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Traffic Delays As Maltese Farmers Protest Against EU Directives

MALTESE FARMERS HIT THE ROAD IN PROTEST AGAINST EU DIRECTIVES
Feb 2 2024 Share

After gathering at the Ta’ Qali Vegetable Market, Maltese farmers hit Maltese roads for a 12km protest across the island against EU directives. 

According to Maltese Roads Traffic Updates, drivers are urged to avoid various routes including Triq Pantar, Triq il-Belt Valletta Mosta, Triq il-Kbira Lija, Dun Karm Bypass, Msida, Triq Mikel Anton Vassalli and the surrounding areas. 

 

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Speaking to MaltaDaily, a local farmer who joined the protest today explained why he will be demonstrating. 

The 12km protest drive is being organised by the Għaqda Bdiewa Attivi and is directed at EU policies which farmers say are threatening their livelihoods. 

Following similar protests happening all across Europe, the farmers are demanding a lowering in taxes as well as stronger import controls due to pesticide use. 

#MaltaDaily 

Sosa Zerafa Celebrates Hitting 1 Million Instagram Followers

Sosa Zerafa Celebrates Hitting 1 Million Instagram Followers
Feb 2 2024 Share

Sarah Zerafa has officially reached the 1 million Instagram follower mark, celebrating the achievement with a sparkly shower of confetti and two golden balloons. 

Taking to social media, the Maltese fashion influencer wrote:

‘WE HIT OVER 1 MILLION FOLLOWERS (can’t believe I just wrote that)’, as Coldplay’s ‘A Sky Full Of Stars’ plays over the video. 

 

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She went on to thank all those who followed and believed in her content, with the video reaching over 17K likes and 375K views in just under 1 hour. 

Congratulations Sarah.

#MaltaDaily 

President Metsola Welcomes Deal On Funds To Ukraine

President Metsola Welcomes Deal On Funds To Ukraine
Feb 2 2024 Share

The deal on long-term financial support for Ukraine was welcomed by Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, during the Special European Council. 

Metsola highlighted the significance of the 50 billion euro funding for Ukraine, emphasizing Europe’s commitment and credibility. 

She asserted that Ukraine’s security is integral to Europe’s security, and delivering on such agreements reinforces the expected credibility, legitimacy, and predictability. Metsola stressed Europe’s ongoing commitment to address citizens’ concerns, facilitate investment, modernize, and ensure inclusive economic growth. 

Referring to the revised Multi-Annual Financial Framework, she advocated for increased funds in health, energy, and research, aligning with Parliament and citizens’ expectations. 

Metsola also addressed the Middle East crisis, advocating for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and expressing the need for legitimate Palestinian representation. 

She emphasized the possibility of breaking historical cycles, endorsing a two-state solution for lasting peace. Looking ahead, Metsola declared 2024 as a crucial year for democracy and urged active participation in defending democratic values.

#MaltaDaily 

5,483 New Vehicles On Maltese Roads In Last 3 Months Of 2023

5,483 NEW VEHICLES PUT ON MALTESE ROADS IN LAST 3 MONTHS OF 2023
Feb 2 2024 Share

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the registered motor vehicle stock in the region increased by 2,560, reaching a total of 438,567 by December 2023. 

Passenger cars constituted 73.8%, commercial and agricultural vehicles 14.2%, and motorcycles, e-bikes, PA-bikes, e-kick scooters, quadricycles, and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) combined for 11.4%. 

Buses and minibuses comprised less than one percent of the total. The net average daily growth in licensed motor vehicles during this quarter was 28.

Newly licensed motor vehicles during this period amounted to 5,483, with 66.7% being passenger cars and 17.6% motorcycles, e-bikes, and PA-bikes. Of these, 56.2% were ‘new’ vehicles, and 43.8% were ‘used.’ On average, 60 new motor vehicles were licensed per day during the quarter.

In the same period, 6,314 motor vehicles were taken off the road due to various restrictions, with 38.9% being garaged, 34.2% resold, and 25.1% scrapped. Additionally, 3,706 vehicles had restrictions lifted, mainly being resold (53.8%) or garaged (45.4%).

As of December 2023, petrol-powered engines constituted 58.1% of the total (254,653), diesel-powered vehicles were 35.7%, and electric/plug-in hybrid vehicles accounted for 3.9%, with 17,036 in total. 

Notably, plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid, and electric vehicles experienced increases of 29.3%, 7.9%, and 6.7%, respectively, compared to the previous quarter.

#MaltaDaily