Prime Minister Robert Abela announces election for 26th March

Feb 20 2022

Addressing a political activity this morning in Floriana, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced the date for the upcoming general election – 26th March 2022.

The reveal of the date comes amidst a long period of rumour spreading as to when it will be announced. With the Pope’s visit in April muddying the waters as to when it will be announced, the rumours went back to the Budget reveal.

Abela described the election as a crucial moment for one to decide about moving forward as a nation towards a ‘better future’ full of reforms.

The Prime Minister addressed several current issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but highlighted Malta’s progress throughout the years and how he aims to push the country forward following the election.

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Man sends sex videos of ex-girlfriend to her mother after break up

Feb 20 2022

A man was given a suspended sentence for revenge porn after sending sex videos of his ex to her mother.

The 25-year-old resident of San Ġwann sent two videos of his ex-girlfriend to her mother and one of his ex’s friends after the two split up.

With the identity of the individual concerned being withheld to protect the victim’s identity, it was revealed that the couple started dating in August but the relationship ‘took a sour turn.’

The woman reportedly broke up with him via text message and went on to block him from her contacts. The man sought revenge by sending her mother and friend the sex videos via Facebook messenger.

The 25-year-old was escorted to court on Saturday under arrest, charged with sharing sexual footage without his ex’s consent, with the intention of causing her emotional harm. He was also charged for misuse of electronic communications equipment, insults and threats, along with breaching public peace.

After hearing submissions by both parties, the court declared the accused guilty upon his own admission and handed down a one-year jail term suspended for two years. The court also place the man under a three year restraining order.

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Robert Abela’s law firm has no legal title on Valletta office location

Feb 20 2022

Despite having no legal title to the office they operate from, Robert Abela’s law firm Abela Advocates spent the last four years working in a prime Valletta location.

This was confirmed by newsroom Times of Malta, which revealed that the Prime MInister’s government lease for the Strait Street office expired at the end of 2017.

Abela personally took over the lease from his former legal partner Ian Stafrace in 2013, with the office forming part of a block adjacent to the Palazzo Preca restaurant.

This is 30 metres away from the law courts. Instead of vacating the office upon the lease expiring four years ago, Abela petitioned the Lands Authority to further extend the lease.

A government property can only be put up for a new lease in such cases if a public tender is issued. Times of Malta revealed that Abela’s wife Lydia started the process in 2020 to register a new company called Nibral, based at the same office. The property was given out by government on a 150-year emphyteusis to the original tenants back in 1867.

A spokesperson for the Lands Authority defended the decision not to evict Abela from the property when contacted by Times of Malta. They said that the authority had always taken the ‘reasoned and legitimate approach to process requests for extension of titles, rather than restoring to the eviction of thousands of tenants with expired governmental leases.’

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister also said that a request for an extension in the title over the property was submitted to the Lands Authority and awaits processing. Despite a sign advertising Abela’s Advocates within the block having been removed from outside the building, the law firm still continues to operate from the same building.

The Lands Authority spokesperson said there are thousands of pending requests for extensions in property titles. They went on to state that the authority ‘is not in a position to provide a precise figure on account of the fact that a collation exercise to this effect, which commenced last year following the appointment of the new CEO is still ongoing.’

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Photo Source: Google Maps, Robert Abela FB

Here are the pharmacies opening today 9am to noon, 4pm to 7pm

Feb 20 2022

San Ġwann: Brown’s Pharmacy, 92-94, Mensija Road;

Sliema: Brown’s Pharmacy, Unit 22, Tigne Street;

Mellieħa: Brown’s Village Pharmacy, Main Street;

Żurrieq: Milia’s Pharmacy, 42, Blue Grotto Avenue;

Valletta: Chemimart, 20/21, Republic Street;

Pietà: St Luke’s Pharmacy, St Luke’s Road;

Rabat: Ideal Pharmacy, 63, Main Street;

Santa Venera: Fatima Pharmacy, 82, Ferrovija Street;

Birżebbuġa: Blossoms Pharmacy, Gurgier Street;

Cospicua: Verdala Pharmacy, 57, Gendus Street;

Żabbar St James Pharmacy, Misraħ San Ġakbu;

Tarxien: Tarxien Pharmacy, 59, Tarxien Road;

Ħamrun: The Cross Pharmacy, 859, St Joseph High Road;

Żebbuġ: Tal-Grazzja Pharmacy, Franġisk Farrugia Street;

Birkirkara: St Anne Pharmacy, 24, Sant’Elena Square;

Malta International Airport: The ‘8 Till Late Pharmacy’ is open every day from 8am to 10pm

Gozo

Victoria: Azzopardi Pharmacy, Capuchins Street;

Xewkija: Gozo Chemists, Mġarr Road