The Union Haddiema Maghqudin yesterday presented their election proposals to the four political parties, with the latter all saying that there was a great degree of convergence in their ideas.

Indeed, the fact that the Nationalist Party, Malta Labour Party, Alternattiva Demokratika and Azzjoni Nazzjonali conceded that there were great similarities between their and the union’s proposal which makes one wonder what the supposed vast gulf of differences between them is all about.

UHM president Gejtu Tanti opened the session and said that the union’s aspirations were the aspirations of the workers, students, pensioners and the general public.

He said that the union’s proposals were split into five sections – social dialogue; economic growth; cooperatives; social justice and sustainable development.

Secretary general Gejtu Vella said the UHM convened the four-party meeting not as to have a good photo opportunity, but to put forward valid proposals which the union believes can make life better for the general public.

Mr Vella said that one of the priorities of the next government, whoever it is, is to strengthen the role of regulators in Malta to allow them to have true, independent decision making roles.

He also said that consumers want value for money and that if the social partners work with government, then a formula can be found to reach this aim.

“When it comes to education, we need one cohesive policy. We cannot constantly chop and change. Our children are our only resource and we must make the best of them,” said Mr Vella.

He also said that he was pleased to see that the reforms in the taxation systems was leaving more money in people’s pockets. “The health sector has seen many developments, but we need to see an increase in primary and preventive care,” he said.

Mr Vella also said that the issue of health and safety at work needed serious attention. “We need to be pro-active and perhaps carry out risk assessments at workplaces around the country,” he said.

Other areas which he said needed attention including the operations of the Auditor General, the Broadcasting Authority, the role of government agency chairmen and directors, the set up of a working EU Committee, industrial relations and climate change.

After Mr Vella’s presentation, the four leaders were invited to speak. First to voice his views was AN deputy leader Anglu Xuereb who filled in for Josie Muscat who was indisposed. He said that one valid contribution that the AN could suggest was the introduction of proper flexi-time. “When one looks at tourism, for example, workers are idle in winter and flat out in summer, flexi-time could be employed in such a scenario,” he said.

Greens chairman Harry Vassallo was more offensive towards the one-party in government concept and said that unless AD is returned to parliament, the situation will remain stagnant and in status quo. “We are offering a coalition, without this, we will see the same old lip service of old. We need facts, we need change and without it, whichever colour gets in, we will have the same old mess,” said Dr Vassallo.

MLP leader Alfred Sant said that he was pleased to note that there was convergence between his party’s ideas and those of the UHM.

“We will base our administration on three main pillars. Good governance; a new economic policy as well as transparency and accountability,” said Dr Sant.

“We need to get rid of the incompetence, abuse of power and corruption which is damaging this country. We need to get rid of the friends of friends syndrome. We will build on the existing economic policies that are yielding good results and we will improve or change those that are not,” he said.

Dr Sant said that the country needed 5 to 6 per cent real economic growth which, however, trickles down to all sectors of society. He said that hospitals needed to become more transparent in their operations and that more emphasis needed to be made on primary and preventive care, while waiting lists need to be cut by 15 per cent. Speaking about education, Dr Sant said that Malta needed a better education system that will allow them to reach the levels of educations that prevail in Scandinavia or the UK.

He also said that the MLP would focus much of its attention on the environment and waste management.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said that his government had tried as much as it could to include people and social partners in policy drafting. “We only need to look at the process entered into during the pre-budget document drafting and before joining the European Union,” said Dr Gonzi.

He also said that the government converged with the UHM on a number of issues which were highlighted. “We have been told by the EU that our economy is sound, responsible and serious,” said the PM.

“We must not be complacent however. The US economic outlook is not good and there are problems ahead of us in the financial markets. We must also remember that there is the ever increasing problem of the price of fuel oil and of cereals,” said Dr Gonzi.

He said that the economy was growing thanks to the tax cut incentives implemented in 2006, 2007. “We now have a new package which will stimulate the economy further by putting more money into people’s pockets once we are re-elected to govern,” said Dr Gonzi.

He also said that plans were afoot to improve preventive and primary care as well as the construction of a new cancer hospital as well as a rehabilitation centre, adding that the pharmacy of your choice scheme was proving to be a great success. Dr Gonzi said that the government needed to invest more in the environment and that EU funds will go a long way to finance that end.

“The success that this country has enjoyed is all down to sitting around the table and discussing matters,” concluded the Prime Minister.

The Green delegation also included Edward Fenech, Carmel Cacopardo and Victor Galea. MLP deputy leaders Charles Mangion and Michael Falzon flanked Dr Sant while Education Minister Louis Galea and deputy PN leader Tonio Borg accompanied Dr Gonzi.