The first week of the electoral campaign has brought to light the significant contrast that exists between the two major parties seeking to gain the support of the majority of the electorate.
The first evident contrast was seen in the level of preparedness of the two parties. Labour hit the ground running as it presented the cornerstones around which its holistic vision for a modern Malta will rise. The strength-in-depth of the Labour team was clearly evident as its proposals were presented to the general public with focus, alacrity, professionalism, creativity and detail.
An alternative game plan could have easily been one that relied on the dismal record of the current party in government. Debacles such as the thousands of jobs promised but never delivered at SmartCity, the lousy management of public transport, the decision to opt for a heavy fuel oil power plant, a record national debt, a cash strapped Enemalta, lack of meritocracy, numerous projects that have cost far more than budgeted for, both in costs and time frames, all of which have been underpinned by arrogance, counter-productive bureaucracy and incompetence.
Labour brought to the electorate concrete proposals that incorporate the best elements needed for the nation that is crying out for an inclusive style of governance. Our country needs governance that caters for all and not for the shrinking, inward looking oligarchy.
As stated by Joseph Muscat, Labour unequivocally stands for a style of government that focuses on confidence, serenity, professionalism and respect. It is ready to discuss issues that matter for different people from all walks of life, away from spin and scaremongering. The GonziPN oligarchy has resorted to demonisation and ridicules those who fail to support the regime in power that is well past its sell by date.
Labour is presenting its proposals to explain its vision, aims and the benefits that will be delivered in the best interest of families and the country. We have a positive campaign and the PN strategists are using all possible means including the government funded Public Broadcasting, which is meant to be a credible source of impartial information. PBS is unashamedly supporting the oligarchy and pushing the PN agenda – farewell to impartiality.
During the first week of the campaign, Labour presented its proposals explaining, how, when and how much the water and electricity tariffs will be reduced. We have presented proposals in the detail required by an electorate that can help it decide on the feasibility, credibility and commitment to reduce these tariffs. The presented plan was the result of meticulous studies that provide precise details on how tried and tested solutions could be implemented in the best interest of the nation.
Labour’s credible and feasible solution exposed Dr Gonzi’s unpreparedness and lack of ideas in the PN campaign to come up with their own proposals. Within just 24 hours PN exponents, including Lawrence Gonzi himself, went from describing Labour’s proposal as a gimmick, to actually promising that, if re-elected, the Nationalist government would reduce water and electricity bills after all. How credible such a pledge is questionable given that GonziPN is on record saying that reductions in water and electricity tariffs would be irresponsible and impossible to achieve. The truth is that a new Nationalist government will increase water and electricity bills.
One can sense confusion in the PN camp from the outbursts we have heard, changing from calling Labour’s proposal a “gimmick” to “we can do it too in just 24 hours”. Their confusion has led them to miss the main thrust of Labour’s policy, which is based on an efficient and effective system of government in tandem with the private sector. GonziPN continues to apply its warped decayed values that served a tiny minority of obligors at the expense of the rest of us all. A stark contrast to Labour’s yes-we-can attitude.
Indeed, Labour has come out with clear proposals for the reduction of water and electricity bills. These answer the questions, 1) how much − an average of 25 per cent for households and 25 per cent for business for electricity and five per cent for water, 2) how − by using an efficient, clean and sustainable generation system; 3) and when – March 2014 for families and March 2015 for business.
The reduction in electricity tariffs will match the average levels in the EU for the benefit of households and businesses. It converts Enemalta’s financial situation to one of sustainability while stopping irrevocably the use of GonziPN’s choice – heavy fuel oil. Labour’s proposals will result in more money in people’s pockets, an injection of €77 million into the Maltese economy, and cleaner air for the benefit of all, particularly in the south of Malta.
Labour immediately demonstrated its preparedness to serve the nation in the interest of one and all. We continue to stand committed to the task of renewal with enthusiasm, energy, professionalism and pride in our country, which deserves so much better, in the interest of all its communities and people.
Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi is the president of the Labour Party