PM Theresa May has suggested that EU citizens who arrive to the UK during the post-Brexit transition period would not have the same rights as those who arrived before
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Wednesday, January 31, 2018
May to resist EU residency plan during Brexit transition
19 boats totally destroyed in boatyard fire in Gharghur
Nineteen boats were destroyed by a fire in a boat yard in Tal-Balal, near Gharghur, early this morning.
The Civil Protection Department said 19 boats and yachts were destroyed by the blaze, with personnel managing to prevent the fire from spreading further.
The operation lasted over seven hours involving four officers, 14 fire fighters, and eight fire trucks. 180,000 litres of water and 7,000 litres of foam were used to bring the inferno under control.
The police said that there were no injuries.
A man who was on site said boat owners were seen crying in the boatyard as months of hard work went up in smoke.
Photos: CPD deputy director Peter Paul Coleiro
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FBI and White House in conflict over classified memo
The FBI and White house are in conflict over a push by Republican lawmakers to release a classified memo
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MDA’s Sandro Chetcuti rubbishes IMF claim on overvalued property
Malta Developers Association (MDA) president Sandro Chetcuti has rubbished claims made in an annual International Monetary Fund country (IMF) report, which said that property in Malta has become modestly 'overvalued', meaning that property is worth more than it should be.
Justifying the increase in prices, Chetcuti also said that all indications show that property will continue to increase in value in the foreseeable future.
The IMF report remarked on the strength and sustainability of Malta's economy, while highlighting several risk factors which are to be closely monitored.
In terms of housing, the IMF commented that the controversial Individual Investor Programme which carries with it requirements for purchasing property or renting, could run the risk of creating a property bubble through "a rapid influx of housing investment".
Government has announced plans to extend the IIP scheme. Some weeks ago, a Eurostat press release highlighted how Malta had the second biggest jump in housing prices within the Eurozone when compared to the same period the year before.
Both the MDA and the government have repeatedly acknowledged the sky-rocketing prices in the rental market but have maintained that the majority of Maltese residents own property, and that buying a property has become more affordable when considering other factors.
MDA had commissioned big-four firm KPMG to carry out a study on the matter, which said that for the time being it does not foresee a housing bubble. In light of the warning sounds coming from the IMF and the previous declarations made by local stakeholders, The Malta Independent questioned Chetcuti on whether he still believes that Malta's property market has in fact become more affordable.
Affordability
"When looking at the KPMG report which was approved last year, we found that there are more people who can afford to buy than ever before," Chetcuti said.
"KPMG never said the prices went down, it said that since there is a lot of work and the economy is doing well, people have better opportunities to work, it could be that they are earning more money.
"Since there is more work, there are more people thinking about buying and taking the necessary steps. In terms of affordability therefore, this has not gone down."
"If you look at workers today, there is more potential to make money. In an economy that does not function so well workers are unstable in their job security and are careful on how to spend. Today we do not just have steady jobs, but better wages and conditions for those who want to work."
He went on to say that in terms of interest rates on home loans, these are not obstacles to affordability as they are currently favourable.
Increasing prices
"When it comes to prices, they are going up. All indications point towards property values continuing to increase as property depends on the price of land, which has exploded.
Contractors are finding it very difficult to buy pieces of land for development at reasonable prices.
They are being asked to pay exaggerated sums for certain plots and land, making it more difficult for price of land not to increase.
In addition, the fact that land appreciates in value also contributes to increases in prices," he said.
"This is the normal appreciation value of property when there is a healthy economy. Another drawback is that the land costs a lot, meaning it is very difficult to maintain stable prices."
Chetcuti concluded by saying that another reason for housing prices going up is that the finishings people expected 20-15 years ago are very different to the internal finishings that people expect today. With that in mind, he said the biggest challenge remains finding land at a reasonable price.
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[WATCH] Daphne Caruana Galizia murder: Compilation of evidence continues
The three men accused of murdering journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia are back in court as the compilation of evidence continues to be heard by Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit • Last December the magistrate found there was enough prima facie evidence for the bill of indictment to be issued
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The powerhouse judge: Rosemarie Aquilina
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina delivered a landmark ruling that spoke directly to the 'MeToo' era earlier this week after she sentenced serial rapist and former Olympic doctor Larry Nassar to 175 years in prison. TEODOR RELJIC digs into the history of this powerhouse figure, born to a German mother and a Maltese father...
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Court battle for lost pension savings: Swedish trader ‘pulled the strings’
Legal representatives from the Swedish pensions authority this week told a Maltese court that some €79 million in savings had been lost by the Maltese fund Falcon Funds
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[WATCH] MaltaToday is changing...
MaltaToday has completely revamped its website. It's trendy, faster, easier to use and more relevant than ever before
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Fuel station policy does not prioritise environment, ERA chairman tells House committee
The Environment Resources Authority chairman says that the petrol station policy prioritises the economy and human health as there are already other policies which protect the environment
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Nigerian girl died of rare condition, not malnutrition – Minister Michael Falzon
8-year-old Nigerian girl Victoria Aluko died as a result of a rare condition, and not because she was malnourished, Family Minister Michael Falzon told Parliament this evening.
On 22 January the government had initially said that the girl was found dead at the Dominican residence in Zabbar, where she lived with her family.
Both the government and the Church say the family was not under their care.
Last week Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced that the girl's siblings had been placed under a care order. A magisterial inquiry and an independent investigation are currently underway.
Falzon said the girl died of a condition known as aplastic anaemia, which is a rare condition affecting the bone marrow. He said tests showed that the girl's siblings were not malnourished.
The minister clarified that the girl died at Mater Dei Hospital's emergency department. He said he did not have this information in hand when the government made a statement in Parliament about the girl's death .
Falzon said Agenzija Appogg is currently dealing with 151 child protection cases. Another 270 children are also being monitored at home with their parents.
The agency, he said, works with over 400 children living in residential homes or with foster carers. He described social workers as 'unsung heroes.'
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More than €5m worth of Direct Orders awarded by six government entities in a year
Six entities that fall under the responsibility of the Office of the Prime Minister issued direct orders worth over €5 million in the space of just over a year, data tabled in Parliament shows.
The information was provided by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat at the request of PN MP Jason Azzopardi. The Nationalist MP asked for a breakdown of DOs awarded by entities falling under the OPM between 1 December 2016 and the date of reply.
The PM said DOs in the list were all in line with public procurement rules.
It covers direct orders issued by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), the Malta Communications Authority (MCA), the Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA), the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) and Identity Malta.
The total amount issued in direct orders was €5.16 million. There were seven direct orders worth over €200,000.
The highest direct order, worth €552,272, was awarded by MITA for "IBM Informix Subscription and Support Contract."
The agency also awarded a €227, 769 DO for "software maintenance and support of e-ID system" and another worth €298,792 for the "provision of Cisco Networking Equipment."
The MFSA awarded a direct order of €120,000 for the "provision of a White Paper focused on the description of MFSA structure and its regulatory and supervisory functions with the objective of providing a high level picture of the current regulatory and supervisory framework for the Maltese financial sector."
MFSA also awarded a direct order of €267,647 for "Bandwith Provision and Related services (3 years) and another for €226,665 for the procurement of consultancy services.
The MGA awarded two direct orders worth more than €200,000 – one of €216,000 for "Global Reputation Management and International PR Services" and another of €228,000 for Technical Assistance on Anti-Money Laundering/combating financing of terrorism."
Last year controversy had erupted over a direct order issued by the prison for the procurement of an IT system. The DO was worth €880,000.
At the time Finance Minister Edward Scicluna had said that there were instances when direct orders of a certain amount could be justified under certain conditions, such as urgent deadlines. "In normal circumstances, contracts of such value should go through the Contracts Department. If this does not happen, whoever was responsible for the decision must be held to account," he had said.
A Pulic Procurement policy note issued by the Department of Contracts last June referred to a 2013 policy which "was issued with the intent to limit the use of the Direct Order procedure to the barest minimum and concurrently highlight the circumstances when this procedure may be used."
