Gender Pay Gap: There has been much discussion on the issue of Gender Pay Gap, with Malta ranking at the bottom of the EU on the issue. Do you believe that this is a huge issue and what has caused it? What do you think can be done to solve this?
Cutajar: National law is clear – there must be no distinction between the pay of a man and a woman performing the same job. We have started reaping the benefits of the family friendly measures introduced by this Government in the increased female participation in our job market. The gap that remains is proof of archaic social structures that in general terms still keep women at a disadvantage in their career development – a situation we share with the rest of European member states wherein only 17% of senior managerial positions are occupied by female employees. I believe in empowering policies that enable the woman to make her own decisions free from economic subjugation and social restrictions. Given our strong economic position, I have no doubt that if we go the extra mile on parental leave and take our universal free childcare to the next level, we shall start seeing significant results vis-à-vis obstacles that remain.
Borg Knight: I believe that it is unacceptable that a woman gets paid less than a man just because she is a woman. There are different factors that impact the gender pay gap and this includes women getting paid less for the same role a man does, there are more men in higher positions than women and women take on more of the caring responsibilities. Amongst other things, we need to enforce the law on equal pay for work of equal value, implement work-life balance measures and increase female participation in the boardroom.
What are the chances of the number of female MEPs decreasing? Do you think this reflects increased prejudice or that people don't vote based on sex?
Cutajar: I am proud to form part of a strong team of candidates fielded by the Labour Party which includes competent women. The electorate should be given the best possible platform by parties and our laws directed towards eradicating any discrimination that presently restricts females in public life. It is a race till the end and it would be premature to try guessing the number of female MEPs that will be elected. As to voting trends, one cannot generalise.
Borg Knight: I cannot predict the outcome of an election however in elections there is the power of incumbency so the results may to an extent reflect this phenomenon and we need to keep in mind that more males than females are participating in these elections.
What is your opinion on gender quotas?
Cutajar: I believe society changes through laws and policies introduced smartly, and education. The proposed reform is not about quotas. Among a set of positive measures aimed at breaking barriers for women in public life there is a mechanism that would see the under-represented sex gain a designated number of extra seats to ensure gender equality in Parliament. In other words, to ensure that society is better represented in Parliament. No elected representative will be losing his seat. Formal obstacles may have been brought down but there remains gender stereotypes and less tangible obstacles in our society that we need to eliminate for a stronger female participation in public life.
Borg Knight: My personal opinion is that I don't like quotas but I like what they do. Quotas need to be looked at as a temporary measure but surely not the only measure. We need to shake things up and get things moving, unless we are willing to wait for decades.
Do you genuinely believe that there is a work-life balance in Malta?
Cutajar: I remember reading Herbert Ganado’s ‘Rajt Malta Tinbidel’ years ago and feel proud of Maltese and Gozitan social, political and economic development amid a history of struggle. The progress experienced in these past years bringing us to this day makes for an interesting sequel to Ganado’s work. Unprecedented growth following years of stagnation, a strong and dynamic job market, a vibrant tourism sector and 15 years of European Union membership, all left a mark reflected in our modern more urban kind of life. A kind of life which presents environmental and social challenges.
A real work-life balance is the challenge of our generation which we ought to address both on a European and a national level, not only for workers but also for students. We can achieve this by better flexibility in working conditions and urban planning that ensures more safe and open spaces.
Borg Knight: There is so much more that needs to be done to actually say that there is actual work-life balance - we have made some steps but still a long way to go.
What is your opinion on abortion/ surrogacy?
Cutajar: Personally, I am not prepared to have an abortion done. However, I definitely do not tolerate the stigmatisation of vulnerable women who find themselves in extremely difficult circumstances. I also think we have a long way to go in improving sexual education. We should also focus on fostering respect among each other and on teaching our boys and girls about the importance of consent in sexual relationships.
It is important to point out that abortion is a question of national (and not EU) competence and that this Government does not have a mandate to legalise abortion and never sought it.
Surrogacy is illegal. The progress made in the rights of all couples to access services of adoption and IVF treatment are proof of our strong belief in the family (of any form) as the pivot of our social development.
Borg Knight: The Nationalist Party is clear on these two issues - we are not in favour of abortion/surrogacy.
Do you agree with Adrian Delia's opinion on migration; that the PN is contradicting itself by stoking fear whilst at the same time proposing that Malta could become a "centre for migration?
Borg Knight: The contradiction is that Joseph Muscat had insisted on push-back and it was him who then said that Malta should become a cosmopolitan country. The Prime Minster has now also gone as far as to say that foreign workers are only good to collect garbage hence offending foreign workers and all workers who work in such roles.
The PN’s policy has always been consistent - being fair with all who need protection, enforcing the law where necessary and being strict with all those who take advantage of vulnerable people
Do you feel comfortable knowing that the leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister has two ministers working close to him who are both accused of corruption?
Cutajar: In my legal profession I learned not to speak about cases pending court proceedings. In this democratic country we have the Rule of Law and everyone is subject to the same law. I have complete faith in the ability of our law enforcement and judicial institutions. The Whistleblower’s Act, the abolishment of prescription, the increased scrutiny on public appointments and the reform in the appointments of the judiciary all hint at the intention of the Government to further strengthen the democratic credentials of the country and the Rule of Law.
The Egrant lie, and the way it risked the country’s stability, should teach a lesson or two, if we are genuinely interested in protecting our country’s reputation.