Nationalist Party Proposes Updating Definition Of Environment

Apr 24 2024

The Nationalist Party in Malta is advocating for environmental protection to be recognized as a Fundamental Right in the country’s Constitution.

This commitment was highlighted during a news conference by Shadow Ministers Rebekah Borg and Darren Carabott, along with European Parliament Election Candidate Norma Camilleri.

They expressed concern over the lack of government focus on environmental issues, citing instances such as the felling of nearly 4000 protected trees since 2017.

The party proposes a significant legislative change to elevate environmental protection in Malta’s legal framework through public consultation and a Draft Law presentation.

Four Recommendations:

Enforcing Environmental Laws: Granting authority for enforcement where Courts identify potential environmental damage.

Expanding Environmental Definition: Defining ‘Environment’ to encompass air, water, land, ecosystems, and all natural and physical resources affecting human life.

Considering Social and Cultural Factors: Recognizing environmental conditions alongside social coherence and cultural attributes.

Removing Personal Interest Requirement: Eliminating the need for personal interests to initiate constitutional cases related to the environment in Maltese Courts, facilitating public and organizational scrutiny.

#MaltaDaily

Young MEP Candidate Celebrates Memory Of Late Mum

Apr 24 2024

Young MEP candidate Miriana Calleja Testaferrata de Noto took to social media to open up about and celebrate the memory of her mother, who died four years ago.

The young MEP candidate explains that she will be commemorating her late mother – who supported her throughout her entry journey into the political sphere – with little but meaningful gestures.

Taking a cup of coffee and some flowers, Miriana goes on to say that she will be attending a mass in her mother’s favourite church.

‘Today, after four years, I am choosing to celebrate her memory instead of only crying over it’.

She explains that the experience of losing her mother was devastating and life changing, but she chooses to take the good out of the bad and celebrate her and the love she showed her.

Miriana acknowledges how many people are experiencing similar situations, but encouraged people to keep remembering their loved ones to keep them alive in this way.

#MaltaDaily

Push For More Female Representation In Local Councils

Apr 24 2024

Government Equality Commissioner Renee Laiviera emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms within local councils to enhance gender inclusivity during a recent announcement.

As Malta prepares for the upcoming local council elections on June 8, which coincides with the European Parliament elections, Laiviera highlighted the strong performance of female candidates at the ballot box. However, she expressed concern over the insufficient number of women standing for election.

The data presented by Laiviera in a report on women’s representation within local councils reveals a notable parity between the percentage of female candidates and elected female councillors.

In the previous local council elections, women comprised 26 percent of candidates and 25.6 percent of elected councillors.

The report identified specific localities where male councillors dominate, such as Valletta, Vittoriosa, Żebbuġ, Dingli, Għajnsielem, Ta’ Kerċem, Nadur, and Xagħra. Conversely, Żejtun boasts a council with more women than men.

To address these disparities, Laiviera proposed a series of recommendations from the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality. These include policy initiatives to combat online and offline abuse faced by councillors, modifications to meeting times and formats, revisions to councillor pay structures, and changes to the election process for filling vacant council positions.

Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli confirmed that the government intends to implement legislative changes, including the removal of registration fees for candidates, while Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg noted the Labour Party’s efforts to field a substantial number of female candidates in the upcoming local council elections.

#MaltaDaily

Milan Wants To Ban Takeaway After Midnight

Apr 24 2024

Milan is considering a new law to prohibit ice cream sales after midnight in an effort to preserve residents’ “tranquillity.” Late-night gelato holds cultural significance in Italy, but this tradition is under threat with the introduction of this proposed legislation.

A preliminary legislative document has been submitted by the city’s local government, with potential implementation as soon as next month.

The proposal targets 12 districts and aims to curb noisy gatherings that disturb local residents, extending the ban to all takeaway food, including pizza, after midnight.

Deputy Mayor Marco Granelli emphasized the need to strike a balance between socializing and respecting residents’ peace and quiet.

If approved, the measure would commence in mid-May and conclude in November, starting at 12:30 am on weekdays and 1:30 am on weekends and public holidays. The restriction would specifically apply to outdoor dining areas to reduce street congestion.

Residents have until early May to voice objections and suggest modifications to the law. The affected districts include Nolo, Lazzaretto, Melzo, Isola, Sarpi, Via Cesariano, Arco della Pace, Como-GaeAulenti, Porta Garibaldi, Brera, Ticinese, and Darsena-Navigli.

Notably, Milan had previously attempted a similar ban in 2013 under Mayor Giuliano Pisapia, but after encountering strong opposition, including an ‘occupy gelato’ movement, the decision was reversed. Pisapia acknowledged public sentiment by affirming that people should be free to enjoy ice cream day or night, anywhere they choose.

#MaltaDaily