Prime Minister Joseph believes that it is the government’s decisiveness which has led to such a stable and growing Maltese economy – but now the government must focus on the 3,500 people who are registered as unemployed
Interviewed on One radio this morning, he said that when he found out about the unemployment statistics he was filled with joy, because Malta has never been ranked as having the lowest unemployment rates in Europe.
He made note of the upcoming challenge of maintaining such a ranking, and stressed that now is the time to continue the momentum gained, not to lose ground.
“During the last European Parliament elections, not many remember but Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil said that there was a job crisis. He said that the Labour Party is known for having problems with maintaining low unemployment rates.
“As a Labour government, we have managed to reverse the trend and we have been successful in helping the economy to grow.”
Asked about which sectors have seen the biggest increases in job opportunities, Dr Muscat said that jobs are being created across the board, in more humble work, skilled work and qualified work.
He continued by saying that the next step is to see what is stopping those 3,500 unemployed to enter the world of work.
“Some are registering as unemployed – but in fact work, some register but cannot work for a number of reasons and finally you have those who registered as being unemployed and are waiting for a job offer.
“There are a number of jobs which Maltese do not want to do – for example, Maltese do not want to work in the tourism sector because they do not see it as a career. We need to change this.”
“The winning formula of this government is that we are decisive, and take decisions on a number of hard topics,” he said.
He made note of measures such as reducing taxes which did not result in less income for the government, but rather they focused on expanding the economy which left people with more income and more opportunities. He explained that taxation should be used to regulate a market rather than have a cash-cow to provide income for the government.
On the freeport, Dr Muscat said that it is clear that there are a number of alternative options for all those who will be affected by the privatisation.
On the LNG tanker in Delimara, Marsaxlokk, he said that Malta will not pay a cent for the installation of the tanker, and said that while it poses some risks it is necessary until studies are concluded for a gas pipe-line.
Turning to reforms carried out by this government, he said that “the time spent waiting for a court case to be processed in court is taking much shorter – we are reversing a long-standing trend. We have also made positive changes on how members of the judiciary are appointed – something without precedent in Malta’s history. It is not the Prime Minister or the Cabinet who will simply choose members of the judiciary – this is a leap forward.”
Asked about whether people should be concerned about terrorist attacks in Malta, in light of the many taking place across Europe such as in France and Germany. Dr Muscat said that there is no known threat to Malta, however people have every right to be concerned. He stressed that the way attacks are taking place, such as in Nice, France on Bastille Day where a terrorist rented a truck and drove over a boulevard – ploughing through a number of people. Dr Muscat questioned how one can monitor attack threats such as that one, because they do not come in the traditional form of airplane hijackings where you have airport security who can monitor everybody.
Turning about the government’s focus for the summer – Dr Muscat spoke of preparations for the upcoming budget.
“Through the budget we need to ensure that this economic ‘boom’ becomes the norm, and continue the government’s positive work to bring change to these islands,” he concluded.