This is my last contribution before the coming general election. I am sure that most of you have already decided whether you will support the Labour Party, the Nationalist Party, Alternattiva Demokratika or none of them. Your choice is to be respected – this is the essence of democracy. In a few short (very short) paragraphs, I will try to point out why I believe that the Labour Movement offers the better options for our country.  

Energy

The Labour Party has pledged its future on changing once and for all the energy crisis that has shackled our country for far too many years. It is our clear intention to move away from our entire dependence on heavy fuel and move towards the cleaner option of gas. This will allow us to have a cleaner environment and will lead to a downturn in our utility bills. We will also promote alternative sources of energy – seriously so!

Youth

The statistics for illiteracy and poverty amongst our youth are distressing. A recent report by Eurostat indicated that 31.7 per cent of our children live with the risk of monetary poverty. Over and above this, a report on illiteracy commissioned by the European Union placed Malta in 25th position out of the 27 member states. We have an illiteracy rate of 36 per cent among young people. And the statistics do not stop here. The drop-out rate for MCAST students under the age of 19 is 30 per cent.

This is not only serious, it is also a damning confirmation that, notwithstanding the brow-beating and constant propaganda by the PN, the government has failed our young people absolutely. Our youth are crying out for help and the government is not giving them enough. The Labour Party made it clear from day one that the needs of our youth will be paramount. We have given a guarantee. The PN has ridiculed the Labour Party for this, which is silly, really, when you examine the EU Youth Strategy. This has two main objectives, that of providing more and equal opportunities for young people in education and in the labour market and to encourage young people to be active citizens and participate in society. Labour has a commitment to youth as evidenced by our commitment to reduce the voting age to 16.

Responsibility

For one Minister having to give an account of his actions to the Commissioner of Police is bad enough. To have another Minister call on the Commissioner of Police to request information as to what is being said about him is equally bad. What is even worse is the consummate arrogance with which both Ministers, supported fully by the Prime Minister, chose to declare that they have no political responsibility for what has been going on. The PN has repeatedly paid lip-service to the issue of accountability and responsibility. The Labour Party has placed these issues are at the forefront of its election promises. We have made it clear that party financing and the Whistleblower Act will be amongst the first items on our agenda, should Labour be voted into Government. The Labour Party will act.

We will deliver

And we will do so in little things that mean so much. We will ensure that pensioners with disabilities who find work will still receive a full pension: a plus for pensioners. Parking in Valletta after 2pm and on Saturdays will be free: a plus for consumers and shop-owners. Police interrogations will be visually recorded: a plus for all those who believe in true justice. VAT paid on the registration of cars will be returned: a plus for car-owners and consumers. Teachers will be able to take a one-year sabbatical on full pay in order to further their studies: a plus for teachers and their students. A location will be identified for local bands to rehearse: a plus for music lovers. University stipends will increase to reflect cost of living increases: a plus for students and their parents.

There are many more. These are items that do not involve grandiose schemes or expenditure but lie at the heart of the day-to-day needs of our society.

In general

Prime Minister Gonzi still lives in the “us and them” way of doing politics (vide the billboard campaign) which has led to the disintegration of his parliamentary majority. Dr Joseph Muscat has created a movement that has reached out to everyone with a policy of inclusion. We believe in one nation with all of us striving to make our country the best in the EU.

Basically, it’s a case of time up for this government. To turn a phrase on its head: if it’s broke, fix it! It’s time for a change.

Dr Micallef Stafrace is a Labour Party candidate in next week’s general election