These circumstances are:
a) When no tenders or no suitable tenders or no applications have been submitted in response to an open procedure;
b) When for technical or artistic reasons, or for reasons connected with the protection of exclusive rights, the services may be provided only by a particular economic operator;
c) Where the contract concerned is awarded subsequent to a design contest and must be awarded to the successful candidate or to one of the successful candidates;
d) In so far as is strictly necessary, when the time-limits for open, restricted or negotiated procedures referred to in the Public Procurement Regulations cannot be respected for reasons of extreme urgency occasioned by unforeseeable events. The circumstances invoked to justify urgency must not be attributable to the contracting authority;
e) In so far as is strictly necessary, for additional supplies, services and/or works not included in the project initially considered or in the contract first concluded but which have, through unforeseen circumstances, become necessary for the performance of the service or works or supplies described therein, on condition that the award is made to the economic operator executing the contract.
The same policy states that: "Where the estimated value meets or exceeds five thousand euro (€5,000), but does not exceed ten thousand euro (€10,000), the supplies, works or services may be procured departmentally either after obtaining quotations through government's e-procurement platform or through a direct contract at the discretion of the Head of the Contracting Authority, taking into consideration the amount involved, the urgency attached to the procurement or restrictions of choice and availability.
In exceptional circumstances, following the prior written approval of the Minister responsible for that Contracting Authority, who may delegate his authority in writing to the Permanent Secretary or any other senior official in his Ministry, a Direct Contract may be issued by the Direct Orders Office, for the direct procurement of public works/services/supplies with an estimated value ranging between €10,000 and €134,999.99."
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Parliament approves second reading of ‘Vote 16’ amendment
Parliament has approved the second reading of the bill seeking to amend the constitution in order to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 for general elections and MEP elections.
Both sides of agreed with amendments. The bill will now move to a second committee stage before the third reading, which will be followed by the final vote.
Once approved, Malta will be the second country in the European Union to lower the voting age to 16, following Austria.
The motion was initiated by Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms Julia Farrugia Portelli and seconded by PN Deputy Leader David Agius. Speaking in parliament this evening, Farrugia Portelli thanked all three political parties present in parliament for their contribution to the debate.
Pointing towards claims that the process to extend the voting rights had begun under the PN administration, Farrugia Portelli said that the "current reality is that under this government we have moved forward, and on this, we are moving together with the opposition."
Speaking on the amendment itself, she said that a number of meetings she held with students around the country showed that young people are well-read and have developed strong analytical skills.
"They have opinions on local and European politics, and should have a say at issues that directly affect them such as employment, the environment, infrastructure, and health," she said.
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MPs highlight need to preserve virgin land while discussing fuel station policy
Environment Minister Jose Herrera, as well as MPs from the PN and PD highlighted the need to preserve ODZ land during a debate on the Fuel Services Station Policy.
Parliament's Environment and Development Planning Committee was discussing the policy after a request was made by PD MPs Godfrey and Marlene Farrugia.
The issue regarding the number of fuel stations present on the islands has been widely debated recently, and some controversial applications have made headlines. This newsroom has published a number of stories on the issue.
PD MP Godfrey Farrugia, Speaking during the meeting, mentioned that the idea behind the policy back in 2015 was to remove fuel stations from urban areas, for health and safety reasons, and that there be promotion for the relocation of stations to go into industrial zones.
He spoke of the need to conserve Malta's natural capital. He suggests collecting data related to geographical density and location of fuel stations, and base application decisions on that data. On this point, it was highlighted that the MRA might have this information, and he urged that the MRA be consulted on this matter. He mentioned that government indicated Malta, by 2040, would move towards electric vehicles, and that this should be taken into consideration in new station applications. He also wants the 3000sqm area for development to never be exceeded.
Farrugia also states that fuel stations should not be permitted in defined strategic gaps between one locality and another, and that such construction in areas of agricultural value and landscape or plateaus are to be strictly protected in all local plans.
PN MP Karol Aquilina said that he believes the current policy is giving rise to abuse with, for example, the construction of other things which do not have anything to do with petrol stations. He said that the €3,000 sqm allowed for relocated stations is excessive.
He said that any step forward should be based on a study on the current situation and what the country needs. He also mentioned statements regarding a date when Malta would switch over to electric vehicles. Aquilina mentioned that when it comes to relocated stations or new stations, the policy should only allow construction on committed, disturbed land.
Environment Minister Jose Herrera said he agrees with most of what Aquilina said, and were reasons why he asked the ERA to work on recommendations to fine tune the policy. He mentioned the mushrooming of petrol stations on ODZ land. He said that he has been preoccupied that ODZ land is being taken up, and that the countryside is reducing. He said that he is preoccupied with how the policy is implemented sometimes. He mentioned that landscaping is not always included, and that sometimes further space is taken up to include said landscaping. He said one must also consider the size of Malta. He noted that one area to consider revising is allowing the construction of new stations opposite areas of containment. This could result in, since being unable to do any other development, an applicant to apply to construct a new station opposite an area of containment, the minister said. PN MP Karol Aquilina said that he was also making this point.
PA Executive Chairman Johann Buttigieg delivered a presentation on the Fuel Service Stations Policy.
He said that since the policy came into effect, two stations were relocated into ODZ land, and one new fuel station has been built. One has been rejected and four applications are pending. Before 2015, he said, pumps were built in ODZ land and that there was no policy at the time. Answering questions from PL MP Robert Abela, he said that there are refurbishments which stations need to occur due to environmental considerations due to EU regulations.
PL MP Robert Abela highlighted that the 67 applications pending as per a response to a Parliamentary Question are to do with fuel stations, and include a number of things, such as upgrading, refurbishment etc.
PN MP Ryan Callus spoke of the need to look long-term at the situation, and the potential loss of green areas. "When an area is committed it is extremely hard to get the owner to turn that site back into its original state."
ERA Chairman Victor Axiak mentioned that over time, economic and health - which is very important - priorities, in addition to others, are being given more importance than the environment. "We feel that the environment must be given more importance."
Sandro Chetcuti from the Malta Developers Association, said that prior to the policy, permits were given for stations in the countryside on land sized larger than 3,000sqm. He said having a policy is better than not having one at all. He agreed on the need for a fine tuning. He spoke of the need to ensure that people who have already applied under the current policy be kept in mind in the fine tuning process. He spoke of the need to look at sites, noting that there are areas which are good for this scope which would not destroy agricultural land.
AD Chairman Carmel Cacopardo said that when discussing the policy, it must be seen in the context of other policies. He mentioned the large number of cars on the islands. "We need to discuss this policy in the context of vehicle policies, the expanding of roads, and the electric car debate regarding setting a date to switch over to electric vehicles. Why are we discussing where they can be built, rather than how they will be closed, if we are talking about setting a date to switch over to electric vehicles?" He mentioned the need for a moratorium on applications until a decision is taken on what will happen in this regard. He asked the MPs and authorities to face the reality of this.
PA Chairman Johann Buttigieg said that when one looks abroad, many stations are slowly changing into supercharger fuel stations, where there would be fixed points giving supercharges. All other facilities, like car washes etc, are still provided. He said that a study needs to be done with regards what is going on abroad, and on what the industry abroad looks like.
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Explosive Ordnance Disposal/Improvised Explosive Device Disposal response vehicle added to AFM
A specialised low-emission Explosive Ordnance Disposal/Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (EOD/IEDD) response vehicle with a cost of around €2.1 million was inaugurated during an official ceremony held at the Armed Forces of Malta's Luqa Barracks. The vehicle includes a primary EOD robot, a secondary backup EOD Robot, and other specialist EOD equipment which will enhance the AFM's EOD capabilities.
Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Michael Farrugia, Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds and Social Dialogue Aaron Farrugia, Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta Jeffrey Curmi, and Telerob Managing Director Thomas Biehne presided over the ceremony.
