VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Speaker of the House Carmelo Abela has called for greater burden-sharing among EU member states on migration during a meeting with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Valletta.

Metsola made her first official visit to Abela at the Maltese parliament, where discussions covered European security, economic competitiveness, relations with Africa and the war in Ukraine.

Abela stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law, democracy and the security and prosperity of EU citizens.

He also emphasised that EU enlargement should depend on tangible reforms and respect for European values.

On relations with Africa, Abela highlighted the need for partnerships based on sustainable investment, job creation and cooperation on migration.

He reiterated the importance of fair burden-sharing and collective responsibility among EU member states in addressing migration challenges.

Abela reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and parliamentary diplomacy, while highlighting the European Parliament’s role in ensuring democratic accountability.

He said EU policies should remain responsive to the needs and concerns of European citizens.

During the meeting, Abela also briefed Metsola on the work being carried out in the Maltese parliament and recent bilateral meetings he had attended.

Metsola concluded the meeting by inviting Abela to visit the European Parliament, underlining the importance of continued dialogue and closer cooperation between the two institutions.

– Photo Malta House of Representatives –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – The Copa del Rey has been suspended. No matches will be played today, and tomorrow’s fixtures could also be postponed to a later date.

This is the decision taken by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) as a mark of mourning following this morning’s tragedy near Urda railway station, in Toledo, where two high-speed trains collided.

According to initial estimates, at least 39 people have died and hundreds have been injured.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – China is taking seriously Kylian Mbappé’s apology for remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong that sparked controversy in the country.

“We take the apology offered by the person concerned seriously,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said during a press briefing.

The French Real Madrid striker had said he was “sincerely sorry” for his “inappropriate remarks” about the Chinese leader.

The controversy had led to the termination of commercial agreements with some Chinese sponsors and the removal of content featuring him from social media platforms.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has undergone surgery in Qatar. The forward, who suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Champions League match against Barcelona, was operated on at Aspetar Hospital in Doha, Paris Saint-Germain announced.

The former Napoli player, who represents Georgia internationally, is expected to be sidelined for at least six months.

The Parisian club confirmed that the operation was successful and that the player “will immediately begin his rehabilitation programme”.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

CAIRO (EGYPT) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty today attended the fifth World Conference on Industrialisation, organised by the World Bank Group in Cairo from 26 to 28 October, under the theme “Industrialisation for Jobs, Value Addition and Prosperity”.

In his address, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s goal of strengthening its role as a regional industrial hub, stressing that the development of productive capacity is a priority for economic reform, attracting investment and integrating into regional and global value chains.

The minister highlighted the target of increasing non-oil exports to 100 billion dollars by 2030, focusing on the localisation of industries, domestic value added and investment in priority sectors, particularly green and sustainable industries.

Abdelatty also emphasised Egypt’s competitive advantages, including its strategic location, developed infrastructure and availability of skilled workers. He underlined the importance of international cooperation in technology transfer, training and strengthening the competitiveness of Egyptian exports.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – No change of direction: Michael Carrick will remain in charge of Manchester United. According to BBC Sport, this is the club’s decision despite the team’s current crisis in terms of results and performances.

The heavy defeats against Como (a 4-1 Champions League victory for the Italian side) and at home to Bournemouth (a 3-0 loss in the Premier League) have certainly put the Red Devils’ manager under pressure. However, Carrick can still count on the support of the fans as well as the confidence of the club.

That confidence is not unlimited, however, and is understood to be subject to a time limit. Indeed, Manchester United have reportedly begun sounding out potential replacements, including former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and former Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann. Antonio Conte, meanwhile, is not currently considered a particularly strong possibility.

The team are expected to provide answers in Saturday’s away match against Chelsea. Beyond the result itself, the performance will be crucial, and an encouraging display could persuade the club’s owners to continue with Carrick.

This is also because Manchester United have another important fixture just three days later, when they are scheduled to host Roma in the Champions League.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Following the player himself, LaLiga and Javier Tebas have also apologized to the Chinese people regarding comments made by Kylian Mbappé about “memes” comparing him to Mao Zedong (“The one that made me laugh the most is the one where they put my face on a Chinese dictator. I often share it with my friends”).

