VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Some 81% of foreign investors consider Malta an attractive destination for foreign direct investment, while nine out of 10 companies intend to maintain or expand their operations in the country over the next year, according to the Malta Attractiveness Survey 2026 commissioned by Ernst & Young (EY).

Prime Minister Robert Abela said the findings, which show an improvement on last year, reflect continued confidence in Malta’s economy and its long-term prospects.

He described the intention of nine out of 10 companies to remain or invest further in Malta as the survey’s most significant result, saying it demonstrated confidence in the country’s future.

The survey also highlighted growing investor confidence in artificial intelligence (AI), with 59% identifying it as a sector expected to drive Malta’s economic growth, up from 47% in the previous year.

AI was also identified as the sector with the greatest long-term growth potential.

Abela said the findings supported the Government’s national AI strategy and initiatives such as AI for Everyone, which has attracted more than 40,000 participants.

He also referred to the €100 million investment in digital transformation announced in the previous Budget, saying the Government remained committed to continuing its efforts in this area.

The Prime Minister said Malta’s next phase of economic growth should focus increasingly on productivity, innovation and higher value-added investment.

Abela also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining energy and fuel subsidies, with €400 million allocated for this year and a further €400 million planned for next year.

He said the survey reinforced confidence in Malta’s economic direction and its long-term investment strategy.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The European Commission has urged Malta to make further progress on judicial independence, media freedom and corruption, as MEPs called for action rather than more reports, nine years after journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination.

European Commissioner Michael McGrath told the European Parliament that Malta had taken some steps to address concerns but needed further efforts to implement outstanding recommendations.

The Commission’s 2026 Rule of Law Report, published in July, highlighted limited progress on safeguards for journalists, judicial appointments and the prosecution of corruption cases. It also flagged court delays and weaknesses in the Permanent Commission against Corruption.

The debate exposed divisions among Maltese MEPs over the state of the country’s institutions and the legacy of Caruana Galizia’s murder.

The debate referred  me to the inquiry’s unimplemented recommendations, including anti-mafia legislation, unexplained wealth orders, constitutional protection for journalism and criminalisation of abuse of office.

Prime Minister Robert Abela has said he will never introduce an anti-mafia law, arguing that it would suggest Malta is a mafia state.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party’s bill seeking to implement the inquiry’s recommendations remains off Parliament’s agenda.

Although the Commission’s powers to force reforms are limited, it can initiate infringement proceedings against member states. McGrath said Brussels was counting on Maltese authorities to implement the necessary changes.

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BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Dani Olmo faces a month on the sidelines due to an injury to his left adductor muscle. This is the diagnosis following medical examinations undergone by the Barcelona player after he sustained the injury during yesterday’s Champions League match against PSG.

Consequently, the Spanish international will miss Sunday’s Clásico against Real Madrid and will be unavailable to Hansi Flick for at least four weeks.

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(ITALPRESS).

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Ulrika Richardson, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator for Libya, met with Mohammed Ben Ghalboun, Minister of State for Prime Ministerial and Cabinet Affairs and Acting Minister of Local Government. According to a statement released by the United Nations in Libya on its official X account, the meeting addressed the strengthening of coordination for international development cooperation at both the central and local levels.

Discussions focused on aligning international support with Libya’s development priorities, promoting transparency, and ensuring that resources yield tangible benefits for local communities. Minister Ben Ghalboun expressed interest in leveraging the United Nations’ technical expertise and knowledge-sharing to bolster national capacities in development planning, financing, and coordination.

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(ITALPRESS).

CAIRO (EGYPT) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Accelerating investment, increasing oil and gas production, and making the most of Eastern Mediterranean resources were the main topics discussed at the roundtable entitled “The Future of Energy in Egypt”, chaired by Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, as part of the Mediterranean Oil and Gas (MOC 2026) conference and exhibition.

Participants included Cyprus’ Minister of Energy, Michael Damianos; Osama Mubarez, Secretary-General of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF); and representatives of international oil and gas companies operating in Egypt.

Badawi stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with investors, overcoming barriers to investment, and accelerating exploration and development activities to counter the decline in production.

He also highlighted the strategic role of Egypt’s gas transportation and liquefaction infrastructure in connecting regional resources with international markets.

