Editorial
-
Protecting fragile environment is a priority
Small overpopulated islands have to struggle to fit environmental priorities on the same agenda where other social and political issues also feature. Pressures to generate economic activities on every stretch of land available for development, the...
-
Gonzi’s place in history
Only the most politically myopic would have disagreed with Parliament’s fitting tribute to Lawrence Gonzi as he stepped down as Nationalist Party leader last Monday. Dr Gonzi might have suffered a heavy defeat at the polls in March, but he leaves...
-
Single mothers, children and social policy
The fact that one out of four children are now born outside marriage does not seem to shock most people. Some may argue that this is the result of a fall in moral standards while others would attribute this phenomenon to social policies that may...
-
Unethical behaviour cannot be tolerated
Only one thing can be worse than an irresponsible media and that is a politician expecting to tell journalists what to do. The matter becomes even more serious when such a call is made by a senior Cabinet member who also happens to be the country’s...
-
Tax collection needs to be re-engineered
Balancing the government books has, for some time, been acknowledged as one of the top economic priorities for the country. The European Commission, the International Monetary Fund and also rating agencies look at our public finances on a regular...
-
Risk of losing millions of EU funds
There is a sequel to the recent news from Brussels that Malta has become a laggard in the management of European Union funds. According to the Parliamentary Secretary for EU Presidency 2017 and EU Funds, Ian Borg, no fewer than 53 projects costing...
-
When justice delayed is justice denied
It has come as no surprise that the European Commission has expressed displeasure at the Maltese justice system. It is a concern which this newspaper and many Maltese citizens themselves have complained about over a very long period. What was...
-
Transparent overseas development aid
The latest report by Kopin (Koperazzjoni Internazzjonali, Malta), a non-governmental organisation working on north-south cooperation whose mission is “to contribute actively to the alleviation of global poverty and social injustice”, should give the...
-
A new chapter for the PN
The race for the leadership of the Nationalist Party is over and Simon Busuttil now has the task of rebuilding the party and making it electable once again after its massive electoral defeat in March. Party unity, especially in view of the backbench...
-
The pursuit of educational excellence
It seems that most people agree that investing in education is the key to our future prosperity. But many wonder whether we are doing the right things to achieve educational excellence. In the last few weeks there was no shortage of news coming from...
-
Welcome progress on disability rights
The upsurge in awareness of minority rights issues in this country in the years since accession to the European Union can only be welcomed. These included the acceptance that legally-separated coupes, a sizable minority in society, should have the...
-
Simon Busuttil’s challenge ahead
Simon Busuttil accepted a huge responsibility last night when he was formally elected leader of the Nationalist Party. Not only does he follow in a line of high-calibre individuals, but he has taken on the mantle at a time when the PN is at...
-
Explanation is owed on deficit
It would seem that the European Commission has done for the Government what it failed to do when it presented the Budget for this year – assess the impact of a tax cut, over a three-year period, from 35 per cent to 25 per cent for income below...
-
Boosting skills, jobs in difficult climate
Only a day after Joseph Muscat officially launched an ‘initiative’ meant to generate skills and new jobs, Brussels cast yet another gloomy forecast of the employment situation in the EU. It reflects the widespread turmoil across a number of...
-
Malta being held at gunpoint
A short statement released by Birdlife Malta last Saturday was symptomatic of the times we live in. A rare, beautiful spoonbill landed at the Għadira Nature Reserve and Birdlife chose to remain silent about its presence for three days. Past...
-
Another divisive appointment
The Labour government’s decision to appoint Jason Micallef to head the prestigious Valletta 2018 committee is yet another partisan appointment. In just eight weeks, the new government has managed to upset even the most moderate voter by appointing...
-
Snipping off the red tape for business
Potential investors need to be given red carpet treatment rather than shackled by red tape. This is the message that the Government has sent when the Prime Minister announced a number of measures aimed at making it easier for entrepreneurs to set up...
-
COLA back on the back burner
When will the long-running controversy over the cost-of-living wage adjustment (COLA) be settled? The controversy usually erupts at budget time, but the Finance Minister has added a new dimension to the issue through comments he made to this...
-
The danger of scaring away talent
It is often noted that the only natural resources this minuscule country possesses are its people. Notwithstanding the small population, throughout history there have been Maltese who have made a name for themselves and for their country in...
-
We must promote science in action
Most parents agree that young children are usually fascinated by the marvels of natural sciences. As they grow older they discover the beauty of the world around them, whether it is in the area of biology, chemistry, physics, engineering or other...
Popular Stories
