‘Politics Is Not About Likes’, Says MP Omar Farrugia

Nov 21 2024

Speaking in parliament about the Budget 2025 expenses, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia said that being a politician is not the same as being as an influencer without substance.

‘Politics is not about likes’, said Farrugia. ‘Politics is about substance.’

‘It’s not about being populist. It’s not about promising everything to everyone without considering reality. Politics is about linking daily work with the vision for a future.’

‘Politics is about improving the sector you are responsible for in a way that the life of people improves and to be close to those who elected you.’

This comes as the Public Works Department was allocated a €19.4 million budget for infrastructure and community projects.

Key allocations include €8.5 million for Ta’ Qali National Park upgrades, €3 million for public spaces, €1.5 million for storm-water system improvements, and €500,000 for energy-efficient public buildings.

Coastal and marine studies will receive €300,000, with €400,000 allocated to a children and youth community project.

The budget also funds equipment and property maintenance. Additionally, a landmark €10 million agreement with Local Councils will empower them to launch impactful projects that directly benefit residents, further strengthening government-community partnerships and fostering local development.

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Duct-Taped Banana Auctioned Off For $6.2 Million

Nov 21 2024

A unique artwork by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, featuring a banana duct-taped to a wall, has made headlines after being auctioned off for an outstanding $6.2 million at a New York auction.

The piece, titled ‘Comedian’, has sparked a range of discussions about art, culture, and the intersection of memes and cryptocurrency into the art world.

Cattelan described the banana work as a critical commentary on the art market, which he has previously criticized for being speculative and not offering sufficient support to artists.

According to Justin Sun, founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Tron, the sale represents not just art but a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of fine art, internet memes, and the cryptocurrency community.

He believes the work will inspire future debate and become a significant part of art history.

The banana installation has had a notable history, including being eaten by performance artist David Datuna during a Miami exhibition, saying he felt “hungry” while inspecting it.

Sun, who purchased the piece, has stated he plans to honour its place in both art history and popular culture by eating the banana himself, turning his investment into a living part of the artwork’s legacy.

Cattelan also gave Sun instructions on how to replenish the banana to preserve the art piece as time goes by.

Before the auction, the banana was bought for just 35 cents from a Bangladeshi fruit seller on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

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Malta’s Climate Action Authority Celebrated At COP29

Nov 21 2024

At the COP29 summit in Baku, Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen praised Malta’s creation of a Climate Action Authority, calling it “best practice” and the “first in Europe.”

During a side event co-hosted by Malta, Australia, and the UAE, Bowen stated, “I want to congratulate Malta on its excellent new Climate Action Authority policy. It’s good governance, provides rigor, and Minister Dalli’s achievements deserve celebration.”

Malta’s delegation, led by Minister Miriam Dalli, showcased the country’s progress in establishing a unified governance framework for climate action.

Minister Dalli stressed the need for global collaboration to combat climate change. “This is a pressing issue that affects everyone. Bold and united responses are essential,” she said.

The discussion highlighted Malta’s efforts to integrate climate action across governance and society. Dalli emphasized, “Climate action must be central to every national agenda.”

Malta is advancing clean energy through offshore wind, solar initiatives, and the MED9 alliance, which unites nine EU Mediterranean countries to position the region as a clean energy hub.

Malta’s Climate Action Authority is key to these goals, uniting government, businesses, and society to achieve decarbonisation by 2050. CEO Abigail Cutajar highlighted the importance of collaboration, saying, “Our role goes beyond legislation—we must engage stakeholders to embrace long-term planning for everyone’s benefit.”

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Another Man Arrested In Connection With Free Port Drug Bust

Nov 21 2024

A 31-year-old man from Żejtun has been arrested in connection with the recent seizure of 146 kilograms of alleged cocaine, which were smuggled into Malta through the Freeport.

This arrest follows ongoing investigations into the case, which began after the drug shipment was intercepted earlier this month.

Less than a month ago, four men were arrested in connection with the same crime, and now a fifth individual has been identified, bringing the total number of arrests to five.

The police have confirmed that the man is suspected of being involved in an organized criminal network operating in the country. In addition to the drug haul, a significant amount of cash, luxury vehicles, and jewelry were seized during the operation.

The suspect is scheduled to appear before the courts later today, at 9:30 am, before Magistrate Dr. Astrid May Grima LL.D. He will face multiple charges, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and involvement in organized crime, among others.

This operation is part of the ongoing efforts by Maltese authorities to tackle drug trafficking and organized crime within the country.

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