Photo: IPA Agency

(ITALPRESS)

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Frozen out last summer before being brought back into the squad to deal with a defensive injury crisis, Fikayo Tomori appears set to leave AC Milan at the end of the season, when his contract expires.

A return to England could be on the cards for the 28-year-old English centre-back. According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are currently leading the race to sign him on a free transfer.

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(ITALPRESS)

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Supermarket shelves in Malta were left largely bare as protests over soaring fuel prices in southern Italy disrupted deliveries of fresh food.

Eurospin’s Mosta branch shoppers faced shortages of fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products, with several sections almost empty. Much of the usual variety of fresh produce was missing, with most remaining vegetables sold in prepacked form. The dairy aisle had only a handful of yoghurts left. Locally produced milk remained in stock, while refrigerators normally filled with packaged meat were empty. The shortages were attributed to missed deliveries caused by strikes in Italy over high fuel prices.

Lorry drivers, farmers and fishermen in southern Italy have been protesting against soaring diesel costs and what they describe as the government’s failure to address rising transport expenses. Roads and ports have been blocked in areas including Naples, Calabria and Sicily, disrupting the movement of goods and contributing to fresh food shortages in parts of southern Italy.

The protests have drawn support from livestock breeders and other agricultural workers struggling with rising operating costs.

Lidl Malta said its operations had not been affected by the disruption so far, adding that its supply chain remained fully operational and its shelves were well-stocked.

Wellbee’s supermarket said it had contacted its Italian transporter, which reported no delivery disruptions to date. However, the supermarket chain cautioned that it could not guarantee supplies would remain unaffected in the coming days or weeks.

Commenting on the shortages, MEP Peter Agius said the situation highlighted Malta’s vulnerability in food security and stressed the importance of supporting the country’s agricultural and livestock farming sectors.

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LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Riccardo Calafiori has established himself as a key player at Arsenal, and Real Madrid are reportedly keeping an eye on him.

His performances, his ability to play both at centre-back and on the left, and his young age (24) make the former Bologna defender, who joined the Gunners in 2024, an ideal candidate for Los Blancos.

According to the website CaughtOffside, Real Madrid representatives have reportedly begun sounding out the player’s camp. However, prising him away from Arsenal will not be easy: the Gunners consider Calafiori a key part of Mikel Arteta’s project and would only consider selling him for an offer of €100 million or more.

The defender, whose contract runs until 2029, does not appear keen to force an exit either.

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PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Unfortunately, the fears have proved well-founded. Yesterday’s match against Barcelona turned into a bittersweet victory for Paris Saint-Germain, who will be without Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for the rest of the season.

The Georgian winger, who was forced off in the 60th minute of the match at the Parc des Princes, underwent an MRI scan that confirmed a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

PSG announced in a statement that the former Napoli player will undergo surgery in the coming days.

Luis Enrique will also be without Ousmane Dembélé and Marquinhos for the upcoming fixtures. Dembélé has sustained a muscle injury to his left thigh, while the Brazilian centre-back has suffered a muscle injury to his right thigh.

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(ITALPRESS)

ISTANBUL (TURKEY) (ITALPRESS) – Sergen Yalçın has been appointed the new head coach of Turkey’s national team. The Turkish Football Federation announced the appointment of the 53-year-old former player, the only footballer to have played for all four of Turkey’s major clubs: Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray and Trabzonspor.

Yalçın has been chosen to lead the team following the dismissal of Vincenzo Montella, who was sacked after Turkey’s defeat to Italy in Bologna in the Nations League, their fourth loss in as many matches.

Yalçın began his coaching career in Beşiktaş’s youth academy before going on to manage Gaziantepspor on two occasions, Sivasspor, Kayserispor, Eskişehirspor, Konyaspor, Alanyaspor, Yeni Malatyaspor, Beşiktaş twice and Antalyaspor.

In the 2020/21 season, he led Beşiktaş, a club he had previously coached, to victory in both the Süper Lig and the Turkish Cup.

With this achievement, he became the first and only figure in Beşiktaş’s history to win the Süper Lig title both as a player and as a coach.

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TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Libya’s teachers’ movement has announced that the general strike will continue until its demands are met, rejecting an appeal by Parliament urging teachers to return to work.

