Speaking at the PN’s November General Council meeting, Dr Gonzi gave a run down of the government’s plans and prospects for the next five years that were listed in the document entitled Renewal for the Future. “These are concrete proposals that will move the country forward through renewal,” he said.
Competitiveness is the key to Malta making the most of every opportunity offered in the new reality forged by its EU membership. This not only applies to the economy, but also to the social and environmental sector, said the prime minister.
He explained that the PN aims to concentrate on three main areas – the economy, education and the environment. “We have given priority to projects in each sector, and although these are not the only things the PN will be dealing with, they are certainly the most important,” said Dr Gonzi.
In 2006 the deficit should have fallen sufficiently for Malta to enter the Eurozone. The PM laid out a plan for the reduction of the serious deficit Malta was warned about by the EU earlier this year. These goals will be reached as long as the economy continues to develop at a steady rate, said Dr Gonzi.
In 2003, the deficit was Lm177million which by the end of this year will be reduced to Lm95million, he said. By next year, this figure should be down to Lm76million and it should reach Lm50million by 2006, the year in which Malta has been predicted to enter the Eurozone.
The down-sizing of the public sector is an issue on the party’s agenda. “This does not mean people will be discharged, but simply that anyone who stops working will not be replaced,” explained the prime minister.
The PN has identified issues that must be addressed. An example of this is the cost and completion of the Mater Dei Hospital. The pension reforms also come high on the agenda together with the attack on tax evasion. In fact, Dr Gonzi said more than Lm10million had been recovered due to this action.
The Prime Minister spoke of other sectors that need reform in order for Malta to move forward, such as the health sector, education and public transport.
Economic activity must be fuelled and initiatives for more research, development and innovation will be a key factor in this. The Lm5million to be given to the Employment and Training Corporation to carry out the national plan for employment will create jobs that will contribute greatly to the economy, continued Dr Gonzi.
He spoke of the simplification of the process to pay car licences. He questioned why one should have to visit two different places to pay insurance and the licence. Dr Gonzi promised this discrepancy will be ironed out.
The completion of local and structural plans play an important role in economic development while agriculture is vital for the good of the environment, he continued.
The safeguarding of archaeological sites, like Hagar Qim and Ggantija, is one of the factors that will enhance Malta’s environment along with increasing fines for littering, said the Prime Minister. Increased fines will contribute to a more beautiful island, and the only thing to be decided is who will enforce them.
The first initiatives to convert waste into energy will be carried out by 2006, continued Prime Minister Gonzi, speaking of issues to be dealt with for the good of the environment.
He also spoke of the special attention that must be given to Malta’s sister island of Gozo. The Cirkewwa and Mgarr terminals will be completed as soon as possible, said Dr Gonzi.
He also mentioned that the government is considering reinstating a helicopter service – “one that is of high quality, just as Gozo deserves.”
Prime Minister Gonzi concluded by saying that this agenda will not only change the country, but will help keep the PN in government for a further term.