Next Saturday, 9 March, represents an important threshold. It can mean a change for Malta and Gozo that will open the way to an exciting new future based on a vision of inclusivity and proper governance, respect for one and all and the belief that, together, we can make our country a modern and active EU member state. Tribal allegiance will give way to a culture of meritocracy, enthusiasm and belief in our nation and ourselves.
If change does not happen, it will mean more of the same. The strings of the nation will continue to be pulled by a handful of chosen individuals whose personal interests far outweigh those of collective well-being in matters economic, social and cultural. A snapshot of the last legislature exemplifies this on issues ranging from fiascos related to heavy fuel oil power plant to a failed transport reform underpinned by appalling governance. And it is all the result of incompetence, arrogance and corruption.
Labour has presented clear and costed proposals that will enable all those who are keen, able and honest to contribute to make our nation truly dynamic. The proposals set clear objectives that are do-able and that are supported by a team of candidates who are qualified and determined and who will implement all the positive measures included in the road map, hand in hand with all stakeholders.
The commitment to combat corruption is one of the key elements. Labour will ensure an effective Whistleblowers’ Act to ensure a clean government. The Labour movement is committed to a legal infrastructure that promotes good practice – as has been promised by GonziPN for years, but has never materialised.
We have a clear vision on how to promote wealth-creation. Malta has immense scope to generate economic growth as the number of people in employment remains very low, in part due to low female participation. Those in employment, moreover, include a sizeable number who work for poor pay and in poor conditions. Labour’s road map is designed in a manner that will promote economic growth through its commitment to work with the private sector, through its role as an enabler to create ideal conditions for greater worker participation, such as free child care centres, to expand Malta’s education system not least by promoting investment in a second university that will especially benefit the economy of Gozo, to diminish the overblown bureaucratic culture by 25 per cent and by its commitment to implement its clear energy policy that will reduce water charges by five per cent and electricity costs by up to 35 per cent for households and 25 per cent for businesses.
It will do away with the harmful heavy fuel oil, stabilise the finances of Enemalta that feature in Standard and Poor’s comments as to why Malta has suffered successive downgrades from AA+ to BBB+ and will multi-source the country’s energy needs. Our plans are clear and they will be carried out. Our plans are supported by key stakeholders and will be implemented by dedicated and professional people who will be trusted to deliver. This contrasts with a GonziPN’s worn out team that has failed to produce a reasonably efficient energy policy, as symbolised by its inability to do away even with the now long defunct Marsa Power station. In the process, Malta is spending €1 million a day on oil against the collective better judgment of all and sundry.
The list of reasons to vote PL is indeed too long to present fully, as are the demerits of a totally fatigued GonziPN who has stuck to power against the better judgment of the media and condemned us to one of the longest election campaigns that does little to enhance stability and progress. Years in power have drained the government and rendered it impotent in the face of our significant challenges.
The movement led by the PL offers a genuine and new way of doing politics for a sensible life-style in a modern Malta to the benefit of all. It is easy to argue a case for Labour based on the grave demerits of the Nationalist Party; the way that GonziPN has ignored the stream of irregularities and more, highlighted in the Auditor-General’s reports. A Labour government will commit itself to respond to each of the weaknesses that future reports may include and to respect and strengthen the Auditor-General’s role and standing.
The endorsement of an unprecedented number of personalities from all walks of life who have openly declared their shift in support from the Nationalist Party to the vision, commitment and road map of the movement led by Joseph Muscat has given the movement undoubted moral strength.
The movement led by the PL has the vision and ability to go for continuous improvement through self-empowerment, trust and integrity, team work and partnerships, a sense of service to communities and the country and a continuous strive for excellence. The PL has shown that it is prepared and, even more so, that it is able to deliver. Change is not only necessary, but it is also a cause for excitement in a process that will include all those willing to share and work for the dream with national pride and honest commitment. The moment is indeed now.
Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi is the President of the Labour Party