Commander Curmi said that "today's ceremony is once again testimony to the efforts of the Armed Forces of Malta in continuously seeking to strengthen and improve its capabilities. It highlights the commitment of the Force to better serve and protect our country and its citizens." The Commander thanked all those involved in the project and concluded his speech by mentioning all bomb disposal technicians who on a daily basis attend to work without knowing whether their life will once again be put on the line for the safety of others.
Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds and Social Dialogue Aaron Farrugia stated that Europe has never been so peacefully consolidated, and that the levels of security enjoyed by European citizens are high when compared to other parts of the world. Aaron Farrugia noted, however, that Europe's vulnerability continues to exist in a context of ever-increasing globalisation in which societies are facing security threats and challenges that are growing in scale and sophistication.
The Parliamentary Secretary said that the European Security Union will increase collaboration in dealing with complex, hybrid 21st century security challenges. He noted that the first duty of any government is the safety and security of its citizens. "There is no work more important than that undertaken by our armed forces and security services. Thus it follows that there are no EU funding programmes more important than those we are celebrating today", stated Aaron Farrugia.
Aaron Farrugia concluded by saying that the Armed forces of Malta are truly an example of how to maximise EU funds successfully, and by encouraging the AFM to take up more direct funding initiatives.
Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Michael Farrugia stated that today's ceremony is an opportunity to observe the equipment bought by the AFM. He reiterated the AFM's, Malta's Disciplinary Forces and Secret Services' determination to constantly invest in their equipment, resources and personnel. Such investment includes the biggest AFM Offshore Patrol vessel P63, to be built in the near future.
Minister Farrugia said that hopefully the EOD/IEDD response vehicle will be used to the minimum or none at all. The Minister emphasised the need for the AFM and the disciplined forces to be prepared in fighting certain acts of criminality and possible terrorism. "Let's continue working together to keep our country safe and protected, and ready for any situation that may arise", concluded the Minister.
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Frontex to launch new Central Mediterranean operation
New Joint Operation Themis will assist Italy in border control activities, continue search an rescue, and have an enhanced law enforcement focus
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Over €10 million in direct orders spent by agencies under Prime Minister’s office
€10 million spent in direct orders by financial services, IT, gaming, and identity regulators in 2017 alone
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Two new bomb disposal robots added as part of AFM security upgrade
Malta has been allocated almost €76 million in EU funds for border control until 2020
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Opposition in favour of revising Fuel Service Station Policy
The Opposition is in favour of revising policies surrounding Fuel Service Stations, believing that the current policy creates scope for abuse resulting in degradation of virgin land outside the development zone (ODZ).
In a press release issued this afternoon, the Opposition said it favours relocating the existing fuel service stations found at village centres due to the inconvenience caused and the danger to residents.
"This process should not only continue but the private sector should also be encouraged to oversee the relocation in the interest of our communities."
Before a policy revision takes hold, the Opposition has called on a comprehensive study to be carried out ascertaining how many fuel stations this country needs while it would point out where the existing ones are located.
This study is needed not only in the light of several fuel station applications that are being presented before the Planning Authority but also because global trends are moving away from fossil fuel and towards electric cars.
The Opposition pointed out that countries such as France and England have already declared that by the year 2040 all vehicles must be run on electricity.
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Man strips naked inside Maltese courtroom, gets two months' jail
Two months' jail for 35-year-old Libyan national who "exposed himself by stripping naked whilst arraigned in court"
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Teachers' strike at MCAST would have impacted students most, college principal says
Strike action by the Malta Union of Teachers at MCAST will hit students when they are preparing for exams, college principal Stephen Cachia tells court • MCAST had filed the court injunction after collective agreement talks hit a brick wall
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Unlicensed car park attendant jailed for ignoring court order
An unlicensed car park attendant who last week was fined and banned from entering a car park in Valletta was fined and this time sent to jail after breaching the court order.
Edward Farrugia, 37 of Valletta, had been posing as a parker and pestering drivers into paying him money to leave their vehicles in the Hastings area. The accused had reportedly been ordered to leave the area a number of times, but would always return to badger more drivers, ignoring at least two court orders in the process.
His case was passed on to Magistrate Joe Mifsud, who had handed him his initial sentence.
Inspector Jeffrey Scicluna and a police sergeant testified, telling the court how the man had already been banned from a number of streets in Valletta by the courts just days before his arrest.
Finding him guilty, Magistrate Mifsud jailed the man for six months and fined him €2,000, making a recommendation to the Director of Prisons to assist the man in addressing his drug problem.
Inspector Priscilla Caruana Lee prosecuted.
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Birkirkara man fined €5,000 after threatening police officers
A man today was fined €5,000 after he threatened two police inspectors after a court sitting.
Stefano Muscat, 33, was accused of making verbal threats at police inspectors Joseph Busuttil and John Spiteri as he was leaving the courtroom following a sitting in another case.
Magistrate Joe Mifsud found the man guilty of insulting or threatening the two police officers while they were carrying out their duties.
The court said it would not permit such behaviour. It is in the public interest that it protects them and allows them to carry out their work without fear or threats, said the magistrate.
A protection order was also imposed in favour of the two inspectors.
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Birkirkara man handed €5,000 fine for threatening police
Accused had uttered verbal threats at two inspectors as he left courtroom, following sitting of another case
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Unlicensed parker jailed for ignoring court order
Parker had been pestering drivers to pay him money to leave their cars in the Hastings area
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Court acquits man accused of using abusive language to incite racial hatred
The courts have acquitted a man charged with using abusive language with the intention of inciting racial hatred.
Brandon Bartolo had also been charged with the misuse of electronic equipment, and relapsing.
The charges surrounded a number of posts on the Ghaqda Patrijotti Maltin Facebook page. The posts dealt with an EU Court's decision to ban religious symbols in the work place.
Bartolo's legal team argued that the legal requisites for inciting racial hatred weren't present.
Magistrate Joe Mifsud said that many of the comments can be taken as freedom of expression, but others go beyond. He said that when one extreme comment is made, others of encouragement follow and others shoot reckless comments without paying attention, mistakenly believing that they have a right to say certain things. This, he said, is where the responsibility of site administrators come in.
The magistrate noted that in the comments present on the page, showed that those posting were concerned about the challenges the EU faced in terms of illegal immigration. He noted that there is a sentiment that the Maltese are being discriminated against as the media gives more importance to complaints that affect immigrants, rather than how the Maltese are affected.
The court noted that the accused's words had to also be taken in the context of what was being written by others, as well as where it was written.
The court held that in this case, Bartolo expressed his opinion on a previous post, and that his intention was to express his opinion. The court said that the words used did not result in damage, annoyance or offence to others.
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372,000 vehicles in Malta as of end 2017, 36 new cars a day
Less than 1% of vehicles were electric or hybrid as of end 2017
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Daphne’s murder: Malta’s registers largest ‘democracy score’ drop in western Europe
Malta has fallen 0.24 points in the Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index for 2017, the largest drop of any country in Western Europe.
This is largely as a result of the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia last October.
"Malta's score has slipped following the unresolved murder in October 2017 of Daphne Caruana Galizia, an anti-corruption blogger, which has raised questions about the rule of law and the authorities' willingness to investigate sensitive crimes," the comprehensive report said.
Malta still ranks as a full democracy, in 17th place out of the 19 countries in this category. It had a score of 8.15, compared to leader Norway which had a score of 9.87.
Malta's score had been 8.39 for the three previous years, and has alternated between scores of 8.28 and 8.39 for over 10 years.
Malta's ranking for media freedom was considerably lower with a score of 8, in 31st place, and categorised as 'partly free'.
The Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index provides a snapshot of the state of democracy worldwide for 165 independent states and two territories.
Norway once again tops the Democracy Index global ranking in 2017, followed by Iceland and Sweden taking second and third place.
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Bishops urge Europe to embrace migrants knocking at its doors
Catholic bishops aim to 'not allow the cries and hopes of the poor be drowned and buried in the Mediterranean'
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Court sentences former notary to two years in prison for making false declaration
The court has sentenced a former notary to two years in prison after he was found guilty of making a false declaration in transfer of property which took place in 2004.
