Malta With 2nd Lowest EU Unemployment Rate In November 2023

Jan 9 2024

Malta’s seasonally adjusted unemployment ranks in second place for 2023, just after Czechia. Malta registered a 2.5% seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, with Czechia registering a 0.1% difference at 2.4.

In November 2023, the euro area seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 6.4%, down from 6.5% in October 2023 and from 6.7% in November 2022.

The highest rates of unemployment were registered in Spain (11.9%), followed by Greece (9.4%) and Sweden (7.9%). Poland followed Malta at 2.8%.

The EU unemployment rate was 5.9% in November 2023, also down from 6.0% in October 2023 and from 6.1% in November 2022. These figures are published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Eurostat estimates that 12.954 million persons in the EU, of whom 10.970 million in the euro area, were unemployed in November 2023.

Compared with October 2023, unemployment decreased by 144 thousand in the EU and by 99 thousand in the euro area. Compared with November 2022, unemployment decreased by 283 thousand in the EU and by 282 thousand in the euro area.

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University Students Effected During Crucial Exams, KSU States

Jan 9 2024

In an official statement, KSU raised concerns over directives which are impacting the University of Malta students during an important time of their semester – that of examination.

‘The current directives aimed at putting pressure on the negotiating parties to move forward with a new collective agreement seem to be impeding the ability of university staff to carry out their responsibilities effectively’, wrote KSU.

‘Such resulting impact is inevitably affecting the students in a crucial time right before the January Assessment period.’

The organisation acknowledged and stated their respect for the decision made by the UĦM, but highlighted the collective sentiment among students.

‘We firmly believe that a conducive working environment for University staff directly translates into an enriched educational experience for us, the students.’

‘In particular, we are cognizant of the fact that a collective agreement for university staff was expected to be in place by December 2021. The absence of such an agreement has understandably led to frustration and discontent among the staff, which inevitably trickles down to impact the overall learning experience for students. We urge all stakeholders to consider the long-term implications of this situation on the quality of education provided at our institution.’

KSU described the students are the only stakeholder truly affected, despite not being involved in the decision making of the collective agreement.

‘KSU urges all stakeholders to consider the conclusion to these negotiations as an utmost priority.’

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First MasterChef Malta Judge Revealed: Joe Vella

Jan 9 2024

The first judge for Master Chef Malta has just been unveiled, and its the renowned chef at Hilton Malta Joe Vella.

No stranger to the culinary scene and with a career spanning 40 years, Joe established himself as a culinary icon.

“Over the years, he has served as a judge in numerous cooking and baking competitions in Malta and beyond, always striving to be fair, objective, and offering words of encouragement to participants.”

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A post shared by MasterChef Malta (@masterchefmalta)

“A visionary collaborator, Chef Joe Vella also played a pivotal role with the AIR MALTA team, revolutionising Business Class dining.”

He touts Gordon Ramsay as one of his biggest influences, with admiration extending to the Roux Brothers.

‘Noteworthy among his accomplishments is the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed upon Chef Vella in 2015, a testament to his outstanding service and dedication to the culinary profession.’

Will you be following Master Chef Malta?

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Prime Minister Shares First Day Of New Cabinet Members

Jan 9 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela shared the first day of the newly reshuffled cabinet on social media, following changes within the Labour Party.

Notable appointments include Omar Farrugia, now the youngest cabinet member, serving as Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works.

Chris Fearne has been nominated as Malta’s representative for European Commissioner, temporarily taking on the roles of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Funds, Social Dialogue, and Consumer Protection. This move underscores Malta’s commitment to active participation in the European Union.

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A post shared by Robert Abela (@robertabela.mt)

Gozo’s Jo Etienne Abela becomes the Health Minister, also overseeing the Active Ageing portfolio, while Malcolm Paul Agius Galea assumes the role of Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing.

The Ministerial portfolio sees further adjustments with Jonathan Attard as Minister for Justice and Reforms in the Construction Sector, and Chris Bonett as Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works.

Clint Camilleri is appointed Minister for Gozo and Planning, and Miriam Dalli as Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour.

Silvio Schembri, Clayton Bartolo, and Glenn Bedingfield take on roles related to economic development and environmental stewardship. Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi becomes Minister for Lands and Implementation of the Electoral Programme, focusing on effective governance and fulfilling electoral promises.

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