Independent Inquiry To Investigate Death Of Stephen Mangion

Aug 29 2024

An independent inquiry will investigate the death of Stephen Mangion, a 55-year-old police officer who died after allegedly being left waiting in Mater Dei Hospital’s emergency room despite complaining of chest pain.

Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela announced the inquiry, emphasising the need for transparency. He assured that the inquiry would look into both Mangion’s treatment and any broader system failures, with findings to be published within three weeks.

Abela acknowledged staff shortages in the emergency department and noted recent efforts to increase pay as part of incentivising emergency staff. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to outsource emergency care but refrained from commenting on the tendering process.

Opposition health spokesperson Adrian Delia expressed frustration and anger at the incident, calling Mangion’s death “heartbreaking” and “enraging.” He criticised the government for reacting only after tragedies occur, referencing past incidents in construction and domestic violence that led to inquiries.

Delia questioned the effectiveness of the inquiry and urged the government to prevent further incidents by investing more in the strained health sector. He highlighted that the hospital’s emergency system has been under pressure due to a growing population.

Delia demanded accountability, saying the public deserves answers, and emphasised that the situation has been deteriorating for some time.

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Lidl Unveils Quirky ‘Croissant Bag’

Aug 29 2024

Lidl has launched a quirky new handbag in collaboration with absurdist designer Nik Bentel, inspired by the supermarket’s iconic croissant.

The limited-edition “Croissant Bag” is a soft leather roll-top clutch that resembles a traditional paper bag, with versatile strap options for day and night wear.

It also comes with a matching leather croissant purse, mimicking the popular Lidl bakery item, which sells 122 units per minute.

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A post shared by NiK Bentel Studio (@nikbentelstudio)

Priced at just £50, a significant reduction from Bentel’s usual high-end prices, all proceeds from the bag will be donated to the children’s charity, NSPCC. The announcement has caused a stir on social media, with fans dubbing it the “must-have accessory of the year” and expressing their excitement.

The bag will be available for purchase on Bentel’s website on August 29, 3pm.

Nik Bentel, known for his playful designs like the ‘Pasta Bag,’ explained that the collaboration with Lidl celebrates the absurdity of everyday items.

He wanted to create a unique and dynamic fashion piece that allows wearers to personalise their style. Bentel praised Lidl for its humorous brand image and enjoyed working on the project to bring the “Croissant Bag” to life.

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Nationalist Party Meets With Caritas Malta To Discuss Study

Aug 29 2024

A delegation from the Nationalist Party met with Caritas Malta at the party’s Central House to review a study conducted by Caritas on basic living expenses and the overall cost of living. The study highlights a significant rise in prices and living costs since 2020.

The study examined three types of families: a couple with two children, a single adult with two children, and an elderly couple.

Deputy Leader of the Nationalist Party, Alex Perici Calascione, addressed the growing concern over the widening income gap between high earners and those with much lower incomes in recent years. He underscored the value of such studies and reiterated the Nationalist Party’s plans to tackle the cost of living crisis. Proposed measures include making COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) increases tax-free, developing a new economic model with emerging sectors, and attracting high-quality jobs that offer better wages.

The proposal also suggests providing tax credits to businesses to prevent price hikes due to COLA increases, and setting up a National Fund to support industries involved in importing or exporting to mitigate the impact of living costs.

Caritas detailed that their study’s expenses are based on two scenarios: a basic basket covering food, clothing, healthcare, home maintenance, education, gifts, transportation, and social housing. Transportation costs only include public transport, and air conditioning costs are calculated solely for heating.

The adjusted basket includes costs for a private car, rent, and pet care.

Expenses not covered are those related to physical or mental health conditions, extraordinary needs specific to Gozitans, and special dietary requirements.

The delegation, led by Deputy Leader Alex Perici Calascione, included Shadow Ministers Graham Bencini, Jerome Caruana Cilia, Ivan Castillo, and Claudette Buttigieg.

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Government Takes Note Of Caritas Study

Aug 29 2024

The Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights has acknowledged the report titled “Minimum Essential Budget for a Decent Living,” released today by Caritas, and expressed gratitude, recognizing it as a valuable tool in shaping ongoing social measures.

The report’s findings appear to align with the government’s actions, as noted by the recent 2024 Budget, which introduced several measures to enhance the quality of life for families with children, people with disabilities, and pensioners through increased and new benefits.

According to Caritas’s analysis, a couple where both adults are employed at the national minimum wage and have two children has a net income exceeding the basic cost of living by €5,916. In contrast, if only one partner is working, their net income falls €2,434 short of the basic cost of living.

This underscores the importance of employment in improving income levels, supported by incentives and benefits such as the In-Work Benefit and free Child Care.

The Ministry also considered the recommendations from the report. The Labour Party emphasized that the government already adjusts benefit rates annually according to the price index to assist social beneficiaries. It is crucial to note that the additional cost-of-living benefit will continue annually to help families and pensioners manage inflation, despite its notable reduction.

Furthermore, the Labour Party mentioned that work has been undertaken on other recommendations as part of various government strategies, including those related to Families and Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.

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