Ukraine calls for instant EU membership as invasion continues

Feb 28 2022

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the European Union to grant his country immediate membership on Monday as Russia continues its invasion of the pro-Western country.

The 44-year-old president appealed ‘to the European Union for the immediate accession of Ukraine via a new special procedure.’

‘Our goal is to be together with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be on an equal footing. I’m sure it’s fair. I’m sure it’s possible.’ Revealing the horrific news that 16 children died during the first four days of the invasion, he went on to hail Ukrainian heroes for defending the country.

UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said on Monday that at least 102 civilians, including seven children, had been killed but warned that the real numbers were probably much higher.

The Ukrainian leader, who came into power in 2019 after a career in comedy, released his latest video statement as Russian and Ukrainian negotiators prepared to sit down for their first talks since the invasion was ordered.

Zelensky also urged Russian soldiers to lay down their weapons and not to believe the propaganda of their commanders. Around 4,500 Russian soldiers have already died, revealed Zelensky.

This comes as countries place several sanctions on Russia and Belarus for aiding the Kremlin’s assault. The EU also announced that it will be providing weapons to help the Ukrainians defend their country as others ban several Russian airlines, banks, etc.

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Malta will be welcoming seriously ill Ukrainians for cure

Feb 28 2022

Prime Minister Robert Abela has just revealed that Malta will be offering oncology services to Ukrainian nationals who are fleeing from Russia’s invasion.

Making the announcement during a party press conference on Monday in Bormla, Abela said that the government would handle any issues related to the COVID-19 red listing to enable easy transition from Ukraine to the island.

The services will be offered at the St Anthony Mamo oncology centre, next to Mater Dei Hospital. It will be available to Ukrainian nationals who have already started chemo or radiation therapy.

Well over 360,000 people have fled the Ukrainian conflict into Poland and other neighbourhood countries following the Russian invasion.

The Prime Minister also brought up the Opposition leader’s position which according to him labels all Russian people in Malta as criminals. This comes amid calls to ban the selling of Maltese passports to Russian nationals made by several entities, as well as the refusal to play against Russian football teams.

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Photo Source: Wikipedia

€500 yearly grant for parents keeping kids in post-secondary school

Feb 28 2022

Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Monday that the government would be giving parents of children who continue to study full time beyond the obligatory age €500 a year for three years.

The Prime Minister said that all parents who manage to do this would thus be given €1,500 in three years if the children study beyond the age of 16. Should the Labour Party be elected to government, Abela said that this measure would help sustain families together with other pledges.

The other pledges include the increase of children’s allowance by €90 a year, which amounts to €450 by the end of the legislature. ‘Parents of two children will be receiving €900 by the end of the legislature’ said Abela.

Free childcare services would also be made available to parents, whether or not they are employed. Apart from this, the one tablet per child scheme will be extended to secondary schools, with seventh-year students receiving a laptop.

Secondary school students will also be receiving a set of books each year to encourage reading through a pledge which will cost €145 million over five years.

Abela then went on to highlight IVF, saying that services would be widened to include more couples, even those who want more than one child. ‘It hurts us to see young couples seeking medical service beyond our shores’ he said.

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Alexia Debono second Volt Malta election candidate

Feb 28 2022

Volt Malta have just announced the second candidate for the upcoming general election – co-president Alexia Debono.

Debono will be contesting on the 8th and 9th districts, running under the slogan ‘Vote Better, Vote Volt.’ She said that she believes that voters need to be given more choice with candidates ‘which are truly socially progressive and part of socially progressive parties which amplifies their voice’.

Debono, who was exposed to politics in 2014 through Euroscola, became involved in Volt as one of the first two members of the party which now has around 65 members and volunteers. She is one of the party’s co-founders, where she was initially elected as Vice-President in 2020 and then appointed co-president in 2021 after the party was registered.

She is currently joined by Kass Mallia, who will be contesting the 10th and 11th district.

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Photo Source: Alexia Debono, Volt Malta FB