and “Guido l-Gwardjan,” the valiant protector of Valletta. For Gozo, there’s “Gigi l-Ġebla,” a gentle giant inspired by the ancient temples of Ġgantija. Paceville gets “Woo Woo l-Kokka,” bringing nightlife to life, while the Blue Grotto boasts “Otto tal-Grotto,” a mystical wave character.

These AI-generated mascots celebrate Malta’s unique spirit and heritage—wouldn’t they make perfect additions to Maltese souvenir shops?

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Tyson Fury Enjoys Lunch at One80 in Mellieha

Oct 30 2024

It was only last Friday when whispers of Tyson Fury being spotted jogging and training in Malta started making the rounds, and it didn’t take long for the rumours to be confirmed. Malta Daily scored exclusive footage of the heavyweight legend hitting the Maltese streets, officially marking his arrival.

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While Fury’s stay is all about prepping for his highly anticipated rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, he hasn’t let his intense schedule get in the way of enjoying Malta’s sunny vibes. He even dropped by popular Mellieha restaurant one80 Kitchen for a little downtime. The team at one80 shared their excitement on social media, posting: “Guess who stopped by one80 Mellieha for lunch yesterday? None other than the heavyweight champion himself, Tyson Fury! It was an honour to host such a legendary figure in our restaurant.”

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Junior Jones, a well-known Twitter commentator, also shared that Fury was en route to Malta on October 24 for the training camp, adding, “Tyson Fury is flying out to Malta today to start serious training camp, will probably do 6 weeks there then last 2 weeks in Saudi Arabia.”

After suffering his first loss and watching Usyk seize the title, Fury is on a mission to regain his crown. The six-week training camp in Malta marks the beginning of this intense journey.

#MaltaDaily