TUNISI (TUNISIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – President Kais Saied met with Minister of Transport Rachid Amri and acting Director-General of Tunisair Halima Khouaja to address the worsening state of the national airline. During the meeting, Saied emphasized the need for immediate measures to overhaul Tunisair at all levels, as its current condition is deemed unacceptable.

The President pointed out significant issues with both the quality of services onboard and the airline’s failure to adhere to scheduled takeoffs and landings. According to a statement from the Presidency, Saied highlighted that improvements in services are well within reach, but substantial changes are needed to restore the airline’s reputation.

A major concern raised by Saied was the dramatic decline of the airline’s fleet, which once boasted 24 aircraft, but now operates with only 10. Additionally, he noted the severe delays in technical inspections, which, under normal circumstances, should take no more than 10 days. However, these inspections have extended to over 123 days in Tunisia, resulting in losses amounting to tens of billions of dinars—funds that could have been better invested in acquiring new aircraft.

Saied also criticized the practice of hiring personnel based on loyalty and favoritism, despite a clear lack of need for additional staff. He described this as a wasteful practice that has contributed to the airline’s financial instability.

In his remarks, the President emphasized that Tunisair, along with Tunis-Carthage International Airport, will not be abandoned.

Highlighting the strategic location of Tunis-Carthage Airport, Saied noted that it holds unique advantages not found in many other airports. He stressed the potential for expanding the airport’s capacity to improve Tunisia’s aviation infrastructure.

Saied concluded by directing officials to develop a comprehensive rescue plan aimed at restoring Tunisair’s prestige and ensuring the airline’s future success.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has expressed doubts about the offer received from Hungarian bank Otp to acquire HSBC Bank Malta, the Maltese subsidiary of British multinational banking and financial services company HSBC. Malta needs “more banking competition, not less,” Caruana told the Times of Malta, adding that it is essential to close the deal with a bank that has a “good reputation”.

Yesterday, the Times of Malta also revealed that Otp was among the “favorites” in the race for the acquisition. The only other known bidder to date is a local operator, Aps Bank, which confirmed its interest late last year. At the moment there is no confirmation of interest from other banks. The Hungarian OTP was included in 2023 by the Kiev Anti-Corruption Agency in the list of “international sponsors” of the war because it continued to operate in Russia even after the beginning of the conflict.

The Budapest banking group released a statement yesterday in which it clarified that it had been included in that list for “reasons that have proven to be completely false,” and that it had subsequently been removed from the list. Minister Caruana also appeared to raise doubts on the second option, relating to the local bank Aps. Again according to the Times of Malta, to a “veiled” reference to Aps the minister responded by insisting that Malta’s financial sector needs “more banking competition than there is today, not less”.

– photo Flickr via CC 2.0 –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, has announced that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is working on a legal framework aimed at ensuring that only individuals “who deserve asylum” are permitted to remain in the European Union.

Abela’s statement came amid mounting criticism of his commitment to reforming the European Convention on Human Rights, which is a key issue as Malta prepares to assume the presidency of the Council of Europe from May to September. Despite the backlash, Abela insisted that Malta will continue to champion human rights but emphasized that these rights should be granted only when they are “merited”.

In response to questions about the rights of unsuccessful asylum seekers, Abela questioned whether Maltese and Gozitans also do not have rights, and argued that the European Union should have the authority to decide who is allowed to enter its territory. “If you do not deserve asylum, you should be returned to your country,” he stated. Abela also pointed out that international law often complicates the repatriation of failed asylum seekers, particularly those who have committed crimes. While stressing that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and humanity, Abela clarified that the right to remain in a country is not automatic.

He further revealed that several EU member states, including Denmark, Italy, Cyprus, and Greece, share Malta’s position on the need for reforms to make it easier to deport unsuccessful asylum seekers. Official figures show that Malta granted 33,455 residence permits in 2024, driven by a surge in demand for skilled labour. In 2023, foreign nationals made up 28.1% of Malta’s population, with the number of foreigners increasing by 15.3% in just one year, while the Maltese population grew by only 0.1%.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Yesterday evening, the rescue ship Aurora, aided by Seabird operated by the civil rescue organization Sea Watch and the NGO Alarm Phone, responded to a distressed boat in treacherous conditions, with strong winds and high waves.

The crew provided life vests and secured the 85 migrants on board until the Italian coastguard arrived to complete the rescue. Meanwhile, the fate of 60 migrants remains uncertain after they were reported in distress off the Libyan coast.

The NGO Alarm Phone stated that authorities were alerted to the situation when the migrants’ boat began taking on water approximately 15 kilometers from shore.

– photo Sea Watch –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A recent Eurobarometer survey reveals that the Maltese population remains unconvinced about the need to prioritize defence and security at the European level. Only 14% of respondents in Malta support the European Parliament making “the EU’s defence and security” its top priority, a three-percentage-point decrease from the previous year and less than half the European average (31%).

