The prime minister urged unions to work hand in hand with the government to guarantee a solid future for Malta. He explained that competitiveness must be considered a national project and all sectors need to work together to reach the targets set by the government.

Addressing the press at the end of what he called an “exceptional 12 months”, Dr Gonzi said that the extensive restructuring of the government, together with more investment in public entities, will add to Malta’s competitiveness and will also help reach the target of reducing the national deficit to three per cent.

Dr Gonzi outlined the issues with which the government had to deal during the previous year and explained the difficult financial situation in which Malta had found itself.

The months before the referendum and general election were filled with uncertainty which was reflected in the poor turn taken by the economy, he said. Government finances need to be consolidated as soon as possible since the decision as to whether or not Malta should introduce the Euro as its national currency is on the horizon.

The prime minister noted that in order to invest in other sectors requiring attention, such as education, health care and poverty, the economy must be strengthened. International unrest has had a negative impact on the economy and to rectify the situation, job creation must be one of the government’s top priorities.

He continued by pointing out that the number of people registered as unemployed has dropped from 8,200 to 7,800 in the last month. The number of vacancies at the Employment and Training Centre (ETC) has increased showing that the government is succeeding in creating jobs.

Dr Gonzi said that this trend must continue but he also noted an unusual discrepancy. Contractors have put pressure on the government for permits to employ foreigners as they could not find Maltese people to work for them. He found it somewhat odd that contractors are not finding workers, yet people are still unemployed.

When asked about the 545 job terminations in the first few months of the year under review, the prime minister explained that this number was not in fact much higher than that of previous years.

The prime minister also addressed the issue of the White Paper on public service. An analysis of the comments made in respect of it is being carried out so that the proposed law can be presented in parliament.

The White Paper aims to introduce new concepts to raise the standards of public service. This is of vital importance, said Dr Gonzi, since the quality of public service will reflect the standard found in the private sector.

The government has invested millions in an attempt to remove excess bureaucracy in the public service. Prime Minister Gonzi explained that the new technological infrastructure has made things much easier. Internet services and e-government saves people having to stand in long lines wasting precious time, he said.

Tourism has always been Malta’s selling point and the industry has suffered a serious setback over the last 12 months, said Dr Gonzi. He said that Malta had felt the impact of international events and as a result, tourist numbers had fallen. He continued by saying that the setting up of the Foreign Affairs and Investment Promotion Ministry will help attract foreign investment to Malta.

The government’s success in bringing MDC, METCO and IPSE together under the Malta Enterprise, brings with it new opportunities for Maltese workers, said the prime minister.

The newly appointed Cabinet will be doing its best to market all of Malta’s positive aspects, such as the very capable workers that can easily adapt to changing circumstances and the advanced technological infrastructure, he said.

Malta must also highly safeguard its environment – the sector that needs most attention, claimed Dr Gonzi. The Maghtab landfill will definitely be closed on 1 May and experts are currently analysing the situation to find a solution to Malta’s problem of waste management. This team of experts has been appointed to determine whether Mnajdra would be suitable as a temporary landfill.

The prime minister said that EU directives allow domestic waste to be packed and stored until a solution is found. He also highlighted the need for a change in the Maltese mentality – people need to feel the need to keep the environment as immaculate as their homes.

Highlighting the need to raise standards of living to conform with those of the EU, the prime minister said that the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) is now responsible for reaching a consensus on reforms within the pension, health care and welfare systems. These sectors need a solid background to keep the social aspect of Maltese life in balance.

This is crucial since these reforms outline the long-term future of our country, said the prime minister. He hoped that concrete proposals will be made and these reforms may soon become a reality.

The prime minister said he was hopeful that the relationship between the government and the Opposition will improve. He explained that the government benefits from constructive contributions and he felt there were no obstacles stopping the Opposition from making these for the good of the country.

With Malta on the brink of EU accession, Prime Minister Gonzi feels there is great national enthusiasm that will help the Maltese be open to the opportunities that await them to help the government improve the quality of life in Malta.