Rate Of Maltese Unable To Afford Meat Drops

Jul 15 2024

The Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights is pleased with the significant reduction in Severe Material and Social Deprivation rates recorded in 2023, which are now among the lowest ever.

This contrasts sharply with figures from 10 years ago, measured with a less stringent methodology. According to the latest Eurostat report, one in ten people in EU countries cannot afford vegetables, meat, or fish every other day.

Malta’s situation is on par with the EU average, improving from 2013 when 1 in 6 people couldn’t afford such meals. In 2023, 9.4% of Maltese fell into this category, down from 15.3%-15.5% in 2013-2014.

The NSO figures show that the rate of Severe Material and Social Deprivation decreased from 4.9% in 2022 to 4.1% in 2023, the lowest since 2017.

Similarly, the Material and Social Deprivation rate fell from 9.6% in 2022 to 9.2% in 2023, the lowest since 2019. The decline was most notable among the elderly and workers, with almost 20% in deprivation in 2013. Minister Michael Falzon emphasized the need for further consolidation of social policies, especially amid inflation pressures.

The government continues to subsidize energy, grain, and cereal prices and introduced a new benefit in late 2022 to help low- and medium-income families cope with inflation.

Additionally, the government has raised thresholds for COLA benefits and implemented price stability agreements to reduce the cost of 450 essential food products.

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BOTH DONALD AND MELANIA TRUMP RELEASE STATMENT FOLLOWING ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT

Jul 15 2024

Former First Lady Melania Trump has issued her first public response following the shooting incident that injured her husband, former President Donald Trump, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. Reflecting on the event’s profound impact on her family, she called for the nation to “ascend above the hate.”

In a statement posted Sunday morning on X, Melania Trump expressed her gratitude to the Secret Service agents and law enforcement officials who acted swiftly to protect the former president when a man fired shots at the campaign rally. “I am deeply thankful to the Secret Service and law enforcement officers who protected my husband in Butler,” she wrote.

She also extended her thoughts to her “fellow Americans,” acknowledging the emotional and societal ramifications of the shooting. Melania emphasized the need for unity and compassion during such trying times, urging the country to rise above animosity and discord.

The former first lady’s statement underscores the ongoing challenges faced by political figures and their families in an increasingly polarized climate. Her call for the nation to move beyond hate and division highlights the importance of solidarity and support in the aftermath of such incidents.

The shooting at the Butler rally has intensified the scrutiny on security measures and the political environment in which such events occur. Melania Trump’s heartfelt message serves as a reminder of the personal toll these events can have on those involved and the broader implications for the country’s political discourse.

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Landmark Agreement For Teachers Signed

Jul 15 2024

At the Auberge de Castille, the Government and the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) signed a landmark agreement for educators.

Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted that the agreement fulfils the Government’s promise to improve educators’ conditions significantly.

The five-year agreement, retroactive from last year until the end of 2027, includes salary increases for all educator grades, faster career advancement, and enhanced professional development.

Prime Minister Abela emphasised the importance of a healthy economy to invest in crucial sectors like education, noting that this agreement is part of a series of initiatives to provide substantial increases to workers.

He stressed the need to prioritise education for social justice, aiming to create the best opportunities and careers for Maltese and Gozitan youth through strategic investments in educational tools and learning.

Education Minister Clifton Grima praised the collaborative effort that led to this unprecedented sectoral agreement, which represents a shared vision between the Government and MUT for ongoing educational transformation.

MUT President Marco Bonnici noted that the agreement acknowledges the experience, qualifications, and commitment of educators, supporting them in providing the best learning experiences for students.

The signing was presided over by Prime Minister Robert Abela, Education Minister Clifton Grima, and Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana.

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Small Increase In Library Book Loans & New Members

Jul 15 2024

In 2023, total book loans reached 685,469, marking a 3.9% increase from the previous year. Public libraries in Gozo and Comino, and the Southern Harbour district saw the largest increases, with 9.6% and 4.5% respectively.

Victoria’s public library in Gozo registered 30,962 loans, while Nadur’s had 24,253. However, the Western district saw a 9.7% overall decrease in book loans due to an 87.1% drop in Ħaż-Żebbuġ.

The South Eastern district also experienced a 6.8% decrease, with significant drops in Ħal Għaxaq, Gudja, and Mqabba, though Marsaxlokk saw a 48.5% increase. In the Northern district, Mosta and Naxxar public libraries accounted for 50.5% and 15.0% of loans respectively.

Book acquisitions in 2023 rose by 24.1%, totaling 39,881, with notable increases in book donations and eBooks, though purchases declined by 1,037.

New public library members increased by 37.7% to 8,188, with a higher proportion of members over 18 years old, rising from 41.1% to 46.3%.

The National Library of Malta received 1,072 books and periodicals under legal deposit, a 21.7% increase from 2022, with books outnumbering periodicals.

International Trade Statistics indicated a rise in imported printed book material and a decrease in periodicals, while exports of printed book material decreased and periodicals increased.

Overall, imports grew by 9.2%, and exports fell by 13.4%. National Accounts data showed a 2.0% and 2.7% increase in private consumption expenditure on books and periodicals, respectively.

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Source: National Statistics Office