About two weeks ago, the European Commission issued a report where some countries were commended for their actions and for the current state of affairs in their countries during these difficult times. Among these countries Malta was also mentioned. Of course, it is positive that our country was mentioned in this report, but we need to analyse the current situation more

One question which immediately comes to mind is why are families not feeling this positivity if the country is doing better than other countries? Also, one has to ask at what price Malta is achieving these positive results, if they can be described so. After all, who is paying for this? And this is what I call virtual versus reality. To me it seems that while others are considering it a success, this is not being transmitted to the people. At least, the people are not comfortable with the current situation.

Are we out of the recession? Is the international recession over yet? Who knows? Economists and other experts have different views. We as a country should be on the lookout and should avoid making mistakes which can have an impact on our competitiveness. Other countries had to fork out money to save their banks. Thanks to God and the way our banks operate, we did not have to find millions of euros for bailouts. However, a number of companies found themselves in difficulty due to the lack of orders that they experienced. Some of these also had their employees on a four-day week. The intervention of government was needed, and with about 15 million euros the government, through Malta Enterprise, shouldered some of the burden. However, one must admit that the biggest burden was shouldered by the companies themselves. All this was done when these companies were being asked to pay higher water and electricity tariffs, and to face the challenges that cropped up because of the international recession.

When, until some days ago, I was shadowing industry and foreign investment, I had the opportunity to visit some of these companies and had a firsthand experience of how they managed to sail through the difficult period, which perhaps is not yet over. Even so, the government needs to stay on the alert and ease the pressure on such companies, rather than increasing it through government-induced costs in the broader sense.

Competitiveness is the key

Yes indeed, competitiveness is the key if we want to continue to be relevant in today’s economic environment. So what are we doing as a country to attract more investment to our shores? This was also the subject that an ex-PN Minister, Michael Falzon, treated in one of his articles in another English newspaper. He spoke clearly that the man leading Malta Enterprise with his projects and ideas is not going to enhance Malta’s competitiveness, at least as it is understood internationally.

In the last few months, I repeated that Malta Enterprise is not a real estate company and should not be run like one. The mission of Malta Enterprise is much more than this. The current administration acknowledges that the amalgamation of MDC, METCO and IPSE into one authority was a mistake. At present they are trying to internally change this. The focus should also be on investment promotion and the way this promotion is done. Today there is no clear view of how this is performed. One wonders whether enough people are focused on such an important aspect of Malta Enterprise. Perhaps many are focused on the ego projects, which will not make Malta more competitive, and unfortunately some of these projects will create other hardships.

I augur that those who are responsible will re-evaluate certain projects according to the needs of the country and will focus on the main trust of Malta Enterprise. I am sure that my colleague Chris Cardona, who is now responsible for industry and foreign investment, will make his voice heard to try and convince those responsible. I wish him well.

Social policy

My new responsibility is now social policy. For me it is a new subject in which I will try to delve into in more depth in the coming weeks and months. I am aware, however, that this is the backbone of our society, since it is through this Ministry that people in need are helped. However, I believe that the way society is changing, the kind of help provided should also be in line with these changes. All this will provide a better service and aid to our citizens.

My party, since its inception 90 years ago, always gave this subject a great deal of attention and when in government implemented policies that benefitted those in need. Now it’s the time to explore new avenues and opportunities to reach also those people that are experiencing a lot of hardship under the current situation.

Opposition’s Main Spokesman for Social Policy

Email: [email protected]