The case relates to the transfer of a property valued at Lm38,000 (€88,000) from Alan Jones Briffa, on behalf of B. Kam Holdings Ltd, to Joseph Cassar and his wife. Pierre Falzon, 56, of Qawra was the notary for the deed.
The price of sale was later reduced to Lm19,500 (€45,400), after which Briffa was given Lm3,800 (€8,850) as a promise of sale. The Cassars later paid the remaining balance (Lm15,700 (€38,500)) in March 2004.
A deed of constitution of debt was later signed over additional works to the property worth Lm35,000 (€81,500) conducted by Briffa.
Despite of being assured by Falzon that searches with regard to property had been conducted; the property was subject to three hypothecs with HSBC.
It was later discovered that the Lm35,000 had been written as Lm3,506 in the hypothec. Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech, who presided over the court, concluded was evidence that the notary had made a false declaration.
The Magistrate went on to say that the offence was in breach of a notary's oath to conduct their duties with "integrity, honesty and sincerity".
Falzon was sentenced to two years in prison and placed under general perpetual interdiction, meaning that he will lose his right to hold "any public office or employment", buy or sell property or sign contracts, and the right to vote because of another clause in the electoral law.
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Courts turn down Gozo shepherd appeal against €5,000 fine, allows him to keep herd
Shepherd Ganni Attard has been denied an appeal against a decision to fine him €5,000 by The Court of Appeal. The same court has also turned down an appeal filed by the authorities asking to have Attard's herd destroyed.
Attard's story dates back to 2012 when the authorities raided his farm discovering several unregistered animals. Attard was cautioned that by not registering animals this poses a public health risk and thus his herd would have to be culled. The farmer resisted this, stressing that he had been asking the authorities to register the sheep and tag them since July 2010.
In July 2017, Magistrate Joe Mifsud found Attard guilty of breaching EU and local laws by keeping the unregistered animals and fined him €5,000, payable over three years. The destruction of the herd was not ordered by the courts.
Attard filed an appeal to argue this decision, asking the courts to clear him of all charges.
In the meantime, the Attorney General (AG) also appealed the sentence, asking the courts to order the confiscation of the man's herd from his farm in San Dimitri, limits of Gharb, Gozo.
Mr Justice Giovanni Grixti, presiding over the Court of Appeal, dismissed Attard's arguments. The farmer claimed that the prosecution did not prove the existence of the animals in question. Grixti did not uphold this argument because from Attard's own testimony, it emerged that he had trouble registering the sheep and because photographic evidence existed.
Grixti stressed that the law is clear in the any owner or keeper must have its animals properly identified and registered.
For the arguments raised by the AG where it asked for the destruction of the herd, Grixti pointed out that the law points towards the confiscation, equipment, products or substances used in the commission of the crime.
He further pointed out that the animals are neither equipment nor products or substances, and that the court had no legal basis to order their confiscation.
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Man acquitted of inciting racial hatred against Sara Ezabe
Magistrate Joe Mifsud ruled that the man was simply expressing his opinion in a Facebook post in which he implied that Muslims in Malta were guests and should go back to their country if they did not want to abide by the law
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‘We cannot turn deaf ears’ to people dying in the Mediterranean - Bishops
The Archbishop of Malta and Bishop of Gozo today said there is "little political will to give urgent consideration" to the problem of migration.
In a statement, Mgr Charles Scicluna and Mgr Mario Grech said "while countries are busy discussing the Gross Domestic Product and disposable income, the risk persists that the people in the periphery languish in poverty and are reduced to mere numbers in some computer."
This is their statement in full:
We are witnessing yet again, practically helplessly and without much general interest, to another tragedy of people who are perilously crossing the Mediterranean from the African continent searching with hope for a better life for themselves and their families. This time, in spite of the resistance met en route by these people, the danger of the latest crossing was significantly diminished due to the timely intervention of voluntary organisations that dedicate their resources and abilties to come to the aid of the poorest of the poor. The tragedies of the poor of the world are fast turning into mere breaking news items that are quickly discarded in the trash can of history! Pope Francis was right during his first official visit to the European Parliament in 2014, to entreat the European leaders not to let the Mediterranean become a cemetery for immigrants.
In spite of the promises made by the leaders of European countries to meet in concrete terms the needs of immigrants and refugees searching for shelter and a future in Europe, it seems that there is little political will to give urgent consideration to this worthy cause. While countries are busy discussing the Gross Domestic Product and disposable income, the risk persists that the people in the periphery languish in poverty and are reduced to mere numbers in some computer. During the same visit to the European Parliament, the Pope had said that "the time has come for a building a Europe which revolves not around the economy, but around the sacredness of the human person". We observe leaders wreathed in smiles busy posing for event photographs while throngs of people applaud inspiring speeches. It seems that this is where it ends. How right Pope Francis was during his first visit to the island of Lampedusa at the beginning of his pontificate in 2013, to condemn "the globalisation of indifference" in the face of the phenomenon of the abuse of the poor and continuous tragedies in the Mediteranean and other parts of the world.
In the Exhortation 'The Joy of the Gospel', Pope Francis writes that "the need to resolve the structural causes of poverty cannot be delayed" (Evangelii Gaudium, par. 202). Similarly, in the very first Message for the World Day of the Poor, the Pope continues that "if we want to help change history and promote real development, we need to hear the cry of the poor and commit ourselves to ending their marginalization."
These words apply equally to the political class, to society in general and also to the Church. In fact in Evangelii Gaudium, the Pope insists that "any Church community, if it thinks it can comfortably go its own way without creative concern and effective cooperation in helping the poor to live with dignity and reaching out to everyone, will also risk breaking down, however much it may talk about social issues or criticize governments" (par. 207).
Therefore, the Church in Malta and Gozo welcomes with joy the recent news that the Italian Episcopal Conference is launching an "Encounter of Reflection and Spirituality for Peace in the Mediterranean", with the participation of Catholic bishops of countries around the Mediterranean basin. This meeting of the peoples of the Mediterranean will endeavour not to allow the cries and the hopes of the poor be drowned and buried in the Mediterranean. This initiative also aims to serve as an exchange of cultures and peoples, and to rouse Europe to embrace the poor that are knocking on its doors.
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Malta score in Democracy Index gets lowest ranking ever in a decade
Democracy Index published by The Economist says Malta has recorded its steepest score decline in the wake of the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia
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Trump promises ’new American moment’ in State of the Union address
US President speaks of extending an open hand to Democrats to work together
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Excavation work for Birkirkara 73-residential unit social accommodation project underway
Excavation on a 73 residential unit social accommodation development in Birkirkara is underway, and will include 400sqm of open space, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Housing Roderick Galdes said today during an on-site visit.
The site is located on Triq il-Qanpiena.
He explained that there had been an application on the site back in 2004, however that this government changed the plans in order to include more apartments. Malita, of which government is the major shareholder, is carrying out the project, while the Housing Project Management Unit is managing such projects.
The Parliamentary Secretary said that this is one of the larger affordable housing projects currently being built, and that this project is spread over six blocks of flats. The project will be built over 11,000 sqm. 46 of the apartments will have two to three bedrooms, while 27 will be one-bedroom apartments.
Around 17 units will be fully wheelchair accessible, with bathrooms fitted for persons with disability as well, he explained.
The 400sqm of open space will help create more harmony and allow for public space which the people living in the apartments will need, Galdes said. Most of the apartments will have some form of outside space, be it a yard, terraces or galleries with access to a garden. He spoke about removing the stigma that housing projects are ghettos, and that the design is taking into consideration the density of the construction.
The architect explained that originally there were plans for the blocks to be four storeys in addition to a receded floor, however instead they are building four storeys. He said that he hopes to conclude the excavation works in a month's time. All tenders related to this project will be issued this year, Galdes added.
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Number of licensed vehicles edges up by 36 per day in 2017 - NSO
At the end of December 2017, the stock of licensed motor vehicles stood at 372,061 up by 3.7 per cent over the same quarter in 2016, the NSO said today.
