From its very beginning, Labour has always been democratically governed by its general conferences, during which its policies have always been discussed and brought forward for approval. This tradition has made the party what it is, a popular party administered by a leadership chosen from among its members. For us, there is never too much discussion. Indeed it is this free discussion which makes us move and act so effectively, to ensure the good of all, especially those that are most in need. This tradition is sane and still alive, and augurs well for the party in the future.
Throughout its history, Labour has consistently been a beacon of light that has progressively driven Malta out of the “darkness” which we as a nation have successfully faced. The party has always set a forward-looking agenda that would put Malta firmly in the present, and prepare it for the future. Not an easy task indeed, as many a party veteran can confirm, the party having been depicted in the past, as everything from “unholy” to “an enemy of the people”. Today, however, all acknowledge the changes that took place when Labour was in government, and that what Labour promises, it delivers.
In today’s world, economics, more than politics, seem to drive our lives. Globalisation appears to be the main factor that controls our everyday life: what work is made available, how much we are paid, and what standard of living we are able to afford. This economic reality seems to dictate which industries are profitable and which ones do not succeed. In today’s world we seem not to have control. Is this, however, totally true?
It is in this environment that Labour’s annual general conference will, this week, discuss three motions aimed at enhancing its preparedness to govern. Three motions which will add to the work already done on the plan “New Beginning”, which details Labour’s way ahead into government and towards a better future for Malta and Gozo in general.
The three motions centre on the family, social welfare and a better quality of life through more work.
The motion “The family central to the plan new beginning”, apart from discussing the proposals that Labour has presented about the family, also puts forth discussions on other issues regarding children, youth, sport, pensioners and young couples that are about to purchase their first property.
The motion “Ensuring welfare”, true to Labour’s social values, is primarily an invitation to discuss the betterment of education, health and the environment. There is much to be discussed here, especially in education, where Malta is performing so badly, and appears to have the lowest levels of performance in EU statistics.
The motion “Ensuring a better standard of living”, will in turn generate a healthy discussion on the issues relating to topics concerning education and work. Added to this, delegates are expected to discuss the targets that Labour has set for tourism, industry, information technology, the maritime sector and the Labour regional development plans for Gozo, Bugibba, the port areas and the south of Malta.
On an international “tone”, the conference is also expected to be attended by delegates from the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, who will be in Malta to participate in a meeting which they themselves have organised in Malta, during Labour’s Conference Week. On Friday then, the conference will be addressed by Alan Johnson, the British Secretary of Health. This, not to mention the fringe meetings, which are also being held throughout the week, during which we will also discuss our motions with those from outside the Party. A healthy initiative indeed.
Crowning the conference will be the closing speech delivered by party leader Alfred Sant; a speech which will be attentively followed, considering that this will be the last general conference speech before the next general election.
This conference will thus clearly continue, as our past conferences have done, to further enhance our determination to move forward and win the forth-coming elections, not only to give Malta an alternative government, but a better one. A government of success – success for all and sundry.
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Dr Michael Falzon is the MLP Deputy Leader for Party Affairs