Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1521091
2 NEWS maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 22 MAY 2024 2 A second sneak-peek: We've got a second teaser for Labour's new reali- ty show! In it, we see the party can- didates gathered around the television speaking to some young people on a Zoom call, and gearing up for some outdoor activities (and a cynical Jes- mond Marshall who would rather do otherwise). They're doing obstacle courses! Horseback riding! And they don't have a bed for everyone. Now it's really starting to give Love Island vibes, but hopefully without the 7 Days Croissants and Camel-brand dip. Muscat rallies the crowds: Joseph Muscat is gearing up for his arraign- ment next week. Last night he was the guest speaker at an activity organised by Clint Azzopardi Flores, and tonight he will be addressing the crowd at an event by Alex Agius Saliba. On Fri- day, Muscat will also attend Daniel Attard's rally in Bormla. And on Sat- urday, Muscat will be at Marija Sara Vella Gafa's morning activity. He also recorded a small video message prais- ing the MEP hopeful. So, is Joseph Muscat now taking bookings? Does he do weddings and funerals? I'm curious to see his rates. Cassola's banners: Independent candidate Arnold Cassola does not fear the banner bandits. On Tuesday, several banners were set up across Malta to promote his campaign under the new tagline "Issa ċ-Ċans" (Now's the chance). In a small statement to the press, Cassola thanked his young volunteers who have been contribut- ing to his campaign and said Maltese people are looking forward to break- ing the PNPL duopoly. "Such aims are truly achievable. The excitement is palpable!" he said. Local council-watch: This will ab- solutely not be a recurring feature of the Playbook, but since we had two local council-related news stories on Tuesday, we're taking the opportu- nity. The first story concerns Santa Venera mayor Stephen Sultana, who is recontesting the election this year, and who was also acquitted of drunk and dangerous driving charges after the court found insufficient evidence against him. The court also doubted the credibility of the LESA officers who accused Sultana, noting his prior complaints about their dereliction of duty. In a second story, Floriana PN councillor James Aaron Ellul called for proper maintenance and appreci- ation of his locality's neglected Jubi- lee Grove, expressing concerns about mysterious red markings on the trees that could indicate severe pruning or removal. What's happening today?: The La- bour Party will be in Balzan at 5:15pm, in Attard at 5:45pm, and in Ħamrun at 6:30pm. The Nationalist Party will in be in Santa Venera at the same time. MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt NICOLE MEILAK nmeilak@mediatoday.com.mt These articles are part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author's view. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action. Joseph Muscat has a packed week of speaking arrangements, and I'm wondering whether he accepts bookings – here's your day 21 round-up Rent-a-Joseph for this wedding season SEASONALLY adjusted industrial turn- over recorded during the first quarter of 2024 decreased by 0.4 per cent over the fourth quarter of 2023. When compared to the corresponding period of 2023, working-day adjusted industrial turnover increased by 6.0 per cent. Quarterly comparison During the first quarter of 2024, sea- sonally adjusted industrial turnover de- creased by 0.4 per cent over the fourth quarter of 2023. A decrease was registered in the in- termediate goods (9.2 per cent). On the contrary, consumer goods, capital goods and energy increased by 6.7 per cent, 2.5 per cent and 1.0 per cent, respectively. Seasonally adjusted industrial employ- ment increased by 0.2 per cent. During this period, industrial hours worked increased by 0.8 per cent and in- dustrial gross wages and salaries went up by 2.2 per cent. Annual comparison When compared to the corresponding quarter of 2023, working-day adjusted industrial turnover increased by 6.0 per cent. Increases were registered in the con- sumer goods (19.0 per cent), capital goods (10.8 per cent) and energy (2.6 per cent). On the other hand, intermediate goods dropped by 5.7 per cent. An increase of 0.8 per cent was record- ed in the year-on-year unadjusted indus- trial employment. Working-day adjusted industrial hours worked decreased by 0.6 per cent while working-day adjusted industrial gross wages and salaries rose by 7.7 per cent. Industrial turnover down 0.4 per cent in Q1 2024