After two decades that have completely changed this country, it is not easy to keep up the momentum. In the last few years we can say that Malta has managed to achieve significant economic and infrastructural progress, thanks to the work of and decisions taken by the Nationalist government.

It is vital to mention that had the government taken the advice of Opposition leader Dr Joseph Muscat and not proceeded with the initiatives listed below, the country would not have benefited from several major projects. These projects and undertakings have helped the country to progress and flourish economically and have been of major importance in helping Malta acquire a more positive visibility abroad.

Dr Muscat advised our non-participation in the following projects:

• The adoption of the euro to replace the Maltese Lira as our national currency; he was also against the idea of Malta joining the European Union.

• The privatisation of the dockyard

• Public transport reforms

• The support offered by the government to business firms to safeguard the country from a severe degree of unemployment

• Investment in the health sector

• The introduction of low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet

• Pensions reform

• The White Rocks project

• The building of a new power station

• Major infrastructure projects such as the City Gate restructuring project by Renzo Piano.

• Keeping the current VAT rate for restaurants

According to Dr Muscat, the first step the government should have taken at the peak of the global financial and economic recession was to reduce government expenditure instead of offering more incentives and investing in the economy.

Furthermore, Dr Muscat opposed the participation of pilot projects such as the major reconstruction projects of Valletta’s City Gate which would not only help generate employment but would also serve to stimulate further and grow the Maltese economy.

If the Maltese government had taken such advice, Malta would now be in the same dire situation that Iceland, Portugal, Greece, Latvia and Spain are currently in.

It can therefore be said that Dr Muscat lacks political vision. Were he in power, Malta would not be in a safe pair of hands. We might still be talking about the possibility of quitting the EU and setting up the famous unknown partnership.