The following are the leading stories in the Maltese and overseas press. All the Maltese newspapers lead with the budget presented yesterday.
The Times reports that this was a ‘Budget over troubled waters’, reporting that the budget is characterised by modest income tax cuts, environmental measures and investment aimed at boosting the economy in the light of the dire global economic situation.
The Malta Independent says this was a cautious budget for tough times.
l-orizzont says the budget has offered ‘no remedies’ for the problems facing families and the country.
In-Nazzjon says the budget has focused on investment in jobs and the environment.
The Press in Britain…
The Financial Times says the UK's three most senior financial figures – Bank of England Governor Mervyn King, Chancellor Alistair Darling and Financial Services Authority Chairman Lord Turner – have defended their handling of the worst crisis to hit the banking system in almost a century.
Metro leads with economists’ warning that Britain will suffer more than the rest of Europe during the economic downturn.
The Daily Express has the news that banks have been accused of profiteering by failing to pass on interest rates to their customers.
The Daily Mail’s top story looks at the controversy surrounding the work of Japanese researchers who have managed to clone a mouse that had been dead for 16 years.
The Daily Mirror reports ITV head Michael Grade has announced his mission to restrict the use of bad language in television programmes.
The Telegraph leads with the news that state schools are facing tighter admissions rules after thousands – including many faith schools – were found to be flouting guidelines designed to stop middle class pupils dominating places.
And elsewhere…
USA Today says millions of Americans will bring in a new era of US politics as they cast their votes in the most expensive presidential election in history.
The New York Times says a second investigation has found “no probable cause” to believe Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin abused the powers of her office to pursue a personal vendetta.
L’Echo quotes the European Commission saying that the European Union is heading for zero growth and rising unemployment in 2009, with forecasts saying that the economy will only start picking up again in 2010. GDP in the eurozone is expected to grow by 0.1 per cent in 2009 and by 0.9 per cent in 2010.
Courier d’Afrique confirms a UN humanitarian convoy has delivered medical supplies to refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo for the first time since fighting began weeks ago.
The International Herald Tribune says a US military jury has sentenced a Yemeni national to life in prison after being convicted for making propaganda videos for al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
Pakistan Times reports that US General David Petraeus is in Pakistan as part of his first international trip since taking over US Central Command three days ago.
As-Sabbah says a string of bombings in Baghdad has killed 10 people and wounded some 40 others. In the worst incident, six people died when two bombs exploded in the centre of the Iraqi capital during the morning rush hour.
Environmental Daily quotes a study which shows that British workers spend £5.5bn on shop-bought lunches each year while leaving almost the same value of food at home to waste. Ham, bread, cheese, meat and other lunchbox foods are binned to the cost of £5.06bn every year, the survey for Love Food Hate Waste found.