VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – More Maltese are saying that they will not vote in the upcoming European Parliament elections according to recently published survey. The survey was conducted by Eurobarometer between 11th January and 15th February this year. It asked 507 Maltese citizens about their voting intentions for the upcoming European Parliament elections.
Around 34% of people appear to have the intention of not voting in the elections in June. Almost 21% said that they are almost certain that they will not vote while 13% said that they will likely not vote.
29% of people in the survey said that they are almost certain that they will vote, while 23% said that they will probably vote. The remainder of the participants said that either cannot vote or did not respond to the question.
A survey by Euronews and Ipsos is forecasting that, for this election, the Nationalist Party and Labour Party will revert to three seats each.
In the last European Parliament elections in 2019, 27% of people did not vote.
Although the increase in the cost of living and environment are the most prominent concerns, the majority confirmed their satisfaction about their quality of life and the economy performance.
78% of Maltese citizens interviewed said that they were satisfied with the direction of governance of the country’s economy, while 84% said that they are satisfied about their quality of life.
Asked about what issues are concerning them the most in Malta, 34% mentioned the state of the environment and climate change, while 29% mentioned the increasing cost of living and inflation. 27% mentioned immigration, while about 18% mentioned the economic situation and criminality.
-photo Agenzia Fotogramma-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltàs work schedule at the United Nations Security Council for the month of April will continue pushing for an immediate and urgent ceasefire in the Middle East and will focus on the United Nations’ support missions in Libya and Kosovo. While addressing the international media on Maltàs second term in the UN Security Council Presidency, Maltàs UN Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vanessa Fraizer deporled any attacks on humanitarian sites as she was asked for Maltàs position following Israel’s attack on the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. “As Malta we have always deplored any attacks on humanitarian sites. The right to protect your country comes with responsibility. International law covers this very clearly”, Fraizer said. “Any exercise to protect and retaliate against attacks needs to be carried out within the confines of the law”. Maltàs UN Permanent Representative to the United Nations added that should the previous resolution not be implemented, the council will have to meet and decide a way forward for the resolution to be implemented. She said, “We are discussing current events which are happening every single day. We are trying to foster peace and save lives, and so there is that pressure and frustration”. Fraizer explained how a small country like Malta can make change. “We are a moral compass and a moral balance. I think the other countries look to Malta for leadership because we can be impactful, and I think we have been impactful,” she said. As part of Maltàs second term in the UN Security Council Presidency, discussions will revolve around reports regarding the United Nations’ support missions in Libya and Kosovo. The agenda also includes deliberations on Children in Armed Conflict. Throughout April, the council will engage in debates concerning the maintenance of international peace and security, the involvement of young individuals in addressing security issues in the Mediterranean, and matters concerning the Middle East. Discussions will focus on Women, Peace, and Security, specifically focusing on conflict-related sexual violence, along with the adoption of a report on the United Nations’ mission in South Sudan.
(ITALPRESS).
– Photo credit: xo6/Italpress –

