Michael Piccinino To Step Down As PN Secretary For Election Run

Sep 1 2024

Michael Piccinino, PN general secretary, will step down from his role to run in the upcoming general election. The 29-year-old lawyer, who was elected to the position in 2021, has agreed to step aside to allow his successor sufficient time to adjust before the election.

Piccinino stated: “I believe it is time to focus on the next step.” He added that a process to appoint a new general secretary would begin soon.

Although stepping down was a difficult decision, Piccinino emphasized the importance of giving his successor time to settle in before the election. He has been credited with driving a resurgence in PN’s fortunes, narrowing the vote gap with Labour in the 2024 MEP elections and securing key wins in local council elections.

Sources say Piccinino, from Paola, is expected to contest the Labour-leaning fourth district. The PN will unveil its first general election candidates during Independence Day celebrations, with Piccinino likely among them.

The general secretary role, which oversees day-to-day operations and strategy, will be filled through an internal party election.

Overcrowded Rental Properties Addressed in New Maltese Legislation

Sep 1 2024

The Maltese government has recently implemented several amendments to the Private Residential Leases Act, aiming to ensure greater dignity and stability within the private rental market.

Key changes in the legislation include measures to address overcrowding in rented properties, particularly in shared accommodations. The government now regulates the maximum number of residents per property based on the landlord’s declaration during contract registration. For instance, properties with more than three bedrooms are subject to specific occupancy limits to prevent overcrowding.

Another important amendment extends the registration period for rental agreements from 10 days to 30 days, allowing for a more streamlined online process. Additionally, the law now requires that any lease agreement, whether renewed expressly or tacitly, remains binding for a mandatory period, ensuring stability for tenants.

The amendments also enhance administrative procedures, giving the Housing Authority additional tools to enforce these legislative changes and reduce abuses in the rental market. The Compliance Unit within the Housing Authority will be strengthened to oversee these matters effectively.

Moreover, the enforcement process has been bolstered, with the Housing Authority empowered to administer penalties for breaches of the Act. Offenders who fail to pay administrative fines within 21 days may face criminal charges, with penalties reaching up to €10,000.

To improve dispute resolution, the Arbitration Panel’s competence has been expanded, enabling it to handle disputes related to private residential leases more efficiently. The government also aims to enhance the registry of landlords and tenants who fail to honour the decisions of the Arbitration Panel or the Court, ensuring greater accountability within the sector.

Lastly, the process of inventorying rented properties has been refined, requiring mutual consent between landlords and tenants, and utilising photographic evidence to document the state of the property.

These legislative changes mark a significant step toward a more regulated and fair rental market in Malta, attempting to safeguard the rights of both landlords and tenants.

Malta’s Sky Sees Record-Breaking Air Traffic This Summer

Sep 1 2024

Malta Air Traffic Services (MATS) has announced a record-breaking summer in terms of air traffic, with an unprecedented number of overflights—flights passing over the Maltese Islands.

The peak occurred on Sunday, 23rd June, when a remarkable 539 flights were recorded in Malta’s airspace, marking the busiest day in its history.

MATS is responsible for managing not only the arrivals and departures at Malta’s local airport but also overseeing every aircraft traversing the Malta Flight Information Region, a significant area within the Mediterranean. This surge in air traffic underscores the strategic importance of Malta’s airspace in global aviation.

Transport Minister Chris Bonett took to social media to celebrate this achievement, expressing his satisfaction with the record and extending his congratulations to everyone involved in reaching this milestone. The minister acknowledged the crucial role of Malta’s air traffic control services in ensuring the safe and efficient management of a growing volume of flights.

#MaltaDaily

Jake Vella’s Funeral To Be Held on Saturday 7th September

Sep 1 2024

Jake Vella’s funeral will take place on Saturday, 7th September 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Birzebbugia Parish Church of St Peter’s Chains.

The details were shared by his mother, Maruska Vella, in a heartfelt post on Saturday. In her message, she invited the public to join the Vella family in celebrating Jake’s life. She also requested that people keep the date free to ensure Jake receives the beautiful celebration he deserves.

Jake Vella, a motivational icon in Malta’s history, tragically passed away on 30th August 2024. Despite battling a rare condition that caused rapid weight gain, Jake lived as a dedicated athlete, inspiring countless individuals with his perseverance and determination.

Jake’s father, Josie Vella, shared an emotional tribute, expressing the deep pain of losing his son after 665 nights at his side in Mater Dei Hospital. He took comfort in knowing that Jake would soon return home to rest among his many awards. Maruska Vella emphasized that this is not a final farewell but a “see you later,” celebrating Jake’s freedom from pain after ten years of suffering.

The Vella family expressed profound gratitude to the medical staff, particularly those at the Disneyland and ITU ward, and to Dr. John Torpiano, who became not just Jake’s doctor but his close friend.

RIP Jake.

#MaltaDaily