One of the most rewarding things about this election campaign has been the opportunity to listen to many Maltese people about the real concerns of their lives, not the conjured concerns of the commentators. The most predominant frustration seems to be that this government has completely lost touch with their needs and concerns. They have a lot on their plate, often keeping the stresses and frustrations out of public view in the tradition of proud Maltese, and they feel that the PN government is not on their side anymore.

They’ve set us a challenge:  To demonstrate – not just talk about – but show how we would create a better country for everyone.  This is our chance to respond.

The appalling stories of corruption that have dominated the media recently have left many of us horrified and let down. When somebody receives an illicit commission or mismanages a project, we all pay for it.  The price of GonziPN’s energy policy is written into the excessive cost of Heavy Fuel Oil power, and the pollution it leaves in its wake.  This is why we are going to immediately introduce a Whistleblowers’ Act so that people can report wrong-doing without fear of losing their jobs.  New powers will be granted to the Auditor General, and there will be no time bar on the prosecution of corrupt politicians, so they can be truly held accountable.  Anybody who has been lining their pockets with your money may feel uneasy about this.  So they should.  This will be a sharp contrast with what they have been allowed to get away with in the past.

For many families their big daily pressure is the cost of living.  Our economy may be reasonably resilient, but that is meaningless if you are not feeling the benefits.   The people I talk to are after action not shallow promises. That is why we have committed to Maltese families benefitting from a 25% reduction in electricity bills and a 5% reduction in water bills from March next year.  Yes, this is an ambitious target but it represents a real plan to get things done.  Compare this to a desperate, last-minute promise from the PN to lower tariffs at night.  It’s almost literally a case of ‘a day late, and a dollar short’.

Because we believe in supporting and rewarding working families, we shall also provide free childcare.  If you are full-time worker and have a child aged three or under, you are bound to benefit.  Compare this to a PN suggestion of vouchers, red tape and continuing economic stagnation.  Two downgrades and an increasing mountain of debt mean that the biggest danger now is not changing course.

Helping the economy while putting money back in your pocket is not an ‘either/or’ choice – we need to do both.  Families will greatly benefit from these two policies, while the economy will get a much-needed boost.  Cheaper energy means consumers will have more money to spend, and business will incur lower costs and greater demand.  Free childcare will provide much needed support to hard-working families.  Fewer benefits be needed, tax revenues will increase and as an added bonus, we will create more jobs in childcare.  We can create a ‘win-win’ culture.

Tax cuts will help those who need them most rather than irresponsible, pre-election giveaways.  When children leave school they will be guaranteed a job, education or training.  All will be earning or learning.  And in order to make sure that no one is left behind, we will implement policies specifically to help people with disabilities.  Same-sex couples will be able to enter into civil unions.  Again, we have set out a clear policy in contrast to a hodgepodge of a cohabitation bill, as the PN did last year.  Good policy comes from coherent values.

Ours is a new movement – we have learned the lessons of the past, and we are keen to serve.  We have solid plans to boost the economy, clean up politics and at the same time ease the financial burden on families.  Our roadmap is realistic, our policies costed and our aspirations achievable.  But we can only implement them if you vote for a new direction the day after tomorrow.  It is only together that we will make the change that Malta desperately needs become reality.

Joseph Muscat is leader of Partit Laburista