Teachers are calling for the immediate payment of outstanding salary arrears according to a clear timetable, the implementation of the new pay system with a cap of 50% on allowances and benefits across all sectors, and the passage of a special law safeguarding their professional dignity.

They are urging the House of Representatives and the executive authorities to turn announcements into concrete, verifiable action, confirming that the protest will continue until effective responses are guaranteed.

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(ITALPRESS)

CAIRO (EGYPT) (ITALPRESS) – FIFA’s disciplinary committee has handed down significant suspensions to Hossam Hassan and Mostafa Zico, who criticised the refereeing after Egypt were eliminated by Argentina in the round of 16 of the last World Cup.

Head coach Hassan has been suspended for three matches, while Zico has received a five-match ban for insulting the referee in interviews following the match.

Ibrahim Hassan, the coach’s twin brother and a member of the Egyptian national team’s staff, has also been suspended for three matches.

The Egyptian Football Association is now awaiting the reasons for the decision in order to prepare an appeal.

If the sanctions are upheld, Hassan will not be able to return to the touchline until March, while Zico will remain unavailable for the national team until June.

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(ITALPRESS)

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has warned that cost-of-living protests across Europe are likely to intensify in the coming weeks and months, describing the demonstrations as potentially only the first wave of public unrest.

“I greatly fear that this is just the first wave of protestors protesting,” Caruana told Parliament.

He said mounting debt and rising living costs would place further pressure on European citizens, forcing more people to take to the streets.

Referring to protests in France, Milan and Brussels, Caruana said the demonstrations reflected governments’ inability to address the economic pressures facing their populations.

“What is happening in France, Milan, and Brussels is a result of governments who are unable to do what we are doing,” he said.

Caruana also referred to protests in Italy, where public transport employees have reportedly gone on strike over fuel prices, saying workers could no longer afford the rising costs.

He stressed that European protesters were “citizens like us” who could no longer bear the financial burden of increasing prices.

In contrast, Caruana maintained that Malta’s economic situation was “totally different” from that of countries experiencing growing public anger over the cost of living and energy prices.

He attributed the difference to decisions taken by the government in recent years to shield the economy from external shocks.

While acknowledging that Malta was not immune to similar pressures, he insisted that the government would continue protecting households from rising costs.

Caruana confirmed that energy subsidies would remain in place, revealing that the government had spent €400 million this year to keep energy and fuel prices down in Malta and Gozo.

He defended the subsidies, arguing that they were necessary to protect citizens from the impact of higher prices.

“Whoever tells us to stop supplying them, I believe their interests are other than safeguarding Maltese and Gozitan citizens,” he said.

He said the government would continue its efforts to protect the economy, adding that further details would be announced in his upcoming Budget speech.

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CAIRO (EGYPT) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Thirteen people have died and another 34 have been injured—some seriously—in a violent road accident involving a bus and an articulated lorry on the Cairo-Assiut road in Egypt, according to the television channel Al Arabiya. The injured were transported to various hospitals by ambulances, which also handled the transfer of the victims’ bodies. A thorough investigation is underway to clarify the circumstances of the accident. Furthermore, urgent measures have been put in place to ensure prompt support for the families of the victims and the injured.

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(ITALPRESS).

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – A points deduction severe enough to guarantee relegation, along with a massive fine—these are the potential sanctions Manchester City could face following a guilty verdict from an independent Premier League commission regarding financial rule violations committed between 2009 and 2018.

Furthermore, the penalties could extend to the following season in the Championship (the English second tier), where the “Citizens”—currently leading the Premier League with 7 wins out of 7 under the management of Enzo Maresca—would begin with a points handicap, similar to the situation experienced by Juventus in Italy following the Calciopoli scandal.

According to the British tabloid—a report also cited by Marca—the intention is to “impose a severe punishment while simultaneously outlining a path that allows City to rebuild.” At the end of September, an independent commission found City guilty of 114 out of 115 charges brought by the Premier League concerning financial regulation breaches between 2009 and 2018.

