What the Sunday papers say…

MaltaToday reveals a series of emails between Nationalist MP Claudio Grech and oil trader George Farrugia, which showed that the two had met in 2006 to discuss the privatisation of the Enemalta gas division. The exclusive report contradicts Grech’s sworn statement before the Public Accounts Committee that he only met Farrugia in 2012.

MaltaToday’s latest Rate the Minister survey also shows that Transport minister Joe Mizzi is the least popular minister in the Labour Cabinet. The results show that Mizzi’s approval rate fell to 22.3%, down by 3%. Environment minister Leo Brincat retains last year’s low ratings, while on the other hand, tourism minister Edward Zammit Lewis emerges at the most popular minister. on the backpage, the newspaper reports how 89 MEPs have officials asked European Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella to take urgent action against the Maltese government to stop trapping and spring hunting. 

Sunday newspaper Illum says a Syrian man falsified a Maltese passport to escape from Sicily to come to Malta. Together with another man who is well known to Sicilian authorities for his involvement in criminal activities, the Syrian was arrested by police.

In another story, the newspaper quoted parliamentary secretary Chris Fearne in saying that the government’s intent on introducing embryo freezing will not result in the “disposing” of embryos, and that the legislative proposals are only intended on helping people become parents.

The Sunday Times of Malta reports that the European Investment Bank turned down a government request to finance the consortium building the new gas power plant, as the project did not pass the rigorous due diligence test. on the backpage, the newspaper says that the Malta Community Chest Fund has not acquired the necessary exemption from the government to collect funds since 2013.

The Malta Independent on Sunday says a tidal lane traffic system is to be launched in Paola to alleviate traffic congestion.

It-Torca says doctors from the University of Malta are helping in research into Parkinson’s disease, while on the backpage, it said that in 2014, tourism funnelled €180 million into Gozo’s coffers.

Nationalist news organ il-mument says the Opposition expects a fair redistribution of wealth, and not hand-outs to Labour’s inner circles. The newspaper also says that Etihad Airways is interested in purchasing part of Air Malta.

Labour newspaper Kullhadd says the construction of the Delimara power station project are entering a crucial phase.