Believe it or not one year has already passed since Lawrence Gonzi was given the mandate to lead our country for another full term. This year brought about an array of situations, starting off with record numbers in tourism and ending in the midst of a gloomy economic scenario. A range of important decisions characterised the first year of Dr Gonzi’s second legislature, decisions that might not be the most popular ones, but that were important for our country. Nevertheless, the country has moved forward, determined to strengthen our economy amidst this economic climate.
The perception that sustainability has taken the centre stage is correct. Painting the agenda green has been, for many years, an issue just for the environmentalists. Yet as was promised during the electoral campaign, the Nationalist Party in government is focusing on the environment with vigour and a genuine passion to leave this country in a better state for our future generations.
Waste management facilities have increased; with separated waste reaching triple the levels we had before. A most enterprising idea of extracting energy from waste has started, schemes that offer financial help for the use of alterative energy are in place, and more drainage is being treated before it is released into the sea. Perhaps one of the most important developments concerns a strategy that revolves around turning our country into a zero waste society. This is indeed challenging, but equally of great satisfaction. A report dealing with climate change was presented including 87 proposals to improve the atmosphere. Well this might seem like a glorified list, but it essentially is a factual representation of results that the government achieved, and is in the process of achieving.
Three pillars were selected as overbearing priorities for the government. Employment, education and the environment are the predominant pillars, and among others, are being characterised by a number of reforms. In the past 12 months, when dealing with much needed reforms, 16 consultation processes have been initiated. To mention a few there is the rent reform, environment, waste management, local councils, Gozo, Mepa, transport, justice and education. As I stated above, some reforms may be regarded as a tough pill to swallow, however the Nationalist Party has since its inception always placed the common good of our country at the forefront, even if it means losing popularity and consequently votes in the process.
Turmoil is one word on everybody’s lips today. During these 12 months, the price of oil escalated to a ridiculous record of $140 a barrel, only to dwindle slowly back down to more reasonable levels. However, it has not yet reached the prices that existed one year ago. An international financial crisis has rocked the world, starting off in the States and branching out effortlessly in to the rest of the world. A number of countries are in recession but Malta has been weathering the storm, with a three per cent growth rate of our economy in 2008.
Furthermore, it is reassuring that 7,000 new jobs were created during this year, especially in a year characterised by all the issues mentioned previously. In the first eight months of 2008, direct foreign investment reached record levels of e417 million.
With the government focusing relentlessly on tourism, it was not surprising to hear that Malta registered a record number of tourists visiting – nearly one million three hundred thousand. Added to these is another half a million who came here on cruise liners.
We also saw how 10,000 computers were allocated to teachers in 2008; training programmes in ICT have started in class and online services increased. In June phase one of the SmartCity project was inaugurated with a direct investment of e300 million. Schemes were created for families to use the computer and the internet. These efforts are further reinstating the notion that Malta is becoming a centre of excellence in ICT. Decisions were also taken to start the real regeneration of our capital city, with Renzo Piano to redesign City Gate and the Opera House.
And while mentioning all this, I cannot fail to remark on a small reminder. Six years ago, Alfred Sant told us that his “partnership” had won the referendum. Dr Sant, then Labour Party leader, did not vote in the referendum. On the other hand, the current leader, Joseph Muscat voted against Malta’s entry into the European Union. A small reminder that makes me ponder long and hard of what situation our country would be in we had listened to the two Labour leaders. On a better note, our country is in the hands of Dr Gonzi, and we haven’t looked back since. This first year of this legislature forms the basis for more work that aims to reach levels of excellence in seven sectors selected by 2015.
David Casa is a Nationalist MEP
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www.davidcasa.eu