Joseph Muscat’s presence in the Maltese Parliament is not just an asset for the Labour opposition but for the whole country. Having an Opposition leader who has worked within the European Parliament will not just help us Labour deputies, but the whole Maltese Parliamentary system.

Ever since Joseph Muscat became leader of the Labour Party, I believe that this country truly experienced a new political season and a European way of doing politics.

This was reflected in the way Joseph Muscat handled the shipyards case, the way he speaks about issues which for many years in Malta were a taboo, the way he handled the liberalisation of the transport sector and the way he is putting forward progressive proposals.

As surveys have shown, people perceive the European Parliament as a more credible institution. Having an Opposition Leader who worked and was a successful MEP will surely help the Maltese Parliament to gain back public trust.

Joseph Muscat’s entry in the Maltese Parliament was possible thanks to Joseph Cuschieri’s altruistic gesture. The decision to vacate his parliamentary seat to make room for Joseph Muscat was an inspiring move which shows that within the Labour Party there are people who are committed to put the national interest before the party’s or their own interest. Well done, Joseph Cuschieri! I am sure that in five year’s time this gesture will be appreciated not just by the people who voted for him in the last general election, but also by new people who will be voting for Labour for the first time.

The Mitts case

I would like to express my concern about the investigation that is being conducted about the leakage of e-mail passwords and other data from the government’s IT agency. I am quite aware that an inquiry is being carried out but I must point out that this case is quite serious and an infinite number of questions came to my mind as I followed the case on the media. One particular question, which should be answered as soon as possible, is how long the case has been going on? I wonder what would have happened had this case taken place in a country were the ministers are truly accountable, such as in the UK.

Uniforms inquiry

For another year parents had to pay a hefty amount of money on uniforms and other education related items because the government failed to conclude an investigation about the price of uniforms, books and stationery, which was announced last May by minister Tonio Fenech. The government’s behaviour is affirming that at a time when the country is experiencing a record rise in the cost of living, it is not showing any commitment on behalf of consumers.

The morgue at SVDP

I do not want to sound prejudiced, because in my opinion this is not a political issue. But after serving for 10 years as a spokeperson for the elderly; I cannot just ignore the photo which was published in a local newspaper. The photo exposed the way the body of an old lady who died in St Vincent De Paul was handled at the residence morgue. I was shocked when I saw the old lady’s head resting on a plastic container which is usually used for liquids. Can you imagine having a relative or a friend treated this way?

Silvio Parnis is MLP spokesman for consumer protection