What the Sunday papers say…

Malta Today – There are 24 illegalities in the construction of various kiosks, lidos and other commercial beach developments in protected beaches around Malta and Gozo. These developments cannot be legalized due to changes in planning laws made in 2010, which preclude MEPA from “sanctioning” any illegality on scheduled sites. However, these responsible for the illegalities are still enjoying the fruits of their brash labour, enriching themselves from the illegal developments they put up by exploiting loopholes in the law.

This newspaper also speaks to former EU Commissioner, John Dalli, who claims that the previous administration, its present leader Simon Busuttil and Giovanni Kessler are in cahoots together and are out to tarnish his name. “… they are in bed together on this,” he says. (Maltatoday.com.mt will be providing a live coverage of Monday’s hearing in the European Court of Justice)

A major overhaul of the students’ smart card system is also on the agenda, as revealed by this newspaper. The running of the system currently in place has so far cost the country no less than €2 million but this excludes salaries and costs related to human resources deployed by the government at the University of Malta and other departments to run the system.

Sister newspaper Illum – Several members of the police force were sceptical of the court’s decision this week to grant Jason Galea, the man accused of murdering Mario Camilleri (l-Imniehru), his son and Matthew Zahra. The ruling raised many eyebrows, especially in light of the fact that Camilleri’s wife had, on many occasions, claimed that Galea would go after her next.

The newspaper also reveals that the majority of people (64%) would like the European Parliament elections and Local Council elections to be held on the same day. Whilst 26% do not agree, 10% are uncertain.

The Sunday Times – Cannabis smokers will no longer be considered criminals, according to a White Paper set to be officially unveiled tomorrow. Instead, these persons will be made o appear in front of a commissioner based in Valletta who would be empowered to issue warnings and administrative fines.

The Malta Independent on Sunday – The Polidano brothers, who own the Monte Kristo estates in Hal Farrug have managed to obtain the necessary permits to hold a fair, despite the fact that the place is subject to numerous MEPA enforcement notices.

It-Torca – The passing away of the vice-president of the General Workers’ Union (GWU), Edmond Cefai, signals the loss of a “great defender of the workers”, according to GWU’s secretary general Tony Zarb. Described as a “man of principle and a loyal colleague”, Cefai passed away on Friday at the age of 60. His funeral will be held on Monday at the St Joseph parish at 2.30 pm.

Il-Mument – The recent appointment of the new Police Commissioner, Ray Attard, instigated an internal conflict between the Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Home Affairs Minister Manwel Mallia.  It is believed that whilst Castille preferred Mario Spiteri to take over from Peter Paul Zammit, Mallia stood firm and appointed Attard, to the ire of Muscat.

Kullhadd – The PN’s negative pre-electoral slogans – especially the ones insinuating that a Labour government will substantially increase the unemployment levels in Malta – have been proved wrong with government keeping to its promises and creating more job opportunities for Maltese and Gozitans alike.