In the Press: Ombudsman lambasts Mepa split

The Times of Malta

The office of the Ombudsman has criticised the proposal to split Mepa’s environment and planning functions into two separate authorities, claiming it will lead to less transparency, accountability and public scrutiny. In his feedback to the prime minister, Commissioner for Environment and Planning said that the move was “a step backwards” and that it weakened the environment authority. Pace said that the new structure would give power to a few and it would broaden ministerial powers.

In- Nazzjon

Nationalist Party leader Simon Busuttil meets Vice President of the European Commission Jyrki Katainen, who said that the economic reforms achieved in the past were bearing considerable fruits now. During his official visit, Katainen was talking about the European Commission’s plan to boost investment in Europe, following the sharp drop in investment in the area after the economic crisis.

L-Orizzont

A planned Development Bank is expected to be opened in Malta in the coming weeks, according to deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech. The bank would be designed to act as a guarantor for projects in the private sector, and it is not meant to compete with existing local banks. Speaking at a press conference, with the European Commission vice president Jyrki Katainen, Galea said that the commission’s investment plan was also very promising to boost the local economy.

The Malta Independent

Some 35 inmates at Corradino Correctional Facility reportedly required medical attention after suffering food poisoning on Wednesday. CEO of the facility, Simon Buttigieg said that the health authorities were holding tests to understand what caused the bout of food poisoning. He added that the food is prepared inside the facility itself and that the kitchen was in very bad condition despite reported frequent food safety inspections.