Administrative data obtained from Transport Malta show that, at the end of December last year, the stock of licensed motor vehicles stood at 372,061. Of these, 78.4 per cent of the total stock of licensed vehicles were passenger cars, 13.6 per cent were commercial vehicles, 6.9 per cent were motorcycles/ quadricycles and ATV's, while buses and minibuses accounted for less than one per cent. During this quarter, the stock of licensed vehicles has increased at a net average rate of 30 vehicles per day, while it increased at an average yearly rate of 36 vehicles per day during 2017.
New licences
New licences issued during the period under review amounted to 5,889. The majority of new licences, 4,423 or 75.1 per cent of the total were issued to passenger cars, followed by goods-carrying vehicles with 705. Newly-licensed 'new' motor vehicles amounted to 2,333, or 39.6 per cent of the total, and newly licensed 'used' motor vehicles totalled 3,556. An average of 64 vehicles per day were newly licensed during the quarter under review. On an annual perspective, during 2017, an average of 68 vehicles per day were newly licensed.
Out of action
During the quarter under review, 6,687 vehicles were taken off the roads due to a restriction. Out of these, 40.4 per cent were put for resale, 29.7 per cent were garaged while 27.7 per cent were scrapped, the majority being passenger cars. Conversely, vehicles which had their restriction ending during the fourth quarter of last year totalled 3,539. The majority were marked as resale (2,459) and garaged (1,047).
Engine type
As at the end of December last year, 224,525 vehicles, or 60.3 per cent of the total, had petrol engines. Vehicles with diesel engines reached 144,982, or 39.0 per cent of the total.
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Transport Malta to ensure all billboards abide by rules, in three-step process
Billboards will now all be tagged to identify their owner, bike sharing operators also need to regularise themselves
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Government launches public consultation for free school transport for all students
The government has launched a survey to consult the public on the proposed introduction of free school transport to all students – regardless of whether they attend state, independent, or Church schools - in a bid to gauge the population's sentiments towards the logistical and time-management challenges that the proposal could face.
During the budget speech last October, the government announced that discussions and studies on the initiative would begin in 2018 with a view to offering such free transport for the scholastic year 2018/2019. It was later revealed that the Education Ministry will head the project with assistance from the Transport Ministry.
Since the initial proposal, both Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Transport Minister Ian Borg have said that the government is determined to implement short, medium, and long-term measures by introducing the necessary infrastructure, while also promoting mobile activity to alternative modes of transport in a bid to decrease congestion's effects on air quality.
It is as yet unknown whether the service will start in the next scholastic year as questions sent to the Ministry of Education were not answered by the time of going to print.
It seems that the administrator of the service is yet to be chosen with the survey asking whether the respondent would want the administrator of the system to be an independent operator or the government.
Both the Labour Party and the Nationalist Party had included the initiative within their electoral manifestos in the last general election, and believed that the scheme would have a significant positive effect on morning traffic; however, it was only the Labour Party that provided some indication of what the scheme would cost.
Muscat had told a press conference on 29 May that the initiative, along with the increase in children's allowance, would cost a total of €21 million.
What does the survey say?
The survey, whose responses will be kept confidential and anonymous, asks respondents to provide details over the child's pick-up and drop-off sites, including their length of journey, the type of school they attend (and its name), and the student's level of education.
It is also revealed that the service will be made available to those residing more than 1km away from their school.
Respondents are also asked whether the cost of school transport factored into their decision regarding the mode they select, and whether they would make use of the service should be provided for free by the government.
The project naturally has many logistical challenges given the number of schools in different localities around the island. Parents are being asked whether they would use a central pickup point, rather than a door-to-door system.
There are also questions asking caregivers whether they would still use the service if the child was mixed with students from other types of schools and whether the presence of CCTV would help.
The same applied to different age groups (primary, secondary, kindergarten) and gender.
The presence of supervisors on every bus appears the agenda, with the survey asking respondents if they would want supervisors to be staff from the school, authorised persons, or individuals employed by a private company.
Time management seems to be another area of concern with the survey asking whether the caregiver would still use the service the child is picked up an hour or an hour and a half before school starts, and up to two hours after school ends.
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Malta Philharmonic Orchestra to play the Prime Minister’s playlist for charity run by his wife
The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) will be raising funds to help those suffering from rare diseases with a concert featuring original arrangements of popular songs chosen by the Prime Minister, upon request by the MPO.
The Prime Minister's Playlist will be held on 24 February at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, starting at 8pm. MPO chairman Sigmund Mifsud explained that the concert – which he will be conducting – will see the orchestra team up with many leading local singers, including Glen Vella, Tiziana, Kevin Borg, Ozzy Lino and Mikaela as well as Gozitan band The Travellers.
They will be performing an eclectic selection of pop and rock tunes, ranging from timeless hits to more contemporary fare, including a few Maltese gems.
All proceeds will be in aid of the National Alliance for Rare Diseases Support – Malta, and Mifsud (above, right) observed that it continued the orchestra's tradition of organising pop/rock fusion concerts in aid of charity. The National Alliance for Rare Diseases Support has Michelle Muscat as its president.
Each September, orchestra performs in Rockestra, held in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund, but the MPO is also routinely involved in concerts of a similar nature. Last year, for instance, the orchestra teamed up with the Fondazzjoni Qalb it-Tfal for Symphonic Beatles.
The concert will be an audio-visual performance, with visuals especially selected to accompany the songs.
Artistic director Felix Busuttil (left) explained that the concert will be a journey seeking to take people through the emotions and memories that one's favourite music may evoke.
Busuttil said that the music chosen is a playlist which accompanied a person – the Prime Minister in this case – as he studied, worked and lived. The visuals being planned, he added, would seek to reflect just that.
"It's a journey of life as experienced through music, like yours and mine are," Busuttil said.
Booking for this concert is now open on showshappening.com.
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IMF report: Reliance on IIP proceeds, changes to international corporate taxation could pose risks
While a report submitted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlights the government's success in achieving robust growth, it does note that possible changes in international corporate taxation and reliance on proceeds from the Individual Investor Programme (IIP) could pose risks.
The IMF submitted its annual country report days ago and gave a detailed overview on Malta's economy and how it should proceed in maintaining sustained growth. The report delves into a number of key issues such as the controversial citizenship-by-investment scheme, the housing market, non-performing home loans and the importance for financial supervision in light of Malta's growing financial sector.
In its report, the main message to be driven home was that Malta should work towards building "larger fiscal buffers" to safeguard against shocks while continuing its favourable labour market policies and efforts to attract investment.
In a section highlighting fiscal risks, IMF staff wrote:
"Malta's share of corporate tax revenue in total revenue is much higher than in other EU members. With a large presence of foreign-owned firms and pro-business tax regime, possible changes in international corporate taxation may affect Malta unfavourably, thus calling for further broadening the tax base and increasing revenue collection, including by strengthening VAT compliance.
"The recent measures to combat tax evasion and avoidance, such as establishing the Join Enforcement Unit, strengthening the IT system to monitor tax compliance, and consolidating, streamlining and automatizing services of revenue departments are steps in the right direction. Further increasing female labour participation would also help broadening the base"
Malta offers a generous 6/7 tax rebate to multinational corporations, effectively allowing them to pay just five percent corporate taxation. This is typical of island-states which do not have a huge workforce or natural resources where to generate revenue from.
In terms of the controversial citizenship-by-investment scheme, the IMF report noted 2018 fiscal targets, saying that "the attainment of these targets partly depends on IIP proceeds, which are volatile and difficult to predict. Even with the authorities intention to extend the IIP, it is expected to remain limited in scope, presenting a challenge for long-term fiscal adjustment."
It continued to say that "identifying additional measures would help strengthen the fiscal position, particularly if IIP revenue underperforms".
Other risks
The report called on government to address demographic challenges. This refers to the higher proportion of pensioners when compared with those entering the labour market.
"Age-related spending, particularly pension and healthcare, is projected to increase significantly and faster than in most peers over the long term."
Steps taken by the government to address this issue were highlighted, such as providing incentives for workers to save more of their wages as well as incentives to stop people making use of early-retirement schemes.
