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

President Myriam Spiteri Debono Shares First Official Portrait

President Myriam Spiteri Debono Launches First Official Photo

Apr 23 2024

President Myriam Spiteri Debono of Malta has just launched her first official portrait as President on social media, marking a significant moment in her presidency. The photo shows President Spiteri Debono in office, with Malta’s flag in the background and it is the first official portrait, with her last profile picture being a snap from the day of the inauguration.

Inaugurated on 4th April 2024, President Spiteri Debono is the third woman to hold this prestigious position, following in the footsteps of Agatha Barbara and Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.

Her appointment also makes her the third person from Gozo to occupy the President’s office, joining previous presidents Anton Buttigieg and Ċensu Tabone.

Many have taken to the comments to send their blessing and wish Spiteri Debono the best during her tenure as President.

#MaltaDaily

Building & Construction Authority CEO Jesmond Muscat Resigns

Apr 23 2024

Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard, was notified by the Chairman of the Board of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) that he had received the resignation letter of Mr. Jesmond Muscat from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Authority.

Acknowledging Mr. Muscat’s contributions in enhancing regulatory compliance, modernizing the authority’s infrastructure, and implementing sector-wide reforms, Minister Attard accepted his resignation.

The Ministry anticipates the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer to further fortify the Authority and continue advancing reforms in accordance with the Government’s electoral agenda and the recommendations of the public inquiry.

The Nationalist Party addressed the resignation, saying that the ‘ministers continue to shirk responsibility and blame everyone else they appoint.’

‘Three days after another tragedy related to the construction sector, where the authorities admitted they were not doing their job to enforce the laws, news emerges of the resignation of the BCA Chairperson.’

‘Once again, we see Robert Abela’s government washing their hands of all responsibility for what happened.

He is politically responsible for the tragedies happening without doing anything to carry out reforms in the construction sector.’

‘Clearly, from the report issued by the Public Inquiry into the death of Jean Paul Sofia, Robert Abela did absolutely nothing except consult with himself, thinking how to increase costs and waste time and continuing to play ‘musical chairs’ without making the much-needed reforms for the sector, for the workers and for residents affected by construction projects.’

‘The Nationalist Party insists, as it already did in a motion tabled in Parliament which unfortunately the Labour Party voted against, that the Government should present a monthly report to Parliament on the implementation of the Public Inquiry report to ensure that necessary reforms are being made for the country.’

#MaltaDaily