Being in politics I closely follow what is happening in our country.  I also meet a lot of people and as such I am close to what the people in the street feel and the hardships that they are encountering.  From these encounters I learn a lot and became more aware and determined that policies should be for the people.  Of course this does not mean that we as politicians should promise everything to everyone because the common good should prevail.  However attention to what the people say and how we can improve their standard of living must be given its due importance and should be at the very top of our agenda.

Following declarations by other politicians, especially those coming from the opposing party, I am even more convinced that the country cannot afford another GonziPN government after so many years in government.  Though the official election campaign has not yet started, we all know that all political parties are in election mode. 

The GonziPN clan in every activity that they are organising even as a government are all the time exploiting every opportunity to pass partisan messages. We are seeing ministers participating actively during the launching of the GonziPN billboards. And while I am at it one needs to observe that all the GonziPN billboards so far pass negative messages on the Labour Party and its leader.  No new ideas and proposals for the future. 

The GonziPN clique has become something of the past and as such urgently needs to be reformed. This can only be done if they go in opposition. However the country needs fresh ideas and different people in government from the present clique. The country needs more people to be involved in running the country rather than a clique as is the current case.

And yes I firmly believe that this is the right time for the Labour Party and the country needs the Labour Party to be in government.  Plans are underway and we have been talking on what we want for the country and its people for years now. Only those who do not want to hear do not accept this fact. 

But the GonziPN clique seems to be confused on this matter. At times they criticise the Labour Party that we are not saying what our proposals are but on the other hand now we are seeing a billboard stating that Muscat promises are going to increase taxes. Of course they have to decide whether Muscat and the PL are announcing the plans for the country or not.  It is one thing or the other but GonziPN cannot criticise us for both.

But on the other hand what are the GonziPN plans for the future?  Now we know that the anointed one, that is the MEP Simon Busuttil, who is not new to politics is writing or coordinating the electoral manifesto. Asked on when this will be made public he stated that GonziPN will do so as soon as the formal electoral campaign starts. So if the PL states this we are being criticised for it but if they say it seems as it is the natural thing to do. What is good for the goose is good for the gander or at least it should be so.

But as I said in this legislature from time to time on a number of issues the Labour Party and its Leader made a number of proposals. These like always were shot down from the conservatives and were never taken seriously at first but after some time they did.  Recently the Labour Party organised the first congress.  During the latter 12 points were approved and these are going to be our road map for the future.  Of course we are building around the main points that we want to achieve for the benefit of all.  And yes the plans and proposals will be announced in due time for all people to consider.

So when one analyses the current situation the conclusion is very clear.  The country cannot afford another term under GonziPN.  The country needs to move forward and more of the same is not the answer and what the country needs.  The GonziPN clique in government is more interested in the past rather than in the future and this for obvious reasons.  They cannot offer anything new for the country and badly need to spend some years in opposition to reform themselves.

On the other hand the Labour Party will be a breath of fresh air for this nation.  Change is what the country needs and new people and different people can guarantee this to the country.  No one should be afraid of change.  We on the other hand should aim to change but with certain continuity and peace of mind especially when it comes to economy.  I am saying this not because the economy is doing well but not to get worse and finally by implementing our plans and proposals it will start to grow again.

Finally the country cannot afford the status quo under GonziPN.  It will damage society, the economy and the current problems and issues will not be solved at all.  On the other hand for a fair society and for a better future that unites us a Labour government is the answer.

Carmelo Abela is Labour Party MP and Shadow Minister for Social Policy