"However, further adjustments – as part of the planned periodic reviews – are needed to align the contributory period with live expectancy and better link the life-time incomes to pensionable incomes.
The IMF called on government to ensure that the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has "adequate resources" in order to safeguard the reputation, integrity and ultimately the success of Malta's financial sector.
"The increasing number of financial firms, the rapid developments of new products and the evolving regulatory environment have put the MFSA under strain, despite its recent expansion. Further pressure emanates from tight labour market conditions, which contributed to high MFSA staff turnover."
It called on ensuring the MFSA has the resources it needs to improve its capacity to retain experienced staff and support the continuation of effective supervision.
In its report, the IMF noted that "strong momentum in the housing market may increase financial stability risks".
While it noted that household balance-sheets are sound on the whole, and financial wealth outperforming peer levels, "high exposure of core domestic banks to property-related loans, a sharp drop in house prices or increases in interest rates may lead to a negative spiral of low lending and investment and adverse macro-financial repercussions".
It noted that a "future unwinding" of real estate investments by successful IIP applicants "may also put downward pressure on housing prices".
While Maltese authorities do not agree with this assessment, IMF staff believes that "housing prices have entered a modest overvaluation territory by several metrics" based on a survey carried out in 2016 which found 80 per cent feel that properties are overpriced.
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TMID Editorial: Passport scheme - What the IMF also said about the IIP
The government was ecstatic when the latest IMF country report on Malta was published earlier this week, and there was good reason to celebrate.
In short, the report said Malta's economic growth remains one of the strongest in Europe, and this was the result of favourable economic conditions and sound government policies.
The report speaks of stronger public balance sheets, robust growth, dynamic job creation and record-low unemployment.
In a press release on the day the report was published, the government referred to the IMF's comments on the IIP – Malta's controversial passport sale scheme - which is set to be extended by a second round. The IMF, the government pointed out, said the "application process is subject to stringent due-diligence by Identity Malta, resulting in a rejection rate of around 20%" and "the cost of the IIP is relatively high compared to other citizenship programs."
But there were other comments the IMF made on the IIP, and which did not feature in the government press release.
It noted that, while some €230 had been collected from the scheme in 2017, no funds had been "committed to specific projects by the end of the year." It was perhaps unaware that more than €20 million had been used to buy BOV shares.
The figures also point towards an overreliance on the IIP as a revenue generator.
The revenue figure for 2017 (€230 million) is roughly equivalent to 2.1 percent of GDP and 5.4 percent of fiscal revenue. The government has been warned before that it is relying too much on the scheme – which is approved by the European Commission – and this could be unsustainable in the long term. This administration has also been warned about the consequences of not creating new sectors and diversifying the economy.
The report published this week, in fact, points out that fiscal challenges of the IIP "include achieving a prudent management of the inflows, which might be volatile and unsustainable."
The report makes it clear that even projections for the coming year depend on the IIP's performance. "The fiscal surplus is projected to stand at 0.8% of GDP in 2018 and then moderate slightly to 0.5% of GDP at the end of the forecast horizon. Nevertheless, the attainment of these targets partly depends on IIP proceeds, which are volatile and difficult to predict."
It also warns that macro-financial risks could be triggered by a rapid influx of housing investment, leading to property market bubbles, adding that "reputational and money laundering risks may arise if the due-diligence procedure is not sufficiently rigorous."
Indeed, several news reports published over the past few weeks seem to show that the due diligence being carried out by Identity Malta is not all that it is made out to be, and that the reputation of the country, which is not exactly a stranger to money laundering claims, has continued to suffer.
"Robust implementation and effective enforcement of the Anti-Money Laundering framework is critical given the size of Malta's financial sector, the fast-growing remote gaming activity, and the high demand for the IIP," the IMF stated this week.
If anything, this report has reconfirmed how over reliant Malta is on a controversial and unethical scheme, which goes part and parcel with the 'quick buck' mentality.
We believe that the government should now consider the IIP as a one-time experiment that was successful form a financial aspect but should refrain from extending the scheme.
Good money was made and the funds should be spent wisely, but we should now move away from the controversy that is the IIP and focus on bringing in new and more ethical economic sectors.
While it is true that millions were collected from the IIP, there were negative considerations as well, including the damage to our reputation abroad and the exploding rents.
We should start moving in a new direction now, for this cash cow will not and cannot last forever, especially if the EC wakes up to the real situation and changes its stance on Malta's citizenship for sale scheme.
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Former Italy national coach Azeglio Vicini dies, aged 84
Former Italy national coach Azeglio Vicini died today, aged 84, Italian media report.
Vicini played for Vicenza between 1953 and 1956, moved to Sampdoria between 1956 and 1963, and concluded his career with Brescia between 1963 and 1966.
He took on a coaching role at Brescia a year later before taking on the role of Italy's Under 23 national side between 1975 and 1976, and the national Under 21 squad between 1977 and 1986.
He took over the national team from Enzo Bearzot in 1986, and led Italy to a third place in the World Cup of 1990, which Italy hosted. He was replaced by Arrigo Sacchi in 1991 and finished his coaching career with Cesena and Udinese.
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Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Amid publicity tour, porn star denies affair with Trump
Adult film star Stormy Daniels, in the midst of a publicity tour fueled by past allegations of a 2006 sexual relationship with a then-married Donald Trump, said in a statement on Tuesday the alleged affair never occurred.
Keith Davidson, a lawyer for Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, confirmed the statement was authentic but didn't offer any further details.
The statement came at a curious time for Clifford, who appeared after the president's State of the Union address on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" In recent weeks she has changed production companies, given a television interview and promoted strip club appearances with a risque play on Trump's "Make America Great Again," campaign slogan.
Michael Cohen, Trump's personal lawyer, has denied there was any affair.
On Kimmel's show, Clifford ducked most of his questions about the alleged affair by either remaining silent or cracking jokes. She addressed, vaguely, the legitimacy of the new statement.
This image released by ABC shows adult film star Stormy Daniels, left, with host Jimmy Kimmel on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, in Los Angeles.
Kimmel began by displaying a copy and comparing her signature on it to other examples. They didn't match, he said, asking if she had signed it.
"I don't know, did I?" she said. "That doesn't look like my signature, does it?"
The ABC host asked if that was an admission that the statement was written and released without her approval, which drew a smile, coy look and a giggle from Clifford.
The rest of the interview went on in the same vein, as Clifford skirted whether she had signed a non-disclosure agreement; if an In Touch magazine interview was accurate — "Not as it is written," she replied — and if the magazine's full transcript of her comments was accurate.
When Kimmel started to read details of her alleged encounters with Trump, Clifford interrupted: "I thought this was a talk show, not a horror movie. Because this is a whole different pay scale."
Clifford's allegation, first made in 2011 and then again a month before the election, went mostly unnoticed until the Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that Cohen brokered a $130,000 payment to Clifford to keep her from publicly discussing it.
A week after that report, In Touch magazine printed a 5,000-word interview it conducted with Clifford in 2011 but never published after Cohen threatened the tabloid with a lawsuit, the Associated Press has previously reported.
In that interview, Clifford described a single sexual encounter with Trump in 2006 when he was recently married to his third wife, Melania, as well as a subsequent years-long relationship with the reality TV star. The magazine said it corroborated her account with friends and that she passed a lie detector test.
In her statement Tuesday, Clifford said she wasn't denying the affair because she was paid "hush money," but rather "because it never happened."
Neither Cohen nor Clifford have addressed whether she was paid $130,000, and if so why.
A publicist didn't respond to questions about the statement Tuesday.
Kimmel's show opened with him and Clifford seated in armchairs and watching Trump's State of the Union address.
"Enough of this. Stormy, show me on the puppet what he did to you," Kimmel said to her, holding up a doll dressed in a shirt and briefs and with a mop of Trump-like hair.
Clifford produced a blond female doll with duct tape across its mouth, and gave a small nod as she looked at the camera.
