Malta News Roundup

LANGUAGE SCHOOLS COUNT LOSSES OF SHUTDOWN

English language schools had around 15,000 cancellations since the government ordered the sudden closure of the industry after a surge in Covid-19 cases. Schools estimate that the decision will cost them around €40 million in losses.

MEDIA PLATFORM CEO PIVOTS TO POLITICS

The founder of Lovinmalta.com Chris Peregin has join the Nationalist Party. In a statement, the media platform CEO said that the country needs an alternative government that satisfies the aspirations of citizens.

WOMAN CHARGED WITH KILLING HER PARTNER

A 44-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of her partner in Mellieħa. The Filipino woman pleads not guilty to a series of charges but is being kept in custody after no request for bail was made.

HUNDREDS OF MIGRANTS ADRIFT OFF THE ISLANDS

A migrant rescue ship carrying almost 600 people was left stranded between Malta and Sicily for days before it was allowed into Italian ports. Migrants aboard were originally saved from six different boats in distress and included a baby of four months.

LABOUR PARTY WITHDRAWS MINTOFF BIOGRAPHY

The Labour Party removed all copies of Dom Mintoff’s biography written by Dominican priest Mark Montebello and published by its publishing arm. It is understood that the party received several complaints from supporters.

INMATE DIES DAYS AFTER SUICIDE ATTEMPT

An inmate lost her life in hospital where she was being treated after attempting suicide in her cell. Activists said that the woman had asked to join a programme to beat substance abuse but her request was turned down.

STANDARDS COMMISSIONER REPORT ON MP SET FOR PUBLICATION

The members of the parliamentary committee for standards unanimously agreed to publish a report detailing MP Rosianne Cutajar’s conduct compiled by the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life. The Nationalist Party is calling for the MP’S resignation from the House.

ENTERTAINERS PROTEST COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

Artists and performers vented their anger at restrictions on entertainment events in a protest held outside parliament. Protestors said they have been out of work for 15 months while other events are allowed to be held.

GOVERNMENT TO REDRAW PLANS FOR AIR MALTA AID

The EU Commission is set to reject a proposal by the government to inject €250 million into Air Malta on a five-year term. Sources close to the negotiations told the paper that the approved total will more likely be around €190 million.

AGRICULTURAL SECTOR EXPERIENCING WATER SCARCITY

Farmers report an increase in costs to cultivate trees and crops as water becomes a scarcer resource. Addressing the media, they said that the effects of climate change are threatening the agricultural sector in Malta.