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ROME (ITALPRESS) – “Today, I am officially announcing my candidacy for the presidency of FIFA.” Ramon Vega, a 55-year-old former Swiss player who featured for Cagliari, Tottenham, and Celtic, has confirmed the intentions he signaled in recent weeks: to challenge Gianni Infantino at the elective assembly taking place on March 18 in Rabat. Vega, who had previously attempted to run in 2022, has released an 11-page document outlining his platform.

“I haven’t disappeared. I have continued to listen, learn, travel, and prepare. Four years later, I am still here. My commitment remains as strong as ever. The time has come. I am ready. I am running because my life’s journey has prepared me to serve this sport. I approach the global football family with humility, determination, and a profound sense of responsibility. Football does not belong to presidents, confederations, or administrators. Football is greater than any position, individual, or institution. It is the people’s sport—it belongs to everyone, including every child who discovers it.”

Vega proposes a FIFA equipped with an independent oversight system and financial transparency, characterized by clear accountability, to ensure modern governance and a robust institution. The deadline for submitting candidacies is November 18, and each candidate must secure the official backing of at least five affiliated federations.

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(ITALPRESS).

LISBON (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – Cristiano Ronaldo will have to pay just 255 euros to the Portuguese Football Federation and will be sidelined from the national team for 30 days for leaving the Seleção’s training camp in Denmark during the Nations League fixtures. According to A Bola, the sanction was announced by the Disciplinary Council (CD) of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), following an investigation by its non-professional division into the proceedings initiated against the Portugal captain—who, it should be noted, was already serving a provisional suspension. Based on the evidence presented and the reasoning provided, the Federation’s Disciplinary Council has decided to uphold the charges in full. Consequently, the individual in question, Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, has been found guilty of committing a disciplinary infraction—intentionally and on a single occasion. As a result, he has been handed a 30-day suspension, in addition to a financial penalty of 255.00 euros, the ruling states.

Portugal is set to play again on November 14 as part of the Nations League. Since the incident took place on September 30—on the eve of the match against Denmark in Copenhagen—Ronaldo remains eligible for selection for the upcoming games against the Danes (on the 14th) and against Wales in Cardiff (on the 17th). It will be up to head coach Jorge Jesus to decide whether to call up the 41-year-old Al Nassr forward. On October 6th, in a letter addressed to Portuguese fans, CR7 confirmed his availability to return to the national team; both the president of the federation, Pedro Proença, and the head coach have also signaled their openness to the captain’s return.

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(ITALPRESS).

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – As part of the third edition of the International Book Fair—organized by the Libyan Public Prosecutor’s Office in Tripoli—a literary discussion took place, titled “The Reception of Libyan Literature in Italy: Between History and Stereotype.” According to a statement released by the event organizers, Professor Elvira Diana—a chair of Arabic Language and Literature at the “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara—examined the presence of Libyan literature within the Italian cultural landscape, how it is received, and the perceptions that have taken root among Italian readers. The discussion highlighted how Libyan literary works are still frequently influenced by historical legacies and stereotypical imagery. The event is part of a broader effort to promote cultural exchange, with the aim of opening new horizons for the understanding of Libyan literature and building bridges of communication between Libyan and Italian cultures.

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(ITALPRESS).

CAIRO (EGYPT) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi will inaugurate the Mediterranean Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition (MOC 2026) tomorrow at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The event will run until 22 October. Cyprus Energy Minister Michael Damianos will also attend, along with representatives of major international energy companies and leading figures from the oil industry.

Titled “Egypt, a Key Pillar of Energy Security in the Mediterranean”, this year’s edition will focus on accelerating exploration and production activities, deploying advanced technologies, and promoting investment and partnerships in the oil and gas sector.

The opening ceremony is expected to feature the signing of new agreements with US energy company Chevron, in the presence of both ministers, to accelerate the connection of Cyprus’s Aphrodite gas field to Egypt’s infrastructure. The initiative aims to strengthen regional cooperation and reinforce Egypt’s role as a hub for receiving, trading and re-exporting gas to international markets.

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(ITALPRESS)

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Tomorrow’s Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona is not at risk. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has ruled out the possibility of postponing the game because of the tensions gripping the country, which have escalated into violence and looting.

“The matches are not in question,” he assured.

