World leaders condemn Russia as troops move into eastern Ukraine

Feb 22 2022

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered troops to move into two rebel-held regions in Eastern Ukraine after recognising them as independent states.

This was met with severe condemnation by several world leaders as Russia claimed that the troops would be engaging in ‘peacekeeping’ in the regions. The two regions, Luhansk and Donetsk, harbour Russian-backed rebels who have fought Ukrainian forces since 2014.Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of wilfully violating its sovereignty, calling for clear an effective actions of support from its International partners.

Speaking at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield dismissed Russia’s peacekeeping claims, saying that ‘we know what they really are.’In reaction, US President Joe Biden signed an executive order that prohibits new investment, trade and financing by Americans in the breakaway regions. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson too said that the actions are a flagrant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola wrote on Twitter that the recognition of the two separatist territories in Ukraine is a blatant violation of international law, the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the Minsk agreements. ‘The EU and its partners will react with unity, firmness and with determination in solidarity with Ukraine’ she said.

The recognition of the two separatist territories in #Ukraine is a blatant violation of international law, the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the #Minsk agreements.

The EU and its partners will react with unity, firmness and with determination in solidarity with Ukraine.

— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) February 21, 2022

This was echoed by UK’s Sajid Javid who told Sky News that the invasion of Ukraine ‘has begun’, and that further sanctions will be imposed on Russia. ‘Europeans were waking up to a very dark day’ he said.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: ABC News, Roberta Metsola FB

Increase in green spaces & decrease in taxes, says Robert Abela

Feb 21 2022

During his first electoral rally on Monday evening, Prime Minister Robert Abela kicked off his and the Labour Party’s electoral campaign with a bang, listing a number of significant proposals from the party’s manifesto.

Amongst others, Abela stated that while the government’s current legislature focused on improving Malta’s roads, the years to come will focus on an increase in green spaces and infrastructure. He went on to state that the government will continue to invest in family spaces with the goal of improving quality of life across Malta and Gozo. The Prime Minister highlighted that the government will invest €100 million per year over a period of seven years in green infrastructure.

In addition to the investment on green spaces, Abela highlighted that the Labour Party will increase pensions and ensure free medication for pensioners. Additionally, Abela also highlighted that the Labour Party will ensure a decrease in tax rate for businesses, reiterating his party’s claim that hard work & diligence will be rewarded.

Watch the full speech here:

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Breaking: PN’s Claudio Grech will not contest general election

Feb 21 2022

PN MP Claudio Grech has just revealed that he will not be contesting the upcoming election in order to make space for new blood.

Addressing a rally in Valletta, Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech emphasised that the party is regenerating itself before the public’s eyes.

‘We are united and gathering strength’ he said. Bernard Grech thanked the MP and said that he will still remain a pillar of the party.

This follows the withdrawal of Clyde Puli, Kristy Debono and Mario Galea who withdrew from the race this morning. In his stead, Christian Micallef will be contesting the 1st electoral district.

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Bernard Grech will accept Jon Mallia’s podcast invitation; even if Robert Abela doesn’t

Feb 21 2022

Only a few hours after the announcement of Malta’s March 26th election, writer & podcaster Jon Mallia took to social media to ask his loyal following who he should invite to the podcast to the electoral campaign, welcoming hundreds of suggestions in the comments section. Amongst them were former politicians, environmentalists and naturally, Maltese party leaders Bernard Grech and Robert Abela.

Following up his initial post, Mallia posted a call for Prime Minister Robert Abela & Opposition Leader Bernard Grech to join him on a future episode, requesting that they confirm in the comments. In between electoral campaigning and rally addresses, the PN leader found a few moments to answer Mallia’s call, stating that “whatever Robert Abela does, I will be there WITH YOU”, alluding to the party’s campaign slogan ‘Miegħek għal Malta’.

The comment was seemingly well-received with 1.5k likes at the time of writing, even surpassing Jon Mallia’s own status which stood at just under one thousand likes.

Do you think that Robert Abela will respond to Mallia’s invitation?

#MaltaDaily