Morning Briefing
Grech tells PN protest that change has started
PN leader Bernard Grech addressed a large crowd of supporters on Sunday, declaring that “the change has started” but urging them to push harder to build a strong and proud nation. Speaking in Republic Street, Valletta, he concluded a protest highlighting what the party described as the government’s failures. The demonstration was triggered by the government’s refusal to hold a parliamentary debate on the theft of 220kg of drugs from a guarded container at an armed forces barracks. The march began at Parliament and proceeded down Republic Street. Protesters carried placards labelling the administration as a “failed government” and questioning why Prime Minister Robert Abela was defending the home affairs minister. The government was failing the country and not keeping its promises. It was out of touch with the people and continuing to dig deeper into its problems, the PN leader said. (Times of Malta)
Government to introduce miscarriage leave
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Sunday that the government is discussing the introduction of special leave for couples who experience a miscarriage. Speaking at a Labour Party event in Birżebbuġa focused on gender equality, Abela described the proposal as a significant step that would greatly improve the quality of life for affected families. The event, titled Challenging Stereotypes, Creating Opportunities, highlighted ongoing efforts to promote equality. Abela emphasised that this initiative forms part of the Labour government’s broader commitment to strengthening workers’ rights and introducing new social measures to support families. (Maltatoday)
Police dismantle crime ring
The police have dismantled an organised crime ring involved in importing and trafficking drugs across Europe Acting on gathered intelligence, officers raided an apartment block on Alfred Craig Street, Tal-Pietà. Four individuals—three men and one woman—were arrested, and 10 kilograms of cannabis, worth approximately €150,000, were seized. A fifth suspect, a Romanian man, was apprehended at a hotel in Gżira. In a statement, the police confirmed the arrests followed weeks of investigations and surveillance using intelligence-led policing. The four suspects appeared in court today, facing multiple drug-related charges. They pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody. (TVM)