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Libyan Government-designate confirmed its readiness to host the inaugural African-European Conference on Migration in Benghazi at the end of May.
In preparation for this significant event, the Institute for Diplomatic Studies, affiliated with the government’s Foreign Ministry, organised a preparatory seminar on Mediterranean migration in Tangier, Morocco.
The seminar, held in collaboration with the Mediterranean Migration and Asylum Commission, saw participation from a diverse group of academics, politicians, human rights advocates, and civil society representatives from Libya, Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Senegal, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Abdelhadi Al-Hwaij, the Libyan Foreign Minister, emphasised the government’s efforts in addressing migration issues and providing assistance to migrants from Africa and the Sub-Saharan region.
The announcement of the conference and the preparatory seminar highlights the active role Libya seeks to play in addressing Mediterranean migration challenges. It fosters the dialogue and cooperation between African and European nations.
With migration issues being at the forefront of Mediterranean politics, this conference in Benghazi represents a pivotal moment for collaborative efforts between Africa and Europe. It underscores the necessity for international cooperation in addressing the complexities of migration and the humanitarian needs of migrants.
Libyàs Interior Minister, Emad al-Tarabelsi, has announced plans to repatriate over 20,000 migrants in the country illegally within the year.
The IOM recorded at least 3,129 migrant deaths and disappearances in the Mediterranean Sea in 2023, highlighting it as the “most deadly migration route.” The organisation emphasises the need for legal migration pathways to prevent such tragedies and calls for improved regional cooperation to safeguard migrants.
-photo Agenzia Fotogramma-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – After 50 years, Maltàs national airline ceased its operations and was replaced by KM Malta Airlines. Air Maltàs last flight, KM 103, took off from London Heathrow at 8.30pm on Saturday and landed, for the last time, in Malta at 12.40am on Sunday morning. KM Malta Airlines’ inaugural flight departed on Easter Sunday morning to Catania.
The new airline is operating 17 routes instead of 37, use eight planes instead of 10 as part of its plan to register a profit and will fly to Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Catania, Dusseldorf, London Heathrow and London Gatwick, Lyon, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Paris, Prague, Rome, Vienna and Zurich. Plans are in hand for a new service to Copenhagen but other services – Palermo, Naples, Nice, Geneva, Lisbon, and Tel Aviv have been discontinued.
The Maltese government only confirmed in October 2023 that the national airline will stop operating on 30 March.
The taxpayer will be absorbing the €356 million losses accumulated by Air Malta over the years. The decision to wind up the company came after the European Commission informed the Maltese government that there was no chance that a proposed €290 million aid package would be approved under the EU’s state aid rules.
Chairman Professor Philip von Brockdorf said: “With a firm commitment to excellence, KM Malta Airlines aims to provide exceptional service, connectivity, and a seamless travel experience for passengers.” He added: “As Air Malta concludes its operations, the airline leaves behind a remarkable legacy and a profound impact on the Maltese aviation industry.”
-photo KM Malta Airlines –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Two Italians were arrested by the police after a van was stolen late on Thursday night. The stolen van might have been intended for a robbery, as one of the thieves is well-known by police.
The two Italians were arrested by police officers during a patrol in Tarxien.
The van, a Toyota Dyna was stolen at 10 pm in Marsascala but only minutes after the report came in, police officers on patrol noticed the same van in Tarxien and forced the vehicle to stop.
The Italians, a 24-year-old living in Xghajra and a 52-year-old residing in Marsascala were arrested. The two men are being held at the police lock-up in Floriana. They are expected to be arraigned in court in the coming days while a police investigation tied to this case is still ongoing.
– credit photo Malta Police –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The EU Parliament’s role in participatory democracy was among other themes discussed during a courtesy visit paid by the EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola to the President of Malta George Vella. President Vella expressed his hope that EU citizens will have stronger access and influence on EU institutions through next June’s EU Parliament elections. The meeting also addressed the European Parliament’s role in addressing regional developments, particularly regarding enlargement and migration. President Vella thanked Metsola for her visit and cooperation during his Presidency. Metsola expressed gratitude for President Vella’s service to the people of Malta and Gozo, highlighting their conversations and cooperation with the European Parliament. She stressed the importance of the upcoming European Parliament elections in June, urging the Maltese electorate to vote and make their voices heard in choosing Malta’s six MEPs for the upcoming term. (ITALPRESS).

Foto: Doi

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Seismic activity was reported in various parts of Malta following two earthquakes in the eastern Mediterranean. The seismic activity was felt by many residents all over Malta, though no damages or injuries were reported.A 6.9 magnitude earthquake between Crete and the east Libyan border, followed by another one two minutes later measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale were felt in various parts of Malta on Friday morning. The University of Malta’s Seismic Monitoring and Research Group, confirmed that the first earthquake was felt at around 8:10am local time, and two minutes later, the second earthquake was recorded in the south of Greece. The second earthquake was centered beneath the seabed near the Strofades islands, about 120 kilometers south-southwest of the western city of Patras. Authorities have begun evaluating the potential risk of tsunamis along the coastline. (ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

SHAMA (LEBANON) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – “You give up everything to build and guarantee that peace that many, especially at this moment, are with their mouth full while sitting comfortably on the sofa of their homes. Because peace is not built with good feelings and nice words. Peace is above all deterrence, it is commitment, it is sacrifice.” Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni made this declaration while meeting the Italian soldiers in Lebanon at the Millevoi base in Shama.
“There cannot be peace if there is not respect, and the respect that Italy has managed to build in nations and territories like these is guaranteed by professionalism and humanity, by the ability to be competent but also by knowing how to look at the need of others, and it is the identity of our pride”, she added.
Meloni showed to the Italian contingent “the gratitude and closeness of the Government and Italy for the commitment made in a significantly deteriorated security framework, to protect international peace and security, in line with the Resolutions of the Security Council of the United Nations”.
The prime minister met with the forces within the UNIFIL Mission and a representation of soldiers from the Bilateral Italian Military Mission in Lebanon (MIBIL).

