Sunday’s papers were quite full of speculation on the next general election date. One particular Sunday newspaper also carried a full two-page interview with the Prime Minister, where he would not be drawn into giving up this greatly kept secret.
I have already touched upon this issue in one of my previous articles, and made it quite clear that the date is for him to call. However, whatever that date might be, Labour has now been prepared for the event for quite some time, and will not be taken by surprise.
Whatever that date might be, last week Labour clearly showed that it is ready and prepared for government. The work undertaken to build the “New Beginning Plan” shows that the party is more than ready to take over the role of moving this nation to a deserved much better future.
The party has sent a clear and meaningful message to the Maltese people: a message that we have prepared seriously and that we have serious factual plans prepared in order to aid us give a better Malta to everybody, young and old, successful or in need of help. Labour looks forward indeed, at building a prosperous and generous Malta, for all and sundry.
Labour leader Alfred Sant’s reply to the budget speech clearly showed that Labour is well-prepared and has meticulously planned the way forward. It was a positive, constructive and creative speech that showed clearly that Labour will give Malta a much better government, than what the Nationalists ever gave.
The 17 proposals put forward by Dr Sant were clearly a breath of fresh air in today’s political environment. Indeed, one asks, if Labour was so effective in opposition, just imagine what we would offer once in government.
The Nationalist government, on the other hand, is well aware that its past policies have failed, and has now changed its course in a bid to attract votes. It is clear that the Prime Minister is not making things by chance. We have today a government that is tired and weak from abuse and corruption.
Today, one cannot see a clear future; especially for those who are jobless, for those who are living in the risk of poverty, for those who finish their education without acquiring the basic skills necessary to find employment, for those that only work part-time to make a living, for those that are trying to buy their first home, and for so many others. These are indeed but some of the serious issues, that Labour will definitely take care of once in government.
The criticism made by the Prime Minister to the Labour leader’s speech was in turn far from convincing and clearly illustrated the fact that the Nationalists were only interested in fishing for votes. The issue of the national programme on breast screening not only showed that this government does not work as a team, but worse than that, it also showed that they will do anything to steal votes. Neither did the Prime Minister in his reply address the many difficulties of the lower income groups. For the Prime Minister to give the Maltese a “little too late” is just a sign of the political opportunism of this government.
On the contrary, let Labour continue on its positive tracks, enabling Malta to change this government to ensure a progressive and prosperous future for all.
A Labour government – a better government!!
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Dr Michael Falzon is the MLP Deputy Leader for Party Affairs