PSG coach Luis Enrique also addressed the issue at a press conference. “I’m a football coach. I have my own opinions, but I’m not the right person to talk about this. I’m here to talk about football. I’m not afraid, and I hope the match can take place under normal conditions,” he said.

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(ITALPRESS)

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Growing social discontent in Europe is linked to a deterioration in living standards and the economic hardships faced by families. This is the view of Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela, who has defended Malta’s economic model, describing it as a source of stability for both citizens and businesses.

Speaking at an event, he pointed to recent youth protests in France, Italy, and Albania, arguing that several European governments are struggling increasingly to shield their citizens from the fallout of the economic crisis.

In contrast, the Prime Minister highlighted the strategy adopted by Malta, emphasizing the government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of the rising cost of living on households and enterprises.

Abela noted that, during discussions among European Union member states regarding the upcoming EU budget, the debate has focused primarily on funding ongoing wars rather than addressing the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.

According to Abela, while European leaders remain preoccupied with international crises, the quality of life across the continent continues to decline, with a growing number of families struggling to cover essential expenses. The Maltese leader defended the decision to maintain public intervention in energy pricing through subsidies designed to protect families and businesses from price hikes on international markets.

This policy, Abela argued, allows the country to maintain economic stability and focus on future opportunities, rather than merely reacting to immediate emergencies.

While acknowledging that Malta’s strong economic performance does not mean the absence of internal challenges, he dismissed criticisms of the government’s economic model as “populist,” asking: “If you have a recipe that works, do you throw it away, or do you try to improve it?” According to Abela, Malta must therefore focus on improving the quality of its growth, without abandoning the economic approach that, in his view, has helped ensure stability for the country.

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(ITALPRESS).

SEVILLE (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – The atmosphere in Spain’s La Liga remains heated. This time, it is Sevilla raising their voice following a 4-1 defeat at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid. The Andalusian side, furious with the officiating, specifically pointed to an elbow by Güler on Peque when the score was 0-0—an incident they argue could have warranted a red card—as well as an alleged foul by Konaté on Ure during the build-up to Mbappé’s goal for 2-0, not to mention the penalty awarded to Los Blancos.

Citing footage from Movistar+, Sevilla’s official X account posted a series of messages; the most pointed of these remarked, “With the Prado [museum] just a stone’s throw away, you’ve chosen the one [goal] that belongs in the Louvre“—a jab at Mbappé’s strike. After the match, José Mourinho sidestepped the controversy: “No one has been able to show me what they claim happened; I haven’t even seen a single image. I asked everyone—including my own staff—for footage, but I couldn’t find any images of the incidents being discussed. If something were to happen in our favor one day, I would have no problem coming forward and admitting it. But I suspect the opposite will happen to us much more often; that’s just the natural tendency. If, by Saturday, someone can provide me with a clear image of something I didn’t see—and which even Güler claims didn’t happen—then I’ll be here. But for now, nothing. I don’t understand this obsession with something that no one has actually seen take place.”

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(ITALPRESS).

LAUSANNE (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – It will take a month to reach a final decision regarding the most recent Africa Cup of Nations. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne has announced that, following the hearing held on October 8th concerning an appeal filed by Senegal, the panel has “decided to issue a full decision, including the legal reasoning—known as a CAS award. This process will take several weeks, and the award is expected by the end of November 2026.”

On January 18th in Rabat, the “Lions of Teranga” (Senegal) had defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time in the Africa Cup of Nations final. However, two months later, the tournament’s appeals committee overturned this result, upholding a challenge from Morocco and awarding them a 3-0 victory by default—effectively handing them the trophy. Near the end of regulation time, several Senegalese players had walked off the pitch in protest against a penalty awarded to Regragui’s side. They later returned to the field, and although Brahim Diaz missed the ensuing penalty—which would have been the winning goal—Senegal ultimately secured the victory thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye. Senegal, having refused to return the trophy, subsequently filed an appeal against the African Confederation’s ruling with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

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(ITALPRESS).

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Bad news for Manchester City, who will be without Antoine Semenyo for two months.

Enzo Maresca himself revealed on the eve of the Champions League match against AEK that the player has suffered a muscle injury that will keep him out of action for around eight weeks.

