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Roberta Metsola Awarded 2024 Forum Europa Prize

Dec 14 2024 Share

In Madrid, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was awarded with the prestigious Forum Europa Prize.

The honour was awarded to Metsola in recognition of her remarkable political career and her steadfast dedication to strengthening the European Union and its fundamental values.

Writing on Facebook, Metsola stated “I am immensely honoured to receive this award on behalf of the European Parliament and all those who work tirelessly to defend the values that bind us as Europeans.”
She continued on by revealing that being given the honour on Malta’s 50th Republic Day made it even more special and significant for her.
Metsola also stated that she is proud to be able to fly and represent Malta’s white and red flag wherever she goes.

In her acceptance speech at the ceremony, Dr. Metsola stated that this recognition carries a responsibility as President of the European Parliament, a role in which she remains committed to promoting freedom, democracy, equality, peace, and solidarity.

She also addressed the challenges confronting Europe, stressing that these values must act as a guiding compass for effective leadership within the European Union.

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Teenage Girl Among Two Critically Injured In Separate Crashes

Dec 14 2024 Share

A 29-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were critically injured in two separate traffic accidents on Friday, police said.

The first incident took place in Mellieħa at around 5:30 pm. The teenage girl was struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee on Triq il-Marfa. The Jeep, driven by a 52-year-old man from Żejtun, collided with a parked Honda Civic after hitting the girl.

Paramedics administered first aid at the scene, and the victim was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital by ambulance for treatment of her serious injuries.

Two hours later, another serious accident occurred in Gudja.

A 29-year-old man from Birżebbuġa was repairing a punctured tyre on a Ford Fiesta that had stopped on Dawret il-Gudja when he was hit by a Skoda Fabia driven by a 50-year-old resident of Gudja. The impact left the man pinned between the two vehicles, causing severe injuries.

He received first aid at the scene before being transported to Mater Dei Hospital.

Magistrate Ian Farrugia is conducting separate inquiries into the incidents, while police investigations are ongoing.

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Saudi Arabia Revealed As 2034 FIFA World Cup Hosts

Dec 13 2024 Share

Saudi Arabia has officially been confirmed as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, following FIFA’s announcement during a virtual congress led by President Gianni Infantino.

This comes after the decision to host the 2030 World Cup across six nations: Morocco, Portugal, and Spain as primary hosts, with Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina each staging one opening match to celebrate the tournament’s 100th anniversary.

Infantino emphasised the global reach of the 2030 tournament, calling it a unique way to honour a century of World Cup history with 48 teams and 104 matches across three continents. The opening match will take place in Montevideo, Uruguay.

For 2034, Saudi Arabia was the sole bidder, and its selection was met with applause from over 200 FIFA member federations. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud hailed the decision as a “historic moment” for the Kingdom, aligning with the nation’s Vision 2030 transformation agenda.

However, the announcement has drawn criticism from human rights groups, including Amnesty International, which accused FIFA of failing to ensure proper human rights protections.

Steve Cockburn from Amnesty warned that the decision could endanger lives, while Saudi Arabia denied the allegations, asserting its commitment to national security and reform.

The 2034 World Cup marks another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the global stage.

#MaltaDaily

Honoring Malta’s Heroes: A Republic Day

Dec 13 2024 Share

This Republic Day, Malta paid tribute to individuals who made a lasting impact on the nation. The ceremony at the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta recognized 20 individuals and one organization for their remarkable contributions. 

Among those honored were Jake Vella, Karl Gouder, and Lorenzo Vella, who were awarded the ‘Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika’. President Myriam Spiteri Debono presented these awards to their families as a mark of respect and gratitude. 

Jake Vella was just 15 when he passed away in August. Despite suffering from ROHHAD, a rare and life-threatening condition, Jake lived with extraordinary courage and kindness. He inspired many through his efforts to overcome his challenges. Jake also used his time to help others, raising money for abandoned animals and organizing swimming challenges.  

Lorenzo Vella, a respected diplomat, passed away at 43 after a short illness. He dedicated his career to representing Malta abroad, serving as the head of Malta’s European Commission Representation. Lorenzo was admired for his professionalism, leadership, and commitment to strengthening Malta’s position on the international stage. 

Karl Gouder, a former Nationalist MP and mayor of St Julian’s, died in September at the age of 45. He was known for his dedication to public service and his vision of unity and progress. As a media leader and politician, Karl worked tirelessly to bring people together and support the community he loved. 

The ceremony also celebrated cultural icons like veteran actor Narcy Calamatta and poet Daniel Massa, whose contributions continue to inspire. The strength that these individuals gave still help inspire us to build Malta’s identity to this day. 

#MaltaDaily