The following are the top stories in the Maltese and overseas press:
The Times leads with the GWU’s announcement that it will hold its own protest over the new utility rates and it will also take part in the manifestation organised by the MLP. It also reports that drug use in Malta is sharply up among the young, according to an EU report
The Malta Independent says the setting up of a court specifically to hear drug cases is still under discussion. It also highlights the interest rate cuts by the ECB and the Bank of England, among other central banks.
In-Nazzjon says the government is considering a plan to modernise and increase the number of health centres, according to comments by Social Policy Minister John Dalli. It also says the MLP and the GWU are working hand in hand on the budget.
l-orizzont also leads with the GWU protest and says Malta is buying oil at the highest prices in Europe.
The Press in Britain…
The Daily Express reports that interest rates in the UK have been slashed by 1.5 per cent to a 53-year low to fight off recession - but fears are growing that hard-pressed homeowners will not reap the benefit.
The Independent says the rate cut follows an IMF warning that the UK would be the world's worst performing major economy next year.
The Daily Telegraph says there is pressure on banks to pass the interest rate cut to its lenders.
The Guardian says the Government may reduce income tax as part of a global effort to boost the economy.
According to the Financial Times, the FBI has warned Barack Obama and John McCain that their computers were hacked into during the Presidential contest.
Daily Star reports on a conversation between Mr Obama and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, in which Mr Berlusconi described the President-elect as "young, handsome and even tanned."
The Times focuses on America's next First Lady, Michelle Obama, and how she envisages her new role on the world stage.
And elsewhere…
The Wall Street Journal leads with International Monetary Fund’s prediction that the world would slide into recession next year
EU Observer reports that MEPs have backed tougher EU-wide safety standards for toys, including a ban on toxic chemicals and stricter standards to limit the risk of choking accidents
The Washington Times reports that President Bush expects to meet president-elect Barack Obama at the White House to discuss key issues "early next week".
As Congolese and Rwandan leaders prepare to attend a regional summit in Nairobi to address the Congo crisis The East African Standard claims further clashes were reported between the rebel Tutsi forces and pro-government militias.
South China Morning Post reports that Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has met with a senior Chinese envoy in one of the highest-level contacts between the two sides since the Chinese civil war in 1949. Chen Yunlin's visit to the island has triggered widespread protests by Taiwanese who accuse Ma of selling out to China.
Kommersant claims that at least 11 people have been killed and dozens of others injured in a suicide attack in the capital of the Russian republic of North Ossetia. Tensions in the region have increased amid last summer's conflict in the Georgian break-away region of South Ossetia.
The Dawn quotes Pakistani officials saying a suspected suicide bomber has killed at least 10 people and injured dozens of others in a northwestern tribal region.
Al Quds Al-Arabi says Syria state TV has aired "confessions" of suspected Islamic militants claiming they carried out a Damascus car bombing in September that killed 17 people.
The New York Post reports that a violent airline passenger was strapped into her seat with duct tape after she refused to behave. Maria Castillo ,45, began fighting with cabin crew during a United Airlines flight from Puerto Rico to Chicago.
Sydney Morning Herald says two alleged drug smugglers have had their convictions thrown out after complaining that the judge fell asleep for up to 20 minutes during the hearing in 2004