The Italian coach explained that he had wanted to rest Semenyo during Saturday’s match against Ipswich, but was ultimately forced to bring him on in the second half in place of Doku.

“Sometimes things happen that are beyond your control,” Maresca said.

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(ITALPRESS)

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – After signing free agent Dani Carvajal, Getafe could also bring in another former Real Madrid captain.

In recent days, club president Ángel Torres had acknowledged negotiations with Jadon Sancho and Dani Parejo. Yesterday, however, he revealed that the club was also in contact with René Ramos, Sergio’s brother and agent.

Getafe are willing to sign the 40-year-old defender, provided the financial terms are right, even though the club already have fairly good cover in central defence.

Sergio Ramos has been without a club for almost a year, following the end of his spell with Mexican side Monterrey in December 2025.

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(ITALPRESS)

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Supporting purchasing power, youth employment, territorial development, and strengthening strategic sovereignty—these are some of the key pillars of Morocco’s draft budget for 2027. The general guidelines for the budget were reviewed and adopted by the Council of Ministers, presided over by King Mohammed VI—accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan—at the Royal Palace in Rabat, according to a statement from the Royal Cabinet.

The Minister of Economy, Finance, and Public Administration outlined the measures, which were developed against an international backdrop marked by the rising costs of geostrategic conflicts, protectionist trends, and intensifying competition in the energy, technology, and finance sectors.

According to forecasts presented to the Council, the Moroccan economy is expected to close 2026 with a growth rate of 4.7%, inflation at 0.7%, and a budget deficit equivalent to 3% of the Gross Domestic Product. The budget focuses on five key priorities. The first concerns the restoration of purchasing power and the consolidation of a sustainable welfare state. Starting in 2027, a structural reform of markets and pricing is planned, alongside measures to support citizens, continue the expansion of healthcare coverage, ensure the sustainability of related social security schemes, and increase direct social assistance.

The plan also includes initiatives for public healthcare and education systems, as well as the continuation of a direct support program for housing access. The second pillar is dedicated to the integration of young people into education, vocational training, and decent employment opportunities. The government will launch an integrated national program for the 2027–2031 period, featuring measures for guidance, training, and incubation, as well as facilitating access to financing, guarantee mechanisms, and markets.

As stated in the official announcement, the goal is to overcome the fragmentation of sectoral programs by building a national policy that supports young people from their education through to employment and housing. The third priority focuses on accelerating advanced regionalization and a new generation of integrated territorial development programs.

These initiatives will include the reorganization of regional competencies, the strengthening of coordination and agreements between the State and the regions, and the full implementation of the National Charter for Administrative Decentralization. Approximately 25 billion dirhams have been earmarked to accelerate these integrated territorial development programs. The fourth pillar aims to strengthen sovereignty in the water, energy, food, and digital sectors.

Key measures include accelerating the development of renewable energy, continuing the “Morocco Offer” initiative for green hydrogen, and progressively implementing a roadmap for gas infrastructure, alongside efforts to ensure food security and national digital sovereignty.

The fifth priority concerns consolidating an economy capable of funding social and sovereignty-related objectives by accelerating institutional reforms while maintaining macroeconomic and budgetary balance. This framework encompasses the financing of major development projects, sectoral strategies, and new strategic industrial ecosystems.

Furthermore, the initiative places a strong emphasis on private investment by strengthening the support mechanisms established under the Investment Charter and continuing the reform of the Regional Investment Centers, with a particular focus on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

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(ITALPRESS).

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Paris Saint-Germain will be without Nuno Mendes during the most critical part of the season. The Portuguese full-back faces several weeks on the sidelines due to an injury to his left thigh, sustained during last night’s 3-1 victory over Strasbourg.

This comes as a major blow to Luis Enrique, who will be without the defender for the Champions League clash against Barcelona, ​​scheduled for Tuesday at 9:00 PM at the Parc des Princes. Initial indications regarding the player’s condition came from the PSG manager himself following the league match.

“I’m not sure if you could call it an injury,” the Spanish coach remarked, referring to the substitution of the Portuguese player in the 86th minute—shortly after the team’s second goal. However, medical examinations conducted today have clarified the situation: Mendes has sustained a muscle injury to his left thigh and will be unavailable for the coming weeks, as officially confirmed by the club.