While the average European appears to prioritize defence and security just as much as in the previous year, according to the European Parliament’s special Eurobarometer Winter Survey 2025, the results come amid growing discussions in Malta about defence spending and the country’s neutrality, with both major political parties weighing in on the matter. Although the Labour government and the Nationalist opposition have both ruled out any changes to Malta’s neutrality, both parties have signaled their willingness to consider increased defence spending, particularly at the European level. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Robert Abela joined other EU leaders in endorsing an €800 billion European defence plan. He also suggested that Malta should boost its defence spending, though he emphasized on Sunday that the government aims to “build an economy around peace, not war”.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the Nationalist Party (PN) noted that Opposition Leader Bernard Grech had expressed support for increased European defence spending in discussions with the European People’s Party (EPP) group in the European Parliament. Despite the reluctance of many Maltese to see more EU-level discussions on defence, a significant majority—four out of five—believe the EU should prioritize protecting its citizens more in the future. When asked about the union’s future priorities, 82% of Maltese respondents stated that they felt the EU’s role in protecting its citizens from global crises and security risks should become more important. This view was shared by 66% of Europeans overall. This Eurobarometer survey marks the first time that the bloc has asked its citizens about the future importance of its role in citizen protection.

The results come amid increased European militarisation and signals that the United States, a long-standing ally, may be shifting its focus away from defending its European partners. Malta was among the countries that placed the greatest emphasis on the EU’s future role in protecting its citizens, alongside Ireland and Denmark, and just behind Cyprus (83%), the Netherlands and Finland (both 84%), and Sweden (87%). Notably, despite its proximity to war-torn Ukraine and Belarus—an ally of Russia—Poland, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, placed the least importance (44%) on the EU’s role in protecting its citizens from future crises and security risks. While a majority of Maltese believe the EU should take a more active role in shielding its citizens, fewer are confident in the bloc’s future influence. Only 52% of Maltese and 44% of Europeans expressed belief that the EU will grow in importance on the world stage.

ITALIAN VERSION

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is participating in an Eu mission to train and equip Ukrainian troops for the fight against Russia, confirmed Prime Minister Robert Abela.

This confirmation came during a tense parliamentary session on Monday evening, where Abela delivered a ministerial statement on the recent European Council meeting in Brussels. During the discussion, Nationalist Mp Darren Carabott asked Abela to clarify whether Malta was involved in the Eu mission.

The Eu Military Assistance Mission Ukraine (Eumam) seeks to provide “substantial political, military, financial, and humanitarian support to Ukraine,” including “unprecedented aid and assistance to Ukrainian Armed Forces,” according to the Eu. Abela clarified that Malta’s involvement consists of having a member of the Armed Forces of Malta (Afm) serving as “a liaison officer between the Uk, which is handling the training, and the EU.”

He emphasized that this role is mainly administrative, and Malta is not directly involved in the training process. Although Malta is part of the Eu mission to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia, Abela has repeatedly stated that “Ukraine cannot win this war.”

He remarked, “Idealism is idealism, and realism is realism” in reference to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this month, Abela expressed his belief that “investment in weapons, tanks, and ammunition cannot bring an end to the war,” asserting that “the only lasting solution is peace”.

Nevertheless, Abela voted in favor of an initiative aimed at increasing funding for rearming Europe and strengthening the bloc’s collective defense. He also supported the Council conclusions that reaffirmed support for Ukraine, including through the provision of weapons, a position that Hungary did not endorse.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MALTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) Prime Minister Robert Abela has confirmed that Malta will push for a reform of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), expressing concerns that its interpretation by the European Court of Human Rights is hindering European nations’ efforts to deter asylum seekers.

Abela made the announcement in a ministerial statement, revealing that Malta will advocate for “convention reform” when it assumes the presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers for a six-month term starting in May.

His comments came during a migration-focused meeting, organized by the prime ministers of Italy, the Netherlands, and Denmark, on the sidelines of the recent EU summit. The session was attended by leaders from Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, and Sweden, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Abela confirmed that the national leaders present supported Malta’s stance on the issue.

Abela repeatedly criticized what he called a “restrictive” interpretation of the ECHR, originally drafted in 1950 by the Council of Europe. He argued that this interpretation is limiting countries’ ability to manage asylum seeker flows effectively, claiming that protections under the convention are being “abused.”

While emphasizing Malta’s ongoing commitment to strengthening human rights, Abela clarified that these protections should only apply where they are genuinely warranted.

The prime minister expressed particular frustration with the European Court of Human Rights, which he believes is restricting countries’ ability to transfer asylum seekers to other countries.

