With the scandal-ridden 2016 now safely behind us, the country can now look forward to a new year with a fresh perspective although there is no doubt that many of the conundrums and calamities that plagued the government and by default the nation at large will certainly continue to take their toll over the next 12 months.

Here a look ahead at what, in our view, will define much of the news stream over the coming year.

 

The EU presidency

The country will start the year on an extremely positive note as it assumes the Presidency of the European Union. While this has been anticipated since Malta joined the bloc back in 2004, few could have predicted the state of the union as it is in its current form. Malta will certainly have a lot on its plate, what with being tasked to preside over a bloc that appears to be crumbling from within. Brexit may very lead well still lead to a domino effect in countries such as France, Holland and elsewhere and Malta’s diplomatic skills may be put to the real test should such possibilities rear their ugly heads.

 

A 2017 general election?

Yes, rumours of a general election are always near, especially as the end of a legislature draws near. An election can technically be called anytime up till June 2018 but there are many out there with a distinct feeling that an election may be called earlier than that. One possibility would be to call an election this coming summer, should the government perhaps feel it is riding high on a wave of popularity in the immediate wake of the country’s EU Presidency. Another possibility would be an election this autumn right after a friendly budget. Whatever the case, one thing is certain: the government will choose its timing very carefully indeed.

 

Panamagate

The Panama Papers revelations were perhaps the biggest news story of the last year and it is one that will undoubtedly spill over to 2017. Malta, it must be noted, was a special case in point with a government minister and a prime minister’s chief of staff having been directly implicated in the scandal. So far, the government appears to have somehow weathered the storm but more remains to be seen, especially when it comes to the European Parliament’s inquiry into the matter as a whole. That committee will certainly seek to question both the minister and chief of staff, but whether the Maltese side of the equation will choose to make itself available to such scrutiny remains to be seen. Either way, matters could turn sour very quickly when push comes to shove. The matter may also have a nasty residual effect on Malta’s EU Presidency should the EP decide to begin blocking legislation Malta attempts to pass out of spite.

 

Quo vadis Air Malta?

‘Where, exactly, is the national airline headed’ has been the question on the tips of everyone’s tongues not only over this last year but ever since the airline embarked on its painful restructuring process. While negotiations with potential strategic partner, in the form of Italian carrier Alitalia, appear to be on the rocks, the European Union is also extremely reticent about allowing the government to pump more cash into the flailing airline. Whatever the case, there is certainly no small amount of turbulence ahead for the airline and its employees.

 

The pre-election budget

Irrespective of when the actual next general election is called, the next budget will be this legislature’s last. And as such, one can be rest assured that Budget 2018 will be a kind one. One, the cards here are a further reduction in electricity rates brought on by the use of natural gas at the country’s power plants; two, an income tax cut as has been proposed by the Opposition; and three, an upwards tweaking of the minimum wage.

 

Electrogas power station to go on stream

At some point this year, the new, and controversial, Delimara power station should go on stream after a two-year plus delay from the original March 2015 deadline. The government will undoubtedly capitalise on this development and use it to enhance its long-suffering environmental credentials, while also providing room for further cuts in electricity rates. 

 

Same sex marriage and abortion

There is no doubt that the government has performed marvellously so far in the area of civil rights but it is widely viewed that one of the last remaining bastions – the legalisation of abortion – would be a step too far. The government could, however, change legislation to allow for abortion in certain circumstances, such as when a mother’s life is in danger, but that too may be a little too unpalatable for the electorate. On the other hand, the government may very well up the ante when it comes to same-sex relationships from having legalised civil unions to allowing for same-sex marriage. The government may, however, choose to not go down this particular road for fear of pushing the envelope too far.