Two to contest vacant PN seat following Robert Arrigo’s passing

Oct 25 2022

Following the passing of PN deputy leader Robert Arrigo, the vacant seat left by the beloved politician will be contested for by Emma Portelli Bonnici and St Julian’s mayor Albert Buttigieg.

The politicians explained on social media the reasons for their contesting, with Portelli Bonnici saying that:

‘It is because of my respect for and loyalty towards the people of the 10th district – especially those who voted for me in various preferences – and my respect for the democratic process in its totality that I have just submitted my nomination for the casual election, come what may.’

Albert Buttigieg also explained that out of respect for the democratic process and towards the citizens of the 10th district, he will be submitting the nomination for the casual elections.

Buttigieg was the last candidate to be eliminated from the race for a 10th district seat. Speculation had arisen that none of the candidates eligible would apply, leading to co-option.

This would have possibly resulted in Alex Perici Calascione, the deputy leader, to be nominated to parliament. Both Portelli Bonnici and Buttigieg had clashed with the PN before, the former over allegedly being ignored after failing to get elected.

As for Buttigieg, who was very vocal about over-development in St Julian’s, he claimed that a party official had told an unnamed construction mogul that they would silence Buttigieg’s criticisms.

#MaltaDaily

Hal Far race circuit to be ready before 2027 reveals budget

Oct 24 2022

Addressing the 2023 Budget, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana revealed that the Hal Far race track will be built by the end of this legislature.

The Labour Party came to power in March of 2022, meaning that the government has up until 2027 to finish the race circuit if it intends to finish it by the end of this legislature.

The blueprints for the circuit were already submitted, and the building is set to begin throughout this current legislature.

The Minister revealed that the investment in the National Development and Social Fund for the building of the Motorsport National Centre will see an upgrade to the current drag racing and karting tracks.

This has the aim of increasing the level of motorsports on the island as well as bringing international competition onto the island.

#MaltaDaily

Ħamrun, Marsa, Bormla & others will be first to benefit from €700 million ‘green lung’ investment

Oct 24 2022

During the Budget 2023 event, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana revealed that the government will establish a specialised agency to coordinate the implementation of one of the government’s main electoral proposals.

The new agency will oversee the allocation of a €700 million investment over 7 years on environmental projects, with the first villages to benefit from initial phase of the scheme being Bormla, Birzebbugia, Hamrun, Marsa, Siggiewi and San Gwann.

“These projects will lead to more gardens, urban greening projects and more open spaces to be enjoyed by Maltese & Gozitan families”, the document read.

The agency will also coordinate projects of green urban reclamation, such as that with WasteServ Malta, where what once was the San Antnin Plant will become another open space for families.

#MaltaDaily

Works to create 1,200 new electric charging points underway

Oct 24 2022

Work is currently being done to create 1,200 new charing points up until 2024 to complement the 340 which are already in place. Finance Minister Clyde Caruana said that the government will continue to encourage private companies and businesses to change their fleets into electric vehicles.

These companies will be benefitting from the scheme with no interest loans to complement the investments they made into electric vehicles and charging stations.

#MaltaDaily