Landmark Agreement For Teachers Signed

Jul 15 2024

At the Auberge de Castille, the Government and the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) signed a landmark agreement for educators.

Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted that the agreement fulfils the Government’s promise to improve educators’ conditions significantly.

The five-year agreement, retroactive from last year until the end of 2027, includes salary increases for all educator grades, faster career advancement, and enhanced professional development.

Prime Minister Abela emphasised the importance of a healthy economy to invest in crucial sectors like education, noting that this agreement is part of a series of initiatives to provide substantial increases to workers.

He stressed the need to prioritise education for social justice, aiming to create the best opportunities and careers for Maltese and Gozitan youth through strategic investments in educational tools and learning.

Education Minister Clifton Grima praised the collaborative effort that led to this unprecedented sectoral agreement, which represents a shared vision between the Government and MUT for ongoing educational transformation.

MUT President Marco Bonnici noted that the agreement acknowledges the experience, qualifications, and commitment of educators, supporting them in providing the best learning experiences for students.

The signing was presided over by Prime Minister Robert Abela, Education Minister Clifton Grima, and Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana.

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Small Increase In Library Book Loans & New Members

Jul 15 2024

In 2023, total book loans reached 685,469, marking a 3.9% increase from the previous year. Public libraries in Gozo and Comino, and the Southern Harbour district saw the largest increases, with 9.6% and 4.5% respectively.

Victoria’s public library in Gozo registered 30,962 loans, while Nadur’s had 24,253. However, the Western district saw a 9.7% overall decrease in book loans due to an 87.1% drop in Ħaż-Żebbuġ.

The South Eastern district also experienced a 6.8% decrease, with significant drops in Ħal Għaxaq, Gudja, and Mqabba, though Marsaxlokk saw a 48.5% increase. In the Northern district, Mosta and Naxxar public libraries accounted for 50.5% and 15.0% of loans respectively.

Book acquisitions in 2023 rose by 24.1%, totaling 39,881, with notable increases in book donations and eBooks, though purchases declined by 1,037.

New public library members increased by 37.7% to 8,188, with a higher proportion of members over 18 years old, rising from 41.1% to 46.3%.

The National Library of Malta received 1,072 books and periodicals under legal deposit, a 21.7% increase from 2022, with books outnumbering periodicals.

International Trade Statistics indicated a rise in imported printed book material and a decrease in periodicals, while exports of printed book material decreased and periodicals increased.

Overall, imports grew by 9.2%, and exports fell by 13.4%. National Accounts data showed a 2.0% and 2.7% increase in private consumption expenditure on books and periodicals, respectively.

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Source: National Statistics Office

Steve Ellul Named Infrastructure Malta Chief Executive

Jul 15 2024

Infrastructure Malta have confirmed that former Project Green CEO Steve Ellul will be taking on the role of its chief executive.

This follows the resignation of Ivan Falzon, which was accepted by the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works, Chris Bonett.

Minister Chris Bonett thanked Ivan Falzon for his work during his time as head of the entity and wished Steve Ellul well in his new role.

Mr. Steve Ellul is a Financial Analyst and Lecturer at the University of Malta. For many years, he held key positions at the Bank of Valletta, where he was responsible for managing Maltese and foreign investments, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.

In recent years, he has been a consultant in the field of enterprise and sustainable development, promoting the concept of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in Malta.

Through this initiative, many Maltese businesses are now investing in the environment and strengthening their social and corporate structures.

Mr. Ellul was responsible for establishing Project Green and was the first CEO of this agency, where he launched significant environmental projects in San Ġwann and Bormla, as well as the Community Greening Grant, which is investing in 16 localities across Malta and Gozo.

Overall, under Mr. Ellul’s leadership, Project Green regenerated 40,000 square meters of open spaces, including the Family Park in Birżebbuġa, extensions of parks in Ħaż-Żabbar, Mosta, and Marsaxlokk, as well as gardens in Qrendi, Gudja, Ħal Safi, and Kalkara.

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Will Roberta Metsola Remain As EP President?

Jul 15 2024

Since the European Parliament was established in 1952, it has had 33 Presidents, including EU founding fathers Paul Henri Spaak and Robert Schuman.

Roberta Metsola, elected in January 2022, became the 33rd President and only the third woman to hold this position. The previous female Presidents were Simone Veil in 1979 and Nicole Fontaine in 1999, both from France.

Roberta Metsola is the first Maltese President of the European Parliament and the youngest ever to hold the position. As she seeks a second term next week, Metsola could become the first female President to serve two consecutive terms and only the second President ever to do so.

The only EP President to serve two terms so far is German Socialist Martin Schulz, who served from 2012 to 2017.

There is no limit on the number of terms a candidate can run for EP President.

The election process is outlined in Parliament’s Rules of Procedure (rules 14 to 16). The current President, Roberta Metsola, will open Tuesday’s session before Vice President Pina Picierno takes over to preside over the election.

Candidates have five minutes each to present their case. Metsola is currently the sole nominee, with the nomination deadline closing on Monday at 19:00. If she remains unopposed, the election may proceed by acclamation, expediting the process.

Following the election, the new President may give a statement and then oversee the election of Vice Presidents.

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