The Malta Labour Party is a party of opportunities while the Nationalist Party is one based on opportunism, said acting party leader Charles Mangion yesterday.
Dr Mangion was speaking during a party activity held in Rabat yesterday. He said that under a PN government, wealth was only beign distributed to the few, while a labour government would ensure that it is enjoyed equitably by all.
He said that 2007 was a year of ‘state of the art’ incompetence by the PN, mentioning the Malta Transport Authority scandals, the Malta Maritime Authority scandals, the delay in the Manwel Dimech Bridge project and others.
Dr Mangion said that capital expenditure in government projects had increased by €490 million simply due to incompetence. He said that 20 years ago, the PN had found the country’s finances in good health, yet today we have a national debt of €3,500 billion. This, he said is the PN’s legacy to Malta after 20 years of government. He said that various government entitites such as Maltacom, Mid-Med and the airport were sold to make good for debt, yet instead, debts continued to spiral out of control.
Dr Mangion also said that the Prime Minister had promised that recurrent expenditure would not increase by more than €16million, yet it had gone over by €81 million per year.
He also said the government promised to reduce taxes, yet these had increased by €120 million per year. Dr Mangion said that many of the challenges the country is facign are a direct result of government incompetence, such as, for example cost of living.
He pointed out that over a year ago, Prime Minister Gonzi said that there was nothing he could do about it. He also said that the price freeze agreement on certain products had failed because prices of various items were increasing at double and triple the rate of other EU countries.
He said that the MLP, in government, would make tackling inflation a primary aim, adding that the proposal to reduce the water and electricity surcharge can work and will work once the MLP is in office. Dr Mangion also said that the MLP would put alternative energy production at the top of its agenda.
Another measure the MLP will introduce is to remove income tax on overtime, he said, which will allow people to have more purchasing power.
Dr Mangion said all this fit into the MLP’s plan to see the country achieving economic growth of between four to six per cent. He said that change was needed as the country’s competitiveness was waning.
He also spoke about Opposition leader Alfred Sant and said that he would soon be back at the helm of the party following a recuperation period. He assured those present that it would be Dr Sant who would be leading the MLP’s election campaign. He also closed by saying that anyone of goodwill would be welcome to work with the Malta Labour Party.
MLP deputy leader for Party Affairs Michael Falzon said that 2007 was a very successful year for the party. He said that the party had won again in the local council elections and that plans had been developed for the Grand Harbour and Bugibba.
2008, he said, will be a year of change for the better. A positive year based on good work ethic, protection and dignity.
Spokesman for education Carmelo Abela also addressed the meeting and said that the MLP believed in good quality education for all and said that children and youth will be placed at the top of an MLP government’s list.