Major Muscat Win If Former PM Takes Part in MEP Elections

Feb 25 2024

A recent internal party poll, as reported by the Times of Malta, predicts a significant victory for the Labour Party in the upcoming European Party elections in June, should former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat participate.

According to the poll, conducted by esteemed statistician and pollster Vince Marmarà, the Labour Party could outpace the Nationalist Party (PN) by over 40,000 votes with Muscat on the ballot. The survey also suggests that without Muscat, the Labour Party is still projected to win but by a narrower margin of approximately 27,000 votes.

Interestingly, the poll highlights a potential shift in voter behaviour with Muscat’s involvement. It indicates that around 20,000 Labour voters who might otherwise abstain or remain undecided could be swayed to vote, predominantly in favour of Muscat.

This sentiment is further emphasised by the statistic that eight out of every ten Labour voters would support Muscat, and 44 percent of currently undecided Labour voters would choose him as their top preference if he were to run.

The findings underscore the significant influence Joseph Muscat still wields within the Labour Party and hint at a more decisive victory in the European Party elections should he decide to participate.

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Works on ‘Malta’s First Professional Skatepark’ in Paola Under Way

Feb 24 2024

Construction has begun on the eagerly awaited Paola skatepark, a project that has garnered much anticipation among the local community. The Malta Street Sport Alliance (MSSA) recently shared a video highlighting the initial stages of development, expressing gratitude towards Mayor Dominic Grima and the Paola Local Council for their instrumental role in bringing this project to fruition.

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Dubbed as Malta’s first professional skatepark by the MSSA, the facility aims to offer a state-of-the-art venue for skateboarding enthusiasts. In addition to the skateboarding area, plans for the skatepark include the installation of toilets, a designated area for children complete with swings, and an open space where people can unwind and socialise.

An unexpected discovery during the excavation phase was a World War II bomb shelter. This historical find will be preserved and made accessible to the public, adding a unique historical layer to the skatepark. This integration of Malta’s rich history with modern recreational facilities underscores the project’s significance not just to the skateboarding community but to the broader public, offering a blend of sport, leisure, and education. The Paola skatepark is set to become a landmark facility, providing a much-needed space for street sports while honouring the island’s heritage.

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Man’s Patriotic Back Tattoo Features Old Valletta Gate, Buses & Triton Fountain

Feb 24 2024

The TikTok account @alexcaruana0 has captured the attention of viewers with a slideshow that unfolds the creation of an impressively patriotic Maltese tattoo.

The short video takes the audience through a step-by-step process, showcasing the inking of a homage to the Malta of yesteryears. As the slideshow progresses, viewers can see the transformation of an individual’s back into a canvas that pays tribute to a classic Maltese way of life.

The final image reveals a detailed back tattoo that features iconic symbols of Malta’s culture and history. Among these are Malta’s old traditional buses, depicted alongside a quaint bus stop and bus tickets. The Triton Fountain is also prominently featured, along with the Maltese Flag, which gives the idea of national pride to the tattoo.

Additionally, the old Valletta gate are intricately incorporated atop the design, paying homage to an old national landmark which is more “Malta in the 2000s” than almost anything else on our island.

What do you think of the tattoo?

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Drug-Related Emergencies Double in Malta in One Year

Feb 24 2024

Drug-related emergencies in Malta have alarmingly doubled from 513 cases in 2021 to 1,072 in 2022, as reported by Times of Malta, citing data from a Mater Dei clinical toxicology unit.

This surge is particularly noted in cannabis intoxication incidents, skyrocketing from 97 cases in 2021 to 431 in 2022. Despite the increase, it’s noteworthy that there have been no fatal overdoses associated with cannabis use, which contrasts with the outcomes of most other drugs. However, excessive cannabis consumption has been linked to adverse effects such as dizziness or psychosis.

Moreover, cocaine-related medical emergencies have also seen a significant uptick, doubling in incidence from 273 cases in 2021 to 428 in 2022.

This rise in cocaine emergencies coincides with recent reports highlighting the prevalence of cocaine use in Malta during various social gatherings, including religious festivities like baptisms and weddings.

The sharp increase in drug-related emergencies calls for urgent attention and potentially revised strategies to address and mitigate drug abuse in Malta.

#MaltaDaily