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AD budget proposals
The Green Party presents its budget proposals. Alternattiva Demokratika urges government to release Lm18 million back into the economy rather than the programmed Lm8 million and suggests various measures to meet this target including an increase in taxation on banks and telecommunication companies.
Sant warns
Labour leader Alfred Sant warns against what he describes as fictitious measures government was planning to take in the upcoming budget. Sant is speaking in front of party supporters at Zebbug. He says government will reduce income tax, the fuel surcharge and air departure taxes in the next budget, claiming this will be possible because government was collecting tax arrears, postponing payments and reducing the spending on infrastructure by Lm16 million.
Monday, 2 October
Melita and go mobile sign
Maltacom announces that its mobile phone arm signed an interconnection agreement with Melita Cable allowing the cable company’s telephony subscribers to communicate with go mobile subscribers. The cable company has also signed an agreement with Vodafone.
Maltacom is however, still resisting an interconnection agreement for its fixed line service.
More judges needed
Chief Justice Vincent De Gaetano insists there is still a need for more judges and magistrates during the ceremony to mark the beginning of the forensic year.
Tuesday, 3 October
Paedophilia trial
The trial of two brothers, Denis Pandolfino, 58, and Anthony Pandolfino, 63, commences in front of Judge Joseph Galea Debono. The two are charged with the rape of two boys entrusted to their care.
The Pandolfino brothers are being tried in front of the bench without a jury. They are pleading not guilty to raping and defiling the boys on and before 2002.
Wednesday, 4 October
Trial continues
The trial of two elderly brothers accused of raping two boys in 2002 continues, with the victims testifying through video conferencing in front of the judge.
The boys were aged 10 and 11 when the alleged rape is said to have happened.
MLP objects to appointment
The Labour Party’s spokesperson for public administration, Helena Dalli, objects to the appointment of John Camilleri as chairman of the Public Broadcasting Services’ editorial board. Camilleri had worked as personal secretary to then Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami, administrative secretary of the Nationalist Party and chairman of AZAD.
Dalli says it is unacceptable for a person who had such an important role in a political party to now occupy such a sensitive post.
Thursday, 5 October
Lawyer drops charges
Lawyer and newspaper columnist Claire Bonello drops charges against construction magnate Charles Polidano ic-Caqnu after he apologises in court for slapping her in front of her daughter in St Julians. Polidano in turn drops charges against Bonello, who was charged with insulting him.
The incident happened on 20 June and was provoked by a verbal exchange which started at Le Meridien Hotel in St Julians and carried on in Balluta square where Polidano slapped the lawyer.
Irish president
Irish President Mary McAleese starts a two-day state visit at the invitation of President Eddie Fenech Adami. McAleese was elected President of Ireland for a second term in October 2004.
She is welcomed on her arrival with a ceremony at St George’s Square, Valletta, greeted by President Fenech Adami.
Friday, 6 October
Economic data
Parliamentary Secretary Tonio Fenech says government is confident that the economy can sustain a growth rate of 2.5 to 3 per cent during the launch of a new quarterly analytical report compiled by the economic policy unity. The report, Economic Bulletin, is expected to provide a government analysis of economic data.
Smash gets football rights
Smash television will broadcast all Premier League matches that are not screened on Melita Cable’s pay television after agreement is reached with the Malta Football Association.
The arrangement with Smash TV means that the MFA snubbed the three other TV stations that had made a joint bid for the transmission of Maltese football league matches.
Saturday, 7 October
Labour targets youth
The Labour Party launches another policy document for discussion targeting the youth sector. The document contains a number of proposals including the creation of a national youth card that would enable youths to take advantage of special educational, sports and cultural schemes.
The document also speaks of a national fund for training, specifically targeted towards youths.
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