In the Press: All passengers aboard MH 370 presumed dead, Delimara power station gets go-ahead

The Times of Malta

The front page carries a report on the press conference given yesterday by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak, when he announced that the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 had crashed in the southern Indian ocean and all aboard are assumed dead. Some relatives of the victims had to be hospitalized after fainting or going into shock. 

In-Nazzjon

MEPA's decision on the controversial plans for a gas-powered power station came after a marathon meeting, held yesterday, resulted in 10 votes for and two against the project. An LNG tanker will be anchored in Marsaxlokk bay, much to the dismay of the PN, which expressed disappointment that the project was approved without comprehensive risk assessments having been carried out. The PN reiterated its accusation that the government put partisan interests ahead of the safety and wishes of residents in the area. 

L-Orizzont

The front page of L-Orizzont also held a report on yesterday's MEPA meeting. Sharing the front page is a report on a traffic accident that left a Somali migrant fighting for his life after being struck by a van in Aldo Moro Road, Marsa. The newspaper also reports on the answer to a parliamentary question that shed light on the moneys having been awarded to Europa Research and Consultancy, a company headed by leader of the opposition, Simon Busuttil. Sources say that that €49,000 in direct orders were issued the company between 1998 and 2013 from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. 

The Malta Independent

The newspaper ran extensive coverage of the MEPA meeting, including a shortened blow-by-blow of the meeting itself and the reactions of many who were present, including Michael Falzon, Joseph Falzon and Ann Fenech. Another article reports on the concerning results of a survey carried out by the European Commission that showed Malta is in second place -behind Bulgria and Portugal - when it comes to citizens leading sedentary lifestyles. 75% of the Maltese do not exercise or play sports at all while 57% do no other physical activity such as dancing or gardening. This number has significantly increased from the 39% of people who did no physical activity back in 2009.