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EU must guarantee affordable transport to its insular peripheral regions - Alfred Sant
Maltese MEP and former Prime Minister Alfred Sant said that the EU must guarantee affordable transport in all its regions, especially for the insular, peripheral and sparsely populated regions of the EU when submitting various amendments for the EP Annual Report on Competition Policy in his role as Shadow Rapporteur for the S&D.
Sant, speaking at the European Parliament Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON), pointed out the issues of liberalisation in the transport sector, the issues of competition in the digital world and Google, freedom of online travel agents to sell flight tickets without imposed barriers to trade, transparent separation of powers within the Commission's DG Competition, and competition in the food sector and agriculture.
The Maltese MEP expressed his satisfaction that important sectors are clearly getting recognition, through both the text proposed by the Rapporteur ALDE MEP Ramon Tremosa, together with his tabled amendments. The Report is expected to be voted in Plenary during the March session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
"Transport remains vital for the economic survival of the different regions and communities in Europe. We should be wary of pursuing the opening up of the markets, just for the sake of liberalisation. Allowing private entries should not be an end in itself. We need to assure that this service of basic economic interest is guaranteed at affordable prices, in all the regions of the EU. This applies especially for insular, peripheral, and sparsely populated regions of the EU, and is of course in my view being reflected in the compromises being drawn up by the Rapporteur. When analysing liberalisation options, we need to make sure that all social standards are respected, for the sake of those working in the sector, as well as consumers. Sadly, there are experiences that have very often shown other results."
Sant said amendments regarding Google feature prominently.
"We need to talk about it in a clear way, in a rational way. We cannot just ignore it because ignoring it would be ignoring the elephant in the room."
The Maltese MEP said that online travel agencies are complaining of being ousted from the market. This is due to the imposition by certain airlines of surcharges or restricted access to information for those using booking channels other than their own. The current revision of the Regulation on safeguarding competition in air transport should also tackle this issue. Appropriate legislative vehicles should prevent anticompetitive behaviour in ticket distribution with the aim of having cheaper flights for air travellers in Europe.
Sant referred to the issue of dedicating enough resources to the Commission's DG Competition.
"I agree that attention should be given to reallocate the needed resources to the European Commission on this point. I also believe that this should go hand-in-hand with a strict and transparent separation between the departments that draw up guidelines, and those that have the responsibility to apply those guidelines in specific cases. We need to avoid a situation in which the Competition DG acts as the prosecutor, the judge, the jury and the executioner."
The Maltese MEP also referred to the area of agriculture. "We are too often hearing of the huge discrepancy that exists, between the food prices being offered to the end consumer, and the price being offered to farmers for their products. I am glad that this is being tackled, both through my amendments and the compromises. I support EU action that keeps in mind the survival of small-scale farmers and the welfare of end consumers alike. From my side and the side of the S&D, the most crucial point is to safeguard the weakest link in the competition chain. This is being reflected in our amendments to this Report." remarked the Maltese MEP.
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State of the Union analysis: Amid powerful images, Trump offer few solutions
In vivid detail, President Donald Trump told stories of American heroism, heartbreak and tragedy in his emotionally charged first State of the Union. What he didn't detail were solutions to the crises ahead.
Trump's 80-minute speech surveyed familiar territory for a president drawn to drama. He warned of gangs, nuclear threats, the drug epidemic and unlawful immigrants. He highlighted guests in the crowd, a group representing a mix of valor and victimhood, which he used to illustrate his calls for patriotism and perseverance.
"No people on Earth are so fearless, or daring, or determined as Americans," Trump said. "If there is a mountain, we climb it. If there is a frontier, we cross it. If there is a challenge, we tame it. If there is an opportunity, we seize it."
But his vision for a way out of what he once described as "American carnage" was not nearly as clear. Although he said lowering prescription drug prices would be "one of my greatest priorities," he did not suggest a strategy for getting it done. He hinted at hopes for reforming prisons, supporting family leave and improving job training, with little meat on the bone. He raised hopes for an infrastructure plan but provided little guidance as to how the plan should be funded.
Trump's most detailed proposal was, perhaps, the most contentious.
When Trump outlined his four-part immigration plan Tuesday, a grim-faced House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi held up her hands to try to silence the booing Democrats. Republicans, too, have deep reservations about his hopes for cutting legal immigration. The debate has left the fate of hundreds of thousands "Dreamer" immigrants uncertain, as they wait for a Trump-imposed expiration date for the program that protects them from deportation. Trump did not acknowledge that hurdle Tuesday, or the government shutdown looming if Democrats hold to their demands that a Dreamer deal must be tied to a budget plan.
He did advocate for compromise — an unusual role for the often strident president.
The deal is a "down-the-middle compromise," he said. "One where nobody gets everything they want, but where our country gets the critical reforms it needs."
Democrats are likely to remain deeply skeptical about Trump's ability to play the role of bipartisan broker. He has often shifted positions without notice and, at times, seemed unfamiliar with details.
"We need more than talk. We need a president who will bring the country together rather than foster further division," said Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California. "We need a president who understands and engages in important issues rather than spending hours on Twitter."
Freshman Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., said he was happy to hear Trump bring up infrastructure, controlling prescription drug prices and boosting vocational education but said he was short on detail. "It sounds like, 'I'm for world peace.' Fine, how do you get there?" Krishnamoorthi said.
He also contrasted Trump's words with what he's done as president: "If you don't govern in a way that's consistent with your rhetoric, people are left wondering if these are just empty words."
Republican Sen. David Perdue of Georgia, who has been working closely with the White House, said he believes Trump offered guidance on finding a solution to the impasse on immigration.
"He's given a lot to both sides to make that happen," Perdue said. "We're working on legislative action, this needs to be fixed in Congress. He's laid down the roadmap."
Trump did not address his outsized role in fostering the party rancor.
Ever the salesman, Trump spent much of his speech highlighting the accomplishments of the last 12 months while taking credit for the nation's roaring economy and booming stock market. Suppressing his penchant for making the moment about himself, Trump repeatedly highlighted the guests sitting in the Capitol, each of whom possessed a powerful story.
There was a North Korean defector who defiantly waved the crutches he used to make his escape after losing a leg. There were the New Mexico police officers who adopted the baby of a heroin addict. And the tearful black family who lost their child at the hands of an immigrant who had entered the United States illegally.
His Twitter largely silent for a day, Trump holstered his usual partisan weaponry in favor of "an open hand to work with members of both parties, Democrats and Republicans, to protect our citizens, of every background, color and creed."
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[WATCH] What Junior College and MCAST students think about voting at 16
They actually seem divided between those who think 16 and 17-year-olds are not mature enough to vote wisely, and those appreciate having a political say
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Nassar to face another sentence, victims in return to court
Larry Nassar, the sports doctor accused of sexually assaulting more than 150 women and girls, will be confronted again by scores of victims as he faces another prison sentence for molesting gymnasts, this time at an elite Michigan club run by an Olympic coach.
Judge Janice Cunningham has set aside several days for roughly 60 people who want to confront Nassar or have their statement read in court. The event starting Wednesday could unfold much the same as a hearing last week in another county that ended with Nassar getting sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison — what a different judge described as signing the doctor's "death warrant."
The practice of allowing accusers to speak even if they are not tied directly to a case has raised questions about fairness. But attorneys say the victim statements probably pose little risk on appeal, especially since Nassar pleaded guilty, agreed to allow the statements and is expected to get another long prison sentence as part of his deal with prosecutors.
"If you get what you bargained for, then you really can't argue that you were prejudiced in any way," said Margaret Raben, former leader of a Michigan association of criminal defense attorneys.
It's not uncommon for prosecutors to introduce "aggravating" evidence at sentencing to support their request for a severe punishment. But the parade of victims offering emotional accounts of their abuse to the face of an abuser went well beyond the typical hearing.
Raben said there was a "horrible dynamic" last week in Judge Rosemarie Aquilina's courtroom, even if the judge had the option to allow so many people to speak in a case that involved just seven victims.
