Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has this evening confirmed that the subjects of recreational marijuana and reform in the laws on prostitution are on the government's agenda.

Speaking in parliament as a reaction to the President's speech for the opening of the current legislature, Prime Minister Muscat said that he has a mandate handed to him by the people, to implement controversial reforms. Muscat said that it is high time that the country holds a mature discussion on marijuana. Similarly, on prostitution, Muscat said that the government can no longer close its eyes to a black market industry which could be enslaving women.

He also made reference to strip clubs and to massage parlours and said that the latter have suddenly emerged in every corner. "It would be irresponsible for us not to discuss this issue," he added.

Muscat also made reference to further female involvement in politics. He said that he is open to boost the number of women MPs in the current legislature. Earlier this month, the Prime Minister outlined a government plan to introduce gender quota. 

In a reaction, the outgoing Leader of the Nationalist Party, Simon Busuttil said that he supports Joseph Muscat and the government with regards to gender quota improvement. However, he lashed out at the Prime Minister and pointed out that ever since he became PM, the quota of women in parliament was reduced. "I, on the other hand, have an Opposition with 20% being females," he said.

"There's a big difference between what one says, and what one does," he added.

"While Joseph Muscat preaches public unity, he ignores the hundreds of vindictive transfers. If you truly believe this, you should reverse such transfers immediately."