The real intentions of the Malta Labour Party are being unveiled. The recent declarations made by Alfred Sant and other party officials show the inability to provide a real plan for the future of Malta and the Maltese people. This is just another series of actions in a desperate attempt to win votes.
The MLP’s suggestions, if implemented, will hinder the country’s future and would risk what we have already achieved together. What we are achieving is being transformed into success and opportunity for all, and if worked on, will continue to consolidate our economic growth.
The comments made by the Opposition Leader during Reno Bugeja’s programme Dissett shows how Dr Sant is still uninformed about issues concerning the European Union. The renegotiation of the accession treaty is just a fantasy that even Socialists MEPs said is unthinkable.
The absurd comments made by the MLP leader generate doubt, not only among the Maltese population, but also on an international level. Such uncertainty, like that which occurred when Malta’s application to join the EU was frozen, hit badly on our reputation in the international sphere. Dr Sant must remember that the EU is not a ‘switch on, switch off’ affair.
Only those who do not know how the European Union works may believe this fantasy! The Opposition Leader knows very well that to alter a single word in the treaty, he must negotiate with the European Commission and all the governments from the other states, meaning 26 different governments.
However, the illusionary proposals made by Dr Sant do not limit themselves to renegotiating the accession treaty. The Opposition Leader has not yet given up on the unwise suggestion regarding the Maltese lira devaluation.
In an interview on Vivre magazine Alfred Sant once again suggested the devaluation of the Maltese lira before the euro introduction in Malta. The only difference is that the devaluation rate proposed now is of 15 per cent.
This would mean a reduction in monetary value of 15 per cent, while prices would rise by 15 per cent. In less than five years Alfred Sant’s suggestions, if implemented, would result in a 15 per cent burden for all the Maltese. This proposal would reduce the value of e100 to e85, while increasing prices from e100 to e115. That would result in a real burden for consumers’ interests, especially those coming from the less well-off social strata.
This is another wrong suggestion; a proposal that creates ambiguity. These doubts hinder our economic growth, since they keep investors away from investing on our shores. Everybody remembers what occurred back in 1996, as a result of the unwise decision of freezing the negotiations with the EU. The insecurity that was generated led to an increase in unemployment, an increase in inflation reaching a high 3.81 per cent, less foreign investment to our shores and introduced a record number of taxes and increase in national debt to Lm275 million.
That is the difference between the Nationalist Party and the party led by Alfred Sant. The Nationalist Party, and all the leaders that led the party, apart from abiding by its own rules and regulations, always worked hard in the national interest and towards improving the situation, both for our country and for the people inhabiting these islands.
The policies that our government implemented are clearly achieving positive results. Our country is flourishing and we are on the right track to achieve our goals, that is, becoming a centre of excellence in six targeted sectors.
The road to this achievement was not plain sailing. We had to face various obstacles coming from both local and foreign spheres. 9/11, the rise in oil prices and climate change are just a few hindrances that we faced, and still we are facing. Still this administration acted wisely and managed to attract investment and to generate wealth for the whole society.
The Nationalist Party, when the time comes, may go in front of the electorate with a record of accomplishments and a list of challenges changed into success stories. A basket filled with opportunities for all Maltese society that will lead our country to the highest levels of achievements. The implementation of the projects and investments will secure the future for our children, our future generations and us.
We cannot permit the hindrance of these achievements. We cannot allow Dr Alfred Sant to make use of the same illusionary promises with the electorate, like the ones he used prior to the referendum.
David Casa is a Nationalist MEP
www.davidcasa.eu
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