The latest Malta report from the International Monetary Fund raised a point that escaped much attention. Input from immigrant workers, mostly coming frm the European Union, was significant in the way by which the Maltese economy sustained competitiveness and the growth path it followed recently. Without immigrants, on a purely demographic basis, the Maltese labour force would not have been able to manage this.
The analysis needs to be evaluated technically, from both an economic and social perspective. For instance, it seems to be overlooking the fact that local participation in the labour force, though it has risen, is still low compared to the European average.
The IMF report states that immigrant workers brought new skills with them as part of their contribution. Among sectors where this happens, it mentions financial services and tourism.
In the e-gaming sector, one understands that this is the case for foreign workers who know languages that are not familiar in Malta.
However, it is doubtful whether the same point holds for the hotels and restaurants sector. Perhaps here, more than anything else, the focus should be on the social impact, not least with reference to the spread of precarious employment.
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Italy versus...
In past weeks, relations between the Italian government, the European Commission and other European institutions have become quite tense. Pointed remarks, accusations and counter accusations, in which PM Renzi also featured, followed in quick succession.
Soon, the European Commission will need to give a verdict regarding the success or otherwise of the economic proposals being implemented by the Italian government. It will need to judge whether as presented, these proposals conform to eurozone rules covering the management of government finances.
The rules are what they are. It is being rumoured that Italy (along with perhaps two other countries) is very close to breaching them to an extent that cannot be brushed aside. Voices from Italy and elsewhere are claiming that there is a need for flexibility in the implementation of eurozone rules, a “principle” that was widely invoked last year for France. However, the Commission’s repartee has already made the rounds: up to now, Italy has been the country to most benefit from flexibility.
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University governance
Media reports featured the upcoming appointment of a new rector for the University of Malta. As was to be expected, personalities became the focus as the story turned on who would be anointed.
Curiously though, the most essential question at such a moment should rather concern University governance. Very little is said about it. What is the current state of affairs at University? What are its present aims? How well is the University managing to reach them?
Presumably the choice of a rector will need to be framed by replies to such and similar questions.
The time has perhaps arrived for an extensive report about the University as a whole, including a study documenting the achievements and failures registered as of now, as well as the resources being devoted to all its operations. On such a basis, a national debate could be launched regarding how the University should be positioned as an institution for the future, comprising aims and the resources it should aspire to secure.