Abela pointed out that the Strasbourg-based court often deems entire countries unsafe based on isolated regions, citing the example of a country being labeled unsafe simply because “5%” of its territory is considered so. He called for a reinterpretation of the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the deportation of individuals to countries where their safety is at risk, as enshrined in the Geneva Convention.

– Photo Department of Information Malta –

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government recorded a €95 million deficit at the end of February 2025, following a surplus of €151.4 million the previous month, according to figures released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) on Monday.
The significant shift in the government’s financial position was attributed to a combination of falling revenue and rising expenditure. Compared to February 2024, recurrent revenue saw a notable decline of €103.8 million, while total expenditure increased by €142.6 million. This resulted in a negative change in the Government’s Consolidated Fund, which dropped by €246.4 million.
A breakdown of the figures shows that the largest decrease in revenue occurred under Income Tax, which fell by €179.0 million. On the expenditure side, the biggest increase was seen in the Programmes and Initiatives category, which rose by €63.3 million.
As of the end of February 2025, the Central Government Debt stood at €10.9 billion, reflecting an increase of €859.1 million compared to the same period in 2024.
Government capital spending for February 2025 amounted to €38.6 million, which was €23.6 million lower than the same period in 2024. The reduction in capital expenditure was particularly noticeable in sectors such as road construction and improvements, where spending decreased by €14.4 million, as well as in property, plant, and equipment, which saw a €5.3 million drop.
The NSO data highlights the ongoing financial challenges facing the government, with the shift from a surplus to a deficit marking a significant change in fiscal policy dynamics.

– photo: www.pexels.com –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALY) – Emilio Di Marzio, President pro tempore of ANDISU, the Italian association of student affairs bodies, last night was elected for the next two years as Vice President of ECSTA, the umbrella organization that represents the student services bodies from all european countries, Turkey included, in favour of more than 20 millions of university students.

‘This is a strategic role for Italy, with the aim of promoting the social dimension of higher education in Europe, understanding differences, promoting professional exchange of student affairs staff and the mobility of university students within the framework of the Bologna process’ – says Di Marzio.

‘Best residence halls and dining services, more financial aids, wider social and psycological counseling for students could make a fairer environment for european students, especially disadvantaged students. We should mantain a continuous confrontation with European Commission on these issues. So, I am very grateful to my colleagues for this opportunity and my best wishes to the elected President of ECSTA Matthias Anbuhl (Deutsches Studierendenwerk  President) and to all my fellow board members’ – concludes Di Marzio.

– Photo Press office Andisu –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The death toll from Israeli air strikes on Gaza last night has risen to 304. This was stated by the Hamas-led Ministry of Health. The ministry increased the death toll from the surprise resumption of Israeli air strikes last night, which previously stood at 244. The source added that over 1,000 people were injured.

Hamas’s information has not been verified and does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Footage from Gaza shows dozens of children, women and elderly people among the victims. In the Israeli air strikes conducted last night on Gaza, Issam Da’alis, prime minister of the Hamas government in Gaza, lost his life. According to “al Arabiya” TV, al Da’alis was in his home at the time of the air strike.

Among the top officials killed in the Gaza attacks was Mahmoud Abu Watfa, who headed the terror group’s Interior Ministry. Abu Watfa, who headed Hamas’s police and internal security services in the Gaza Strip, was killed in an attack in Gaza City, two sources said, one of whom was an Interior Ministry official.

According to Gaza media reports, Issam Da’alis was a member of Hamas’s political bureau in Gaza and head of the government’s monitoring committee, a position roughly similar to that of Hamas’s prime minister.

Abu Ubaida Al-Jamassi, also a member of Hamas’s political bureau in Gaza and reportedly head of Hamas’s emergency committee, which ran Gaza during the war, was also killed overnight.

Another top official killed was Bahjat Abu Sultan, a high-ranking official in Hamas’s Interior Ministry, the ministry responsible for security forces outside of its military wing. Additionally, Ahmad Al-Khatta, director general of Hamas’s Justice Ministry in Gaza, was also killed.

Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using the war in Gaza as a political “lifeboat” from internal crises, even if that meant “sacrificing” hostages still being held alive in the Palestinian enclave. A Hamas statement released by Izzat al-Rishq, a member of its political bureau, said that after two months of unprecedented air strikes on the Gaza Strip, “Netanyahu’s decision to resume the war is a decision to sacrifice the prisoners of the occupation and a death sentence against them.” It added that “Netanyahu has decided to resume the war of extermination as a lifeboat from internal crises.”

The Israeli IDF said it continued to carry out strikes against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad targets across the Gaza Strip. Targets hit in the past few hours included terrorist cells, rocket launchers, weapons and other military infrastructure, the IDF and Shin Bet said in a joint statement. The weapons and infrastructure were meant to be used by terror groups in planned attacks against Israel, the army added.

– Photo Ipa/Agency –

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

Source: medNews