In the Press: PM says drug decriminalisation will be next issue | Job seekers chasing phantom jobs

MaltaToday

At a press conference yesterday, PM Joseph Muscat spoke about Monday's historic civil unions bill. He said that the PN's abstention from the vote betrayed its political weakness, making it the side that waits for change to happen while the government implements that change.

Muscat also said, without giving specifics, that the next issue to be discussed is drug decriminalization in certain circumstances. 

Another report reveals that the law commissioner Franco Debono has been texting Justice minister Owen Bonnici persistently, much like he had done with former PM Lawrence Gonzi.

The Times of Malta

Job seekers are becoming 'stuck' in the unemployment register because the jobs they want rarely offer vacancies. Such jobs as office cleaners and petrol station attendants do not often come along and an influx of foreign workers mean that there is even more competition for a dwindling resource.

In-Nazzjon

Residents in Santa Lucija are in opposition to a development in Wied Garnaw that falls in the ODZ of the village. The project, which seeks to develop a private elderly persons' residence, has been met with strong disapproval, collecting over 1000 signatures on a petition. A letter was also sent to MEPA, voicing residents' opposition. 

A similar reaction met the approval of development a mere 20 metres away from Ta' Hagrat temples in Mgarr, a UNESCO recognized site of archaeologial importance. This development encroaches on the buffer zone surrounding the site.

L-Orizzont

€600,000 were spent on the Leisure Centre at the Marsaskala Family Park, 53% more than projected. The data comes from a report from the office of the Auditor General. The report also reveals that an extra €6 million were spent on the Sant Antnin waste treatment plant, 23% more than projected and the result of a change in the project design.

The Malta Independent

Monday's celebrations in St George's Square following the civil unions vote drew a sizeable crowd but, according to The Independent, it is unclear who paid the bill. MGRM coordinator Gabi Calleja said that the event was a result of a joint effort between the government and the gay community. Government representatives confirmed that no government funds were used for the celebration, which according to sources inside the entertainment industry would have cost about €40,000.