Currently in Parliament we are debating in the committee stage the so-called MEPA reform. As Opposition we have many doubts about this draft and as a matter of fact raised our concerns during the debate and also presented some amendments. This legislative draft gives more power to the minister, and as such it seems that MEPA is going to be more politically controlled than it is today.
A week and a half ago the MEPA board met to discuss another stage of the application of the extension of the Delimara Power Station. As soon as I entered the hall I was under the impression of a déjà vu. In fact, after four and a half hours of interventions, the result was all board members in favour with the exception of one. That was the result which I expected as soon as I entered the Phoenicia Hall. At least the MEPA board decided to meet in a decent place which is larger than the usual hall at their offices. I had the impression that it was a fake discussion since the Chairman, instead of focusing on doing his job, was giving replies to some, either to shoot down their valid arguments or even to postpone the discussion to a later stage – that is within a year or so when the so called IPPC permit will be discussed. I can already bet about the outcome.
I am not an ardent follower of the MEPA proceedings however the more I learn about this authority the more I convince myself that it is always the master’s servant, the master being the Nationalist government. Whenever the current administration decided to put forward a particular project, notwithstanding that there were grounds on planning which could stop it, the government insisted on its continuation and, in turn, so did MEPA. And that is why I am not confident that things will improve with the proposed legislation since political interference will continue to increase, not only behind the scenes, but this time also permitted by law.
Two weights, two measures
In the wake of the suspension of EU funds for the Youth in Action and the Lifelong Learning programmes, at first there was complete silence after we got to know by means of a press release. If it weren’t for the Labour Party, this would have gone unnoticed. We are talking about more than 500 people and a number of projects being affected at present and if this is not solved as soon as possible it might also affect future participation. I expected that the University Students’ Council would have been more active, even organising a protest, but then I realised that it is not a Labour government but another administration – so no one even considers a protest. They just opted to issue a polite press release so as not to be criticised for being passive.
And that is why I consider this to be two weights, two measures. In the past students felt that they should protest against a Labour government. They had every right to do so if they believed that that was necessary. But today there is almost silence. So, after so much fuss about joining the EU and accessing these funds and programmes, these are temporarily suspended – and who knows for how long.
At least last Wednesday 41 youth organisations presented a petition to all members of Parliament for these programmes to be reinstated as soon as possible. The situation, as things stand today, is that Parliament has no power and the ball is in the government’s court.
San Andrea School
On Friday 21 May I was invited to attend an activity at San Andrea School where the students, with the help of their educators and parents, took a number of initiatives to help Malta enjoy a better environment. The activity dealt with the recycling of old computers and mobile phones. Children also spoke about other initiatives which they take at school especially through the Eko-Skola Committee. A very big well done to all those concerned.
In their invitation, the organisers chose a quote from a speech by the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon when he launched the report on energy and climate change. The quote is as follows: “Rich and poor nations need a clean energy revolution in order to cut greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global warming.” A very appropriate quote indeed since this work must be the responsibility of everyone. Our children are giving us the example which we adults need to follow this time round. And that is why I believe that schoolchildren, with regard to environment, are not only tomorrow’s hope but today’s leaders.
Carmelo Abela
Labour main spokesperson for industry and foreign investment
Email: [email protected]