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(ITALPRESS).

CAIRO (EGYPT) (ITALPRESS) – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi presided over a meeting of the National Defense Council this morning at the Ittihadiya Presidential Palace. The meeting was attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; the Prime Minister; the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces (who also serves as Minister of Defense and Military Production); the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces; the Ministers of Interior, Finance, Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Expatriate Affairs; the Director of the General Intelligence Service; the commanders of the main branches of the Armed Forces; the Chief of Armed Forces Operations; the Director of Military Intelligence; and the Secretary-General of the Council.

The official spokesperson for the Presidency of the Republic stated that the Council reviewed regional developments and the critical situation affecting the region, with a particular focus on the intensification of unacceptable attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Council affirmed Egypt’s full support and total solidarity with Saudi Arabia—a stance rooted in the historical ties and strong relations that unite the peoples of these two fraternal nations, which are considered the heart of the Arab world. This position is also based on the conviction that Saudi national security is inextricably linked to the security of Egypt and the broader Arab region.

Furthermore, the Council decided to provide Saudi Arabia with all necessary and feasible forms of support to defend its security and stability, safeguard its resources, and protect its territorial integrity as well as the holy sites of Islam. Finally, the need was underscored to continue and intensify political and diplomatic efforts—in coordination with relevant regional and international parties—to help reduce tensions throughout the entire region and foster the peaceful resolution of ongoing crises.

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LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – A fractured jaw and a successful operation. After a major scare, there is positive news regarding the condition of Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who suffered a nasty injury yesterday that saw him carried off on a stretcher during the “Blues'” 2-0 away victory against Everton.

Following a collision with Toffees defender Jarrad Branthwaite, “Dibu” received on-field treatment for eight minutes before being stretchered off and taken to the hospital. There, as confirmed by Chelsea, he underwent surgery on his jaw, which was “performed successfully.”

“Thanks to everyone for the messages. The operation went well,” the 34-year-old Argentine goalkeeper wrote on social media. “The most important thing is that we won and kept a clean sheet. I’ll be back on the pitch in a few weeks.”

According to the British press, “Dibu” will miss the next three Premier League matches—against Tottenham and Manchester United—as well as the League Cup tie against Liverpool. He will be replaced by 21-year-old Mike Penders, who took his place on the pitch yesterday following Martinez’s injury.

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VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Work on Malta’s second electricity interconnector in Sicily is at an advanced stage, with 92% of the 21km land cable already installed, Energy Minister Miriam Dalli said.

Significant progress has also been made on infrastructure and equipment at the Ragusa terminal station, which connects Malta to the European electricity grid.

Dalli visited the site with officials from Interconnect Malta, which is coordinating the project, and met representatives of the contractors involved.

The first interconnector was switched off for 10 days earlier this month to allow critical works to be carried out safely at the Enemalta Terminal Station in Ragusa.

Dalli described the work as another step towards integrating the second interconnector into Italy’s electricity transmission network.

Interconnect Malta chief executive Ishmael D’Amato explained that equipment dedicated to the first interconnector had to be isolated from the area reserved for the new connection.

This enabled workers to prepare foundations for isolators and a channel for the reactor, which will connect the second interconnector to hybrid switchgear due to be installed in the coming weeks.

A fire protection system has also been installed, including a fire tank and firewalls designed to prevent flames from spreading.

Meanwhile, trench excavation along the 21km land cable route from the terminal station to the jetty in Sicily is practically complete, with the final 1.7km of cable still to be installed.

Connections are being made at one-kilometre intervals by specialised technicians before the trenches are covered with special sand and resurfaced. Fifteen of the 21 roadside openings required at cable joints have been completed.

Preparations are also underway near Marina di Ragusa’s tourist port for a 300-metre trench linking the land cable to the undersea section.

The connection will be created using horizontal directional drilling at a depth of 30 metres, through an 80cm-wide channel designed to minimise the impact on the coastal environment.

Dalli said the project was approaching its final stages and formed a key part of Malta’s long-term energy strategy.

She added that the second interconnector would strengthen the security of electricity supply and support the country’s transition towards a more resilient and sustainable energy system.

-Photo Interconnect Malta Inline image-
(ITALPRESS).