– Photo Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese Parliament has unanimously approved with 75 votes in favour and none against the nomination of former Speaker of the House of Representatives Myriam Spiteri Debono as 11th President of the Republic of Malta.
Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela submitted a motion seconded by Opposition Leader Bernard Grech for Notary Spiteri Debono to be appointed President on Thursday 4 April.
Parliamentarians also agreed to the nomination of former Nationalist Minister and MEP Francis Zammit Dimech as Acting President.
Spiteri Debono will be third Gozitan to become President as well as the third woman to reach this position. She had contested a number of general elections and rose to national prominence when she became Speaker in 1996, after the electoral victory of the Labour Party.
Prime Minister Robert Abela said that today is a historical day for our country because one of the constitutional reforms implemented in the last few years for the President to be appointed by two thirds of the House rather than a simple majority as it was previously being used.
The Prime Minister described Myriam Spiteri Debono, as the ideal person to occupy this constitutional role. He mentioned that he worked with her on both on a political and professional level and said that when it came to the choice, Notary Spiteri Debono has all the qualities to bring about national unity. He said that she demonstrated this quality during the difficult period when she was the Speaker of the House between 1996 and 1998. He mentioned that she always voiced her opinions strongly without ever losing her self-respect or showing any lack of respect towards her role. Abela added Myriam Spiteri Debono was never afraid of progress and was always one to look forward to change. He added that her Presidency will be a point of reference for women and she will be the voice of equality He said that Spiteri Debono never sought the limelight and she always spoke up fearlessly when she was Speaker and even recently during her speech to commemorate the Great Siege.
Opposition leader Bernard Grech on his part quoted an excerpt from a speech by Myriam Spiteri Debono on 6 September 2021 when she stressed the need to start afresh and unite as we did in the past, by making the necessary changes as we have already started doing. Grech said that when he heard this speech he immediately remarked that Spiteri Debono has all the necessary qualities to serve in the highest position of authority which Parliament has entrusted her with. He described Spiteri Debono as a person with empathy and he augured that the words she spoke less than three years ago will lead to the country to renew itself and unite as a nation, during her Presidency.
In the same session, the Maltese Parliament approved a motion of thanks for the work carried out by outgoing President George Vella during his presidency in the past five years.

– Photo Net News –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PALERMO (ITALPRESS/MNA) – HelloFly, a Maltese company that operates in collaboration with the best European carriers on the market, will further enrich the programming of the 2024 summer season with the Palermo-Malta connection.
After a preview scheduled for 25 and 28 April, starting from 28 June and until the first week of October, the airports of Palermo and Malta will be connected twice a week, Thursday and Sunday, with a third additional frequency on Monday scheduled for the entire month of August.
A 78-seat DHC-8/Q400 aircraft will operate in synergy with the Maltese partner carrier Luxwing.
The promotional offer that will accompany the launch of this new flight is set to start from 45 euros each way, taxes included. It will be possible to bring 8 kilograms of hand luggage into the cabin, as well as a small bag.
“An important new route, the one between the Sicilian capital and the island of Malta,” explained Teodosio Longo, founder and President of HelloFly, “will contribute to further improving our positioning as a regional carrier in this area of ??the Mediterranean, thanks also to the collaboration with Gesap and Luxwing”.
Natale Chieppa, general director of Gesap, the management company of the ‘Falcone Borsellinò international airport in Palermo, said, “it is another important event to address the growing demand from passengers using this route.” Chieppa added, “HelloFly will cover the route in the coming summer months that was not adequately covered until now. The company has also announced the possibility of continuing with flights to Malta also in winter, which could make a difference”.
The airline said: “The HelloFly commercial team is already very active in promoting the new summer routes in the Mediterranean. In fact, in recent days, a series of familiarization trips to Lampedusa are underway departing from Perugia airport which are involving travel agencies from Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany”.
– foto xd6 Italpress –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews