A general election, an oil procurement scandal, a cash-for-citizenship scheme and a Civil Unions Bill were among the top news stories captured by photographers throughout 2013. In the first of a two-part series, Anthony Manduca highlights the year’s most memorable events in pictures.
Businessmen and ex-Enemalta officials were charged in connection with the oil procurement scandal, which came to light in January. Picture shows former chairman Tancred Tabone, one of those charged, outside court. George Farrugia was granted a presidential pardon to turn State’s evidence in the case. Photo: Jason Borg
The three party leaders Joseph Muscat (PL), Michael Briguglio (AD) and Lawrence Gonzi (PN) take part in The Big Debate, a televised discussion organised by Times of Malta on February 26. It will be remembered for the series of questions answered with a simple yes/no. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi
Simon Busuttil was elected leader of the Nationalist Party on May 8, replacing Lawrence Gonzi who resigned after the March poll. On his election, Dr Busuttil pledges to turn the PN into a people’s party. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi
The Labour Party won a historic landslide victory in the March 9 general election, winning almost 54.8 per cent of the popular vote – a 37,000 vote majority and a nine-seat parliamentary majority. Joseph Muscat becomes Prime Minister at 39. It was the first time since 1996 that Labour won an absolute majority of votes. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
Labour’s electoral slogan, Malta Tagħna Lkoll (Malta belongs to us all) was heavily criticised as the government packs the public sector with partisan appointments. In a number of cases competent individuals were replaced by those whose only credential was their support. Labour backbench MPs get roles with the executive branch. Pictures show Brigadier Martin Xuereb (top, right), who resigned as Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, and former PL general secretary Jason Micallef (top, left), who replaced David Felice as V-18 Foundation chairman.
In July, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat threatened to send a group of Somali immigrants back to Libya, incensing human rights groups. The European Court of Human Rights issued an interim order prohibiting the push-back. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi
The Citizenship Bill passed into law in November, allowing Maltese passports to be bought for €650,000 with no investment or residency requirements, causes major uproar. A few days after the law was passed, the government put the scheme on hold pending discussions with the Opposition. No agreement with the Opposition was reached but the government announced changes, which include the acquisition of property worth at least €350,000 and the purchase of €150,000 in government bonds in addition to the €650,000 fee.
The Labour government presented two Budgets this year. The first, in April, was the Budget for 2013 that had been defeated in Parliament in November 2012. The second, the 2014 Budget, was presented in December. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
Anġlu Farrugia (picture on right, centre), who was forced to resign as Labour deputy leader in December 2012, and who in an interview with this newspaper on February 3 described his removal as a “political assassination”, was appointed Speaker of the House of Representatives shortly after Labour’s electoral victory. Photo: DOI
The Justice Reform Commission, headed by Judge Giovanni Bonello, (seen here presenting his report to Justice Parliamentary Secretary Owen Bonnici) came up with 450 proposals earlier this month. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
The Civil Code (amendment) Bill, which allows transgender people to marry, became law in June. During the parliamentary debate on this Bill, deputy PN leader Mario de Marco apologised to Joanne Cassar, a transsexual, (pictured) for the party’s past lack of sensitivity to transgender people. Photo: Paul Spiteri Lucas
Joseph Muscat became the first Maltese Prime Minister to make an official visit to Israel. He is seen here with his wife Michelle at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem in October. Photo: DOI
Mario de Marco and Beppe Fenech Adami were elected PN deputy leaders for parliamentary and party affairs respectively on May 25. Dr de Marco said the PN must regain voters’ respect by better understanding young people’s aspirations. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Environmentalists accused the government of pandering to the hunting lobby after the autumn season curfew is relaxed. Meanwhile, signatures have been collected to force a referendum to abolish spring hunting. Illegal hunting continues throughout the year and the government unveiled plans to stiffen fines for illegalities. In October, 12 eagles were illegally shot in various localities. Picture shows Birdlife enthusiasts at Buskett. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli