Malta’s Budget 2023 worries: Environment, Wages and Food Prices

Oct 24 2022

A survey recently issued by Malta Survey, powered by IDEA Group, highlighted the worries and concerns the Maltese population is projecting onto this year’s 2023 Budget. The survey immediately highlights how the public feels a significant need for wages to be reviewed and possibly bump it up to address the cost of living.

51.40% placed reviewing wages as their first priority, with 16.57% of this same group highlighting controlling food prices as their second priority.

Controlling food prices was placed in first priority by 18.81% of survey respondents, with 31.53% placing this same concern in second priority and making it the second largest concern.

Property prices came in third place, with 9.99% placing it as their first priority. This sector was given 3rd priority by 12.73% of respondents. Both of these come in socio-economic contexts of the energy crisis caused by the Russia-Ukraine war as well as many youth lamenting about the inability to acquire independence outside their family home.

This was all coupled with the local environment being the highest priority sector which needs immediate addressing. 33.58% placed the environment as their first priority, followed by health at 24.46% and education at 15.39%.

The survey also found that the environment was the first priority sector for all ages between the ages of 18 and 60. This comes as Finance Minister Clyde Caruana is expected the budget later today in Parliament.

Read the full survey here.

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Source: Malta Survey

Rishi Sunak set to become UK’s new prime minister as Boris drops out

Oct 24 2022

Rishi Sunak seems set to become the next prime minister of the United Kingdom after Liz Truss resigned and Boris Johnson u-turned his decision to run once again.

Johnson pulled out of the Conservative leadership run and left Sunak as the frontrunner ahead of Penny Mordaunt. The leadership party contest will close off at 1400hrs on Monday 24th October, with candidates required to have amassed the support of at least 100 Tory MPs.

Johnson opted out of the race after amassing a total public backing of 59 Tory MPs. Johnson also said that it wouldn’t be the right thing to do to return as UK leader despite his previous confidence of delivering a Tory victory in 2024.

Sunak praised Johnson for delivering Brexit and the vaccine rollout, saying that he led the country through some of the toughest challenges ever facd. ‘Although he has decided not to run for PM again, I truly hope he continues to contribute to public life at home and abroad’ he said.

By the end of yesterday, Sunak had over 165 supporters whereas Mordaunt amassed a mere 25. The supporters of the latter are still hopeful for her possible win however.

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Tributes pour in for late motorcyclist Marie Claire Lombardi

Oct 24 2022

The identity of the late 45-year-old motorcyclist who died after losing control of her vehicle in Rabat was identified as Marie Claire Lombardi.

An influx of tributes and appreciation social media posts flooded local media, with her uncle Gino Lombardi discussing how everyone loved her due to her room-filling smile.

‘Why did you have to leave us Marie Claire? Today we woke up to face the reality that you are no longer with us’ said Gino.

Marie Claire also worked as a hair dresser, with many of her clients, some of over 30 years, also writing tributes to the late motorcyclist. One woman recounted how Marie Claire had expertly handled her two-year-old for his second haircut.

‘She was not just a hairdresser. She was a successful owner of her own salon from since she finished her training and she employed many. I was one of her first clients. Many of her employees have been with her for decades which says a lot about her.’

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16 activist groups demand closure of marine park due to dolphin deaths

Oct 23 2022

Fourteen local and two international NGOs came together to demand the closure of Mediterraneo Marine Park following the death of three dolphins due to lead poisoning.

The groups stated that the Bahar ic-Caghaq park has shown negligence and cruelty to the animals it keeps in captivity and is effectively operating an animal circus.

Animal circuses were outlawed in Malta in 2014, but Mediterraneo is classified as a zoo. However, Moviment Graffiti highlighted how the dolphins still perform tricks for the public.

The park itself pushed back against the claims by the groups, insisting that all animals are treated humanely and that dolphin activities are necessary to properly monitor the health of the animals.

In a joint statement, the groups suggested changing the establishment into a rehabilitation centre for aquatic creatures with the location of the park being perfect for this use due to its proximity to the coast.

‘Malta would have the opportunity to create a foundation of marine animal care, while the remaining dolphins should have the opportunity to be rehoused in a sea pen to live a more natural life and to stop being used and exploited as a form of entertainment.’

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Photo Source: Moviment Graffiti