PL and PN Candidates Discuss Their Campaigns

Jun 4 2024

As the MEP Elections draw near, MaltaDaily interviewed candidates Marija Sara Vella Gafa from the Labour Party and Norma Camilleri from the Nationalist Party to gain insight into their respective parties’ proposals and why they believe voters should support them.

Marija Sara Vella Gafa articulated the Labour Party’s comprehensive campaign, emphasizing the significance of their dual manifesto approach—one for the European Parliament and another for each of Malta’s 68 localities. She highlighted ten key themes, including connectivity, agriculture, fisheries, and immigration. “Our manifesto is focused on putting Malta first and fostering a Europe of peace, not armaments,” Vella Gafa stated. “The difference between us and the Nationalist Party is stark; while we offer detailed solutions, they present a minimalistic, one-page manifesto that lacks substance.”

Norma Camilleri outlined the Nationalist Party’s electoral program, which aims to address all segments of society. Key proposals include increasing European funds to enhance quality of life, investing in transportation and alternative transit options, and prioritizing youth education and training. “We are particularly attentive to Gozo, recognizing its unique needs and ensuring its residents are involved in decision-making processes,” Camilleri explained. “Additionally, we view the environment as a fundamental human right.”

When asked why voters should choose the Labour Party, Vella Gafa emphasized the party’s consistent and transparent approach. “With us, you always know where you stand. Our track record speaks for itself, and our vision for a better Europe and Malta is clear,” she asserted. “In contrast, the Nationalist Party fails to present viable solutions.”

Camilleri, on the other hand, stressed the Nationalist Party’s human-centric policies and commitment to core values. “Our policies put people first, focusing on the needs of individuals and upholding the values crucial to our nation,” she said. “We are dedicated to fighting corruption and ensuring good, transparent governance.”

The interviews reveal contrasting approaches and priorities between the two major parties. The Labour Party’s strategy, as described by Vella Gafa, is highly structured, with a detailed manifesto targeting specific local and European issues. Their campaign underscores continuity and progress based on past achievements.

Conversely, the Nationalist Party, represented by Camilleri, offers a holistic electoral program aimed at societal improvement through increased funding, youth opportunities, and environmental protection. They emphasize human-centric policies and ethical governance as their key selling points.

#MaltaDaily

17 Black Inquiry Launched By MEP David Casa Finalised

Jun 4 2024

It has been announced that the 17 Black Inquiry launched by PN MEP David Cash has been finalised.

‘It has been many years since a courageous source handed me an FIAU report which their superiors intended to bury’, Casa said in a statement.

‘I eventually published that report, despite the threats, because I was convinced that the public should know the truth. Edward Scicluna, who still insists on holding public office despite criminal charges, lost no time in attempting to discredit it as having been written to be leaked.’

‘With little hope that a hijacked police force would do its job, through my lawyer Dr Jason Azzopardi and alongside Dr Simon Busuttil and Repubblika, we requested the opening of a magisterial inquiry and the 17 Black inquiry was joined to that of the Panama Papers. Today, we are informed that this inquiry, which investigated among other things the relationship between 17 Black, Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri, has been concluded.’

‘We deserve justice. At its core this case is about the betrayal of the Maltese people by a mafia that put its own greed above all else’, Casa continued.

‘I will be formally requesting a copy of the inquiry in the coming days.’

#MaltaDaily

‘Love Our Islands’: Metsola Runs Love Island Style Advert

Jun 4 2024

EU President Roberta Metsola released an advert in Love Island Malta style, urging people to go vote this upcoming election on June 8th.

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The advert is a simple Love Island aesthetic urge to vote, with the EU president stating ‘Love Our Islands.’

The ad was aired during last night’s episode of Love Island on TVM as part of Broadcasting Authority political adverts, in relation to Saturday’s MEP election.

#MaltaDaily

85 Year Old Woman Studying For 4th University Degree

Jun 4 2024

85-year-old Lucille Terry is pursuing her fourth university degree, this time in religious studies, philosophy, and ethics with The Open University.

Despite being retired, she refuses to be idle, stating, “I can’t just sit around, do nothing and watch television all the time.” Terry emphasises that academic success doesn’t necessitate innate brilliance, saying, “You don’t have to be brilliant to do it.”

She was honoured in a ceremony at her parish church, where she received recognition for her dedication to learning. The pro-vice chancellor of The Open University praised her as a beacon of inspiration, showing that dedication and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.

Terry hopes her academic pursuits will motivate others, especially older individuals, to challenge themselves intellectually.

She believes in the cognitive benefits of continuous learning, stating, “If I have a day when I’m not studying, on the day that I do study I feel better, and that’s something people aren’t aware of. It can really do good for their brain.”

#MaltaDaily