Malta to Open First Crematorium in 2 Years Time

Sep 29 2024

Malta’s first-ever crematorium is expected to be operational within two years, according to funeral director Johann Camilleri, whose company, Active Group Limited, is spearheading the project. In an interview with Times of Malta, Camilleri explained that his team is revising plans originally submitted three years ago to meet the new government regulations on crematoriums.

The facility, originally planned as a 700-square-metre site in Paola, will now be reduced to 500 square metres in compliance with these new policies. While acknowledging the downsizing presents some challenges, Camilleri expressed optimism. “It is less feasible, but still doable,” he told Times of Malta. The changes may cause slight delays, but they also provide engineers more time to adjust the plans.

The crematorium is set to be built on private land near Addolorata Cemetery, Malta’s largest burial site. The company aims to submit the updated plans to the Planning Authority by next month, with hopes to offer cremation services within two years.

Cremation was legalized in Malta in 2019, with the Cremation Act passed in 2022. Final guidelines for developing such facilities were approved last month by Planning Minister Clint Camilleri.

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Al Bano Wow Fosos Crowd With Performance of “Felicità”

Sep 29 2024

Italian music legend Al Bano wowed the crowd at Floriana’s Fosos Square during the first edition of “Una Notte Con Le Stelle.” Performing his iconic hit “Felicità,” the beloved artist had the audience singing along in a night full of nostalgia and celebration.

The star-studded event, which took place today, brought together some of Italy’s most renowned music legends, including Lorella Cuccarini, Ricchi e Poveri, Matia Bazaar, and Riccardo Fogli, for an unforgettable tribute to the late Toto Cutugno.

Al Bano’s electrifying performance was one of the highlights of the evening, as fans of all ages enjoyed his timeless classic. Hosted by Italy’s beloved Cuccarini and Malta’s own Keith Demicoli, the concert made history, marking the first time these Italian artists performed together on one stage.

“Una Notte Con Le Stelle” was a magical night of music, memories, and celebration.

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Photo Credits: Visit Malta

PN Leads Labour by 12,000 Votes Despite Grech Trailing Abela in Latest Survey

Sep 29 2024

The Nationalist Party (PN) holds a 12,000-vote lead over the Labour Party (PL), according to a new MaltaToday survey.

The PN has garnered the support of 48.2% of the electorate, maintaining a 4.4-point advantage over the PL, which stands at 43.8%. This survey, the first since June’s European election, suggests a shift in voter sentiment as the PN continues to gain momentum, despite internal challenges within Labour.

Interestingly, the PN’s lead comes despite its leader, Bernard Grech, trailing Prime Minister Robert Abela by 16 points in MaltaToday’s Trust Barometer, which measures public trust in leaders to run the country. While Grech’s personal ratings lag, the PN has benefitted from a higher voter retention rate compared to Labour, as well as gains among non-voters and even some former Labour supporters.

The survey indicates a 75.7% projected voter turnout, which would be the lowest in any Maltese general election since 1950. Labour’s struggles appear linked to a higher abstention rate, with many of its former supporters choosing not to vote. If these trends persist, the PN could further erode Labour’s previous dominance, significantly narrowing the gap from the 2022 general election.

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Government to Present Budget 2025 on Monday 28th October

Government to Present Budget 2024 on Monday 28th October

Sep 29 2024

The Government of Malta will present the 2025 Budget in Parliament on Monday, 28th October 2024. This announcement was made by Prime Minister Robert Abela during his visit to New York, where he attended commitments related to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Abela confirmed that the Minister for Finance would deliver the Budget speech at the end of the upcoming month.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the 2025 Budget will continue to implement the government’s “Malta Together” agenda, which aims to support families and businesses while addressing new priorities. Abela stated that the fiscal incentives will be aligned with five key priorities aimed at steering Malta’s economy in a productive direction. The Budget will be socially strong, focusing on benefiting the middle class through income tax reductions.

He highlighted the principle of improving quality of life as the foundation of the upcoming Budget. The government intends not only to provide financial incentives and subsidies but also to ensure that the resulting benefits are enjoyed by the people in peace and stability.

Abela also stressed the importance of ongoing consultations with social partners, noting that this dialogue is essential for shaping the Budget’s direction. Despite international challenges, Malta’s economy remains strong and resilient, with experts forecasting higher economic growth than expected in recent months.

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