"Her obvious delight was just off the wall," Raben said, referring to Aquilina's "death warrant" remark and others. "I am not defending Larry Nassar at all, but what I saw with her was a real abandonment of judicial demeanor. ... The process doesn't change because everybody hates the defendant. That is the absolute glory, or should be, of the American justice system."
A fellow Ingham County judge, William Collette, said Aquilina's handling of the hearing was "outrageous." Others, however, have praised her treatment of victims and their parents.
The case on Cunningham's docket Wednesday in Eaton County centers on Nassar's assaults at Twistars, a Lansing-area gymnastics club that was run by 2012 Olympic coach John Geddert. Nassar admits penetrating three girls with his hands when he was supposed to be treating them for injuries.
So far, 57 victims want to speak in court or submit statements. Attorney Mick Grewal said 11 of his clients have signed up, including some who were inspired by the 150-plus young women and girls who appeared in Aquilina's court. He called it a "cathartic experience."
"Now they're at a point in their healing process where they want to confront Larry, and they want to show the world that they are survivors and they are strong and they are part of this movement," Grewal said. "It helps them through the healing process."
He said the Nassar cases are extraordinary in the number of victims who have come forward.
"The only case that's out there that's even similar in stature is Penn State, and this is now six times as big as Penn State, maybe seven times," Grewal said, referring to boys who said they were sexually abused by assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky.
Meanwhile, the Nassar scandal continued to trigger other developments around the country, from Texas to the nation's capital.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a criminal investigation after victims said they were assaulted by Nassar at the Karolyi Ranch, a famous Texas facility that was the training ground for U.S. women's gymnastics. The ranch is owned by former national team coordinators Bela and Martha Karolyi.
USA Gymnastics cut ties with the ranch earlier this month, a few days after Olympic champion Simone Biles and said she dreaded the thought of having to return there to train.
In Michigan, former Gov. John Engler was expected to become interim president at Michigan State, according to a high-ranking school official involved in the plan.
The official told The Associated Press that trustees would vote Wednesday to hire Engler. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision had not been publicly announced. The school's top post is vacant after Lou Anna Simon resigned last week.
Engler will head the school as it confronts lawsuits filed by more than 100 women and girls, and investigations by the state attorney general, the NCAA and Congress.
One of Michigan State's corporate sponsors chose not to have its logo behind basketball coach Tom Izzo and football coach Mark Dantonio during recent news conferences. Auto-Owners Insurance spokesman Trevor Mahoney told the AP on Tuesday the company did not think it was appropriate.
Also Tuesday, former basketball player Travis Walton defended himself days after ESPN reported he was named in a sexual assault report and had assault and battery charges dismissed in 2010. At the time, Walton's four-year career as a guard with the Spartans was over and he was assisting Izzo while taking classes to graduate.
Walton said in a statement that he had multiple consensual encounters with a woman, who accused him of rape. Walton said he never hit a woman as alleged in a bar, where he said she threw a drink at him.
And in Washington, the Senate approved a bill that would require governing bodies for amateur athletics to quickly report claims of abuse to law enforcement.
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Pilatus wanted jury trial in the US against Caruana Galizia for millions in damages
Arizona lawsuit for defamation, tortious interference with business, and injurious falsehood filed was later dismissed a day after journalist was assassinated
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Gozo shepherd loses appeal against €5,000 fine, but court refuses to order herd’s destruction
Farmer Ganni Attard had been the subject of a number of court cases after the authorities raided his farm in 2012 to cull a number of unregistered animals
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Recording of former ministry official asking for bribes handed over to Police Commissioner
Police Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar has been given evidence related to the bribery case involving a former member of Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes' people, The Malta Independent has learnt.
Last Sunday, The Malta Independent on Sunday reported that Charles Spiteri, who was a politically appointed person and had been seconded from the Office of the Prime Minister to the Parliamentary Secretariat for Social Accommodation after the June general election, requested bribes from people who wanted to apply for social housing.
Sources close to the police told this newsroom that a few days ago Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne handed over arecording of Spiteri asking for money to help someone apply for social housing over to the police. Sources said that Fearne asked the Police Commissioner to investigate this case.
The Malta Independent on Sunday published a story that showed how Spiteri used his position in the Office of Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes to ask for kickbacks of between €400 and €600 per case. It goes without saying that the official has been taking advantage on vulnerable people desperate for hard-to-come-by government accommodation.
The case, which broke on Friday evening when Galdes announced he had suspended the individual pending investigation, is not an isolated one. According to police sources, Spiteri had been on the take since he assumed his new position at the Parliamentary Secretariat for Social Accommodation, which falls under the remit of Family, Children's Rights and Social Solidarity Minister Michael Falzon, in June.
Once the report was made by Fearne, the government is said to have taken immediate action. It is not known whether the 'whistle-blower' had received government housing or not.
On Friday evening, Galdes said he had immediately suspended the member of staff after he was alerted to alleged corruption.
In an additional Facebook post on Friday, Galdes said he had taken the immediate decision to suspend Spiteri "after receiving allegations and information indicating a member of staff had broken the established code of conduct".
"Over recent months since being appointed," Galdes added, "I have not only added impetus to the sector but I have also ensured that aid is granted to those who are truly in need, cut abuse and offered dignity and shelter to those who are without it.
"Given that, these circumstances are a source of great personal disappointment and anger."
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MPs exalt youth's resourcefulness, politically savviness in Vote16 discussion
In a continuation of the second reading of Vote16 bill, both parties agreed that the time has come to trust 16 and 17-year-olds with important decisions on the country's future
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Godfrey Farrugia calls on government to investigate fish farm abuse, questions PA’s credibility
Partit Demoktratiku MP Godfrey Farrugia has called on Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg and Environment Minister Jose Herrera to investigate breaches by fish farmers who were supposed to have 12 cages in a temporary location, but he claims have 21.
Farrugia said that a visit to Sikka l-Bajda shows that instead of 12 tuna cages as agreed upon in a Planning Authority (PA) meeting, there are 21 cages set up, in flagrant breach of regulations. He delivered the adjournment speech on Tuesday evening in Parliament on the matter. He stressed that the site in question is part of a maritime protected area 12 times the size of Malta and Gozo.
The public saga with fish farmers began in August 2016 after various media reports showed Malta's beautiful coastlines marred by putrid sea slime. Bathers reported how difficult it was to get the sea slime off and the government promptly ordered a report into what was behind the cause of the contaminated seas.
It was found that high fat content in the feed being used by fish farmers was the main cause of the slime. Back then, it was also found that fish farmers had set up more cages than was permitted by their PA licences. It was argued by the fish farmers however, that the quota being farmed is below what is required at EU law, and different types of tune required separate cages to be used.
A series of meetings culminated in a decision that fish farms would have to be relocated "offshore" pending a series of studies to find a more suitable location. The relocation was to take place by May 2017.
Farrugia reminded the House that in the case of fish farms located in the Comino Channel, and off St Paul's Bay, these were relocated temporarily to Sikka l-Bajda. The temporary relocation was to cover a two-year period, while the relevant authorities were tasked with carrying out a number of studies to find a permanent location which would limit maritime contamination.
He quoted from minutes of a PA session on the matter, where it was said that "the new site will only be a temporary solution until the new north Aquaculture Zone being planned by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is set up".
Farrugia said that "the PA gave a permit for 12 tuna cages to be set up in this temporary zone, while the authorities begin a series of studies and monitoring and evaluate if this area should be temporary or not".
In light of the 21 cages instead of the 12 cages as demanded by the authorities, Farrugia said that those same authorities are closing their eyes to abuse. He questioned how Parliament could rely on the PA's independent studies in light of this flagrant abuse they were supposed to be monitoring, and questioned whether the PA had the interest of the people at heart.
He made reference to a media report where it claimed that the same fish farmers applied for its 12 cage permit to be increased to 24. Farrugia questioned whether this site is temporary and whether studies are really being carried out. He pointed out the brazen actions of an application to increase cages in an area that is supposed to be temporary when the number of cages have already been increased despite not yet getting approval.
He accused the PA of not carrying out its responsibilities to the people, and pointed out that the same fish farmer has already committed similar abuses in the past.
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