In a message posted on his X account, Tebas expressed regret for the “discomfort and offense” caused by the Real Madrid forward’s remarks, adding that the league is working with its partners in China to resolve the situation. LaLiga has also issued a formal statement to this effect.

“We understand the harm caused, and on behalf of LaLiga, I would like to offer our sincere apologies to the Chinese people,” stated Tebas. His message highlights the potential consequences this incident could have for Spanish professional football as a whole.

“Over the course of many years,” he recalls, “we have built a relationship with China—with its authorities, sports institutions, media partners, and millions of fans of Spanish football—based on respect, trust, and cooperation. We cannot allow the actions of a single individual to compromise this bond or cause harm to the more than 20 clubs in our professional leagues and our millions of Chinese fans.”

“We are taking measures within our power and working directly with our partners and contacts in China to overcome this situation,” concludes Tebas. “Our commitment to China, its people, and its institutions remains steadfast. A relationship built over so many years cannot be jeopardized by an isolated incident.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s Budget 2027 introduces a €1,000 Super Bonus for workers, maintains substantial energy subsidies and increases fees for non-EU nationals and tourists as the government seeks to reshape the country’s economic model.

Finance Minister Clyde Caruana said Malta must reduce its dependence on recruiting foreign workers and encourage businesses to invest in technology, skills and productivity.

The government will pay the non-taxable Super Bonus by April 2027 to eligible Maltese and EU workers and long-term residents. Workers earning at least €12,000 annually will receive €1,000, while lower earners will receive a pro-rata payment. Self-employed and part-time workers will also qualify.

Meanwhile, the government has confirmed that it will continue subsidising electricity, gas and fuel prices, allocating approximately €400 million for energy subsidies in 2027, following similar expenditure expected this year.

According to the government’s estimates, energy-related and inflation-mitigation measures cost public coffers approximately €1.9 billion between 2020 and 2026. Around €75 million will also be allocated in 2027 to improve Malta’s electricity distribution network.

Caruana has warned that removing energy subsidies could reduce Malta’s gross domestic product by around 2.2%, while potentially increasing unemployment and putting additional pressure on households and businesses.

Despite the continued subsidies, third-country nationals who have lived in Malta for less than five years will face higher costs from next year. Initial work permit applications will rise from €600 to €800, while annual renewal fees will increase from €150 to €400.

Applicants will also have to pay the renewal fee alongside their initial application, bringing the total to €1,200. The government expects the additional infrastructure contribution to generate €80 million annually.

Affected workers will also face monthly charges of €83 for driving and €33 for public transport. Newly registered children will have to pay for childcare, although eligible children already enrolled will retain free access.

Tourists will face higher eco-contributions, rising from €1.50 to €8 per night at hotels and €10 at short-term rentals, subject to respective caps of €64 and €80. The government expects the measure to generate €182 million annually for tourism.

Additional charges include a €10 eco-contribution for cruise passengers who disembark and re-embark on the same day.

Caruana said Malta had added 106,000 foreign workers over the past decade, contributing to economic growth but also placing pressure on infrastructure.

He stressed that the government wanted to maintain economic growth while increasing productivity and improving quality of life. However, higher costs and reduced benefits for third-country nationals have drawn criticism from business groups and trade unions over their potential impact on vulnerable workers and employers.

-Photo DOI-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Several Chinese companies, including the beverage group Dongpeng and dairy firms Mengniu and Milkground, have announced the termination of their commercial partnerships with Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé.

The decision follows the French star’s admission that he finds “memes” comparing him to Mao Zedong amusing.

“The one that made me laugh the most is the one where they put my face on a Chinese dictator. I often share it with my friends,” the French ace remarked—a comment that triggered a reaction from his Chinese sponsors and beyond.

The Dongpeng Beverage group, through its main account and that of its “Bu Shui La” brand, issued official statements on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, confirming the immediate end of its business relationship with the player, though it did not specify the exact events that led to this decision.

Furthermore, the Chinese state broadcaster CCTV has suspended its coverage of Spain’s La Liga, as well as the broadcast of any matches featuring the Real Madrid forward. In China, satirical depictions of past leaders and prominent figures associated with the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are punishable under laws prohibiting the “defamation of heroes and martyrs.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews