What the Sunday papers say…

Malta Today reveals that the police commissioner Peter Paul Zammit is being earmarked for a new post with his position set to be filled by a new face. Despite Zammit’s recent denial of an impending resignation, Zammit is believed to have “disappointed” government on his handling of a number of cases, according to reliable sources.

The newspaper also reports that there has been a drop of 18% in Labour voters who support the spring hunting ban. Whilst the majority still supports the ban, a survey carried out by this newspaper shows that this number is decreasing.

Sister newspaper Illum is told by members of the clergy that - more often than not - the moment they speak out against the Church, they are reprimanded. Speaking under anonymity, the priests said that it was not uncommon for them to be transferred or even defrocked if they criticised the Church in public. According to them, there are currently no less than 11 parish priests expected to be transferred or given new roles but the principle of seniority is not always adhered to.

The Sunday Times says that the inner harbor area – especially Valletta and Cospicua – top the list of truancy levels in Malta, according to statistics tabled in parliament by Education minister Evarist Bartolo. A total of 5,935 cases o school absenteeism were reported between 2009 and last year  with 415 in Cospicua, 360 in Valletta and 278 in Hamrun. Meanwhile, Sliema (82) and Ta’ Xbiex (17) had the lowest number of cases.

The Malta Independent on Sunday reports that one of either  a camping site and kiosk, or an exclusive beach for a hotel are being illegally planned at San Blas bay, in Gozo. Photos show that an area approximately one-third the size of the beach has been cleared of all vegetation, with a metal gate and canopy installed. However, no planning application for the development has been lodged with MEPA as yet.

It-Torca reveals that there are many employees, especially in the cleaning industry, who are still having to fork out money from their own pockets to purchase material needed to carry out their job. General Workers’ Union spokesperson Kevin Camilleri told the newspaper that in some cases, cleaners are given only one uniform which they are expected to wear every day. Moreover, in a scenario whereby employees do not go to work with their uniform, the company can issue fines.

Nationalist organ Il-Mument leads with a statement uttered by outspoken Labour MP Marlene Farrugia who, on yesterday’s TV edition of current affairs programme ‘Iswed fuq L-Abjad’, said that she would like a “more transparent and democratic” government. Farrugia said that it concerns her to see government going down certain roads which it openly critisised the former PN government for going down, when in Opposition.

Kullhadd quotes Prime Minister Joseph Muscat telling fellow leaders of other EU member states that the burden of irregular immigration needs to be shared. During a recent European Council meeting, the leaders agreed that the issue required “solidarity and responsibility”. Whilst Muscat expressed his satisfaction at the outcome, he warned that there was still much left to do.