Nationalist Party Holds Second Protest Outside Parliament

Dec 3 2024

Bernard Grech, leader of the Nationalist Party (PN), urged Labour Party (PL) MPs to address internal issues during a protest held outside Parliament on Monday. The demonstration, organized by the PN, followed recent scandals involving government ministers.

Crowds gathered at Freedom Square from 5:45 PM, where music played and banners were displayed. A poster accused Prime Minister Robert Abela of ‘fostering a culture of fraud.’

The protest came after Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo resigned from the Cabinet and the PL parliamentary group due to scandals involving his wife receiving suspicious payments.

This was the second PN-led protest in two weeks, with the party reiterating calls for Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri to also step down.

Addressing the crowd were also former PN Leader and current Shadow Minister for Health Adrian Delia, as well as MCAST lecturer Stef Formosa.

Earlier on Monday, Grech described the protest as a “celebration of the people’s victory,” referring to a court ruling empowering the State Advocate to independently pursue the recovery of €400 million linked to a fraudulent hospitals concession.

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Joe Biden issues Official Pardon For Son Hunter

Dec 2 2024

On Sunday, US President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter, who was facing sentencing for criminal charges related to drug use and tax evasion.

Despite previously stating he would not intervene in his son’s legal matters, Biden defended his decision, arguing that Hunter was unfairly targeted due to his family ties.

Hunter Biden had pleaded guilty to felony charges for lying on a gun purchase and tax evasion, but his sentencing had not yet occurred.

In his statement, President Biden emphasised that political opponents had pushed for these charges, seeing them as a way to attack him politically.

The pardon has raised concerns about the independence of the judicial system, especially as former President Trump has moved to appoint loyalists to key positions.

Presidents have historically used pardons for family and political allies. For example, Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother for drug charges, and Trump granted clemency to his son-in-law’s father for tax evasion.

Trump has also indicated plans to pardon individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots. Hunter Biden’s legal issues have been a contentious topic, particularly as Republicans have accused the justice system of leniency.

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Malta Celebrates International Day Of Persons With Disabilities

Dec 2 2024

Malta marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a week of activities emphasising inclusion.

A commemorative walk in Mtarfa, organised by the Mtarfa Local Council in partnership with Aġenzija Sapport, the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Dar il-Kaptan, and the Service Dogs Malta Foundation, served as a key event.

The celebrations revolved around the theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”

Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia participated in the walk, which highlighted the global observance of disability rights on December 3.

This initiative launched a series of events designed to raise awareness about inclusion in Malta. The walk was attended by individuals with disabilities from local day centres, accompanied by Aġenzija Sapport staff. CEO Oliver Scicluna praised the Mtarfa Local Council for promoting public engagement to enhance awareness and inclusion, reflecting Aġenzija Sapport’s mission.

The CRPD hosted national conferences in Malta and Gozo under the theme “Your Rights, Our Mission,” focusing on public perceptions of disability and the commission’s role.

Additionally, the 2023 Equal Opportunities Act Report was released, addressing discrimination complaints. These events aimed to promote awareness, highlight government initiatives, and encourage community involvement in fostering a more inclusive society.

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A Retrospective Exhibition Of Anthony Spagnol Launched

Dec 2 2024

Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, inaugurated the exhibition “Transcending the Material: Anthony Spagnol Retrospective”, celebrating over three decades of creative exploration by one of Malta’s prominent contemporary artists, Anthony Spagnol.

Curated by Jessica Muscat, the exhibition runs from December 3, 2024, to January 8, 2025, at the Grand Master’s Palace, Valletta.

The exhibition explores Spagnol’s artistic evolution from figurative to abstract art, highlighting his ability to bridge material and spiritual themes. Minister Bonnici emphasized the exhibition as a testament to Spagnol’s contribution to Malta’s cultural landscape, showcasing art’s transformative power.

Key works include early pieces like The New Power Station (1992) addressing environmental concerns, and later abstract works such as Transubstantiation (2005), which evoke spirituality. Spagnol’s art is influenced by Maltese postmodern movements, literature, music, and his reflections on faith and mortality.

Curator Jessica Muscat noted Spagnol’s stylistic evolution as a profound exploration of existence and metaphysics. Catherine Tabone, CEO of the Valletta Cultural Agency, highlighted the exhibition’s role in fostering historical awareness and enriching the human connection to art’s intangible aspects.

The exhibition is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free entry via Merchants Street. For more details, visit the Valletta Cultural Agency’s website or Facebook page.

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