At the reception area, a stocky person in a wrathful manner demanded to see the Minister. Politely the receptionist asked whether he had an appointment. No. I do not. I want to make crystal clear my position with the Minister. This is my membership card. Tell him to stuff it up his nose. This was a scene which I encountered last week.
To avoid a scene at the entrance of the Ministry the receptionist politely tried to calm down the situation and told him that there was no need to get loud-mouthed. All promises will be honoured, evidently it may take a while but you have to wait for your turn. The receptionist explained. PL supporters must be exercising all sorts of pressure on all PL structures. Under pressure the Prime Minister could not hold any longer and made a strong appeal for the party steel soldiers to come forward during the traditional 1st May Mass Meeting.
With the first electoral test day fast approaching all political parties will continue to increase their activities and efforts. Though the 24th May election is exclusively tied to elect our Members in the EU Parliament the result of this election will reflect on the performance of the major political parties. The past thirteen months have been a roller coaster for all.
In my view the PN stands very good reason to close the gap with the PL on the 24th May election. I come to this conclusion on the basis that thirteen months ago the PL made a wide range of electoral promises. The road map was clear. This has secured a landslide electoral victory. Now we have moved from promises to a reality show and somehow it is different. Let me take a number of promises.
Meritocracy, transparency and accountability were the hallmark in almost all political events organised by the PL prior the last general election. To entertain switchers and the selected few from the party inner circles meritocracy, transparency and accountability have been, hopefully, temporarily shelved.
The sale of our citizenship scheme came out of the blues, as the scheme was not promised in the PL electoral manifesto. The scheme was presented as a cash cow. However, the scheme has earned Malta negative reputation world-wide as Government, sheepishly was forced to change repeatedly various sections of the scheme.
The adoption rights of gay couples came as a surprise to many and now adopted children may be exposed to a society which as yet is not prepared to handle such delicate situations. Scoring political points know no boundaries.
Lately the Prime Minister has announced a 2c cut in the price of petrol although last month petrol price rose by 2c. Nice one.
Around 1,400 head hunted new employees are now on the public sector wage bill.
A gas tanker will be berthed at Marsaxlokk port notwithstanding the opposition from various quarters including professional advice on the matter.
Consumers will shortly receive their revised water and electricity bills by an average of 25%. People will soon have the opportunity to see for themselves their savings.
Precarious employment has also been addressed as 40 workers were promised employment with ARMS Ltd. While around 20,000 workers, carers, cleaners, security officers, office workers engaged with various service providers in the public sector still wait for their turn.
Higher recorded unemployment rates month on month are now becoming a concern. According to Eurostat figures issued last week Malta's unemployment reached 6.8 per cent and slid two places in the EU ranking. Believe me I was shocked when I heard that this increase is because of higher employment opportunities.
Knowing the political damage these might have done to the credibility of the party the PL will be working at full speed oiling the administrative cog wheels to ensure maximum performance. PL political strategist and Government Senior Civil Servants will be working for long hours to ensure that outstanding issues with PL supporters are ironed out before the 24th May.
The coming election is related to the EU. It comes at a time when Malta has celebrated the tenth anniversary of Malta’s accession to the European Union. Taking stock of the first ten years of Malta’s European Union Membership leaves no doubt - we are by far better off.
When people think about the EU many big political issues such as the economic crisis, free trade, social cohesion, and the EU budget comes to mind. In reality for many people their closest contact with the European Union activity probably comes at the workplace.
With some 7.5 million young people aged 15-24 on the EU labour market are not in employment, education or training like all other EU countries Malta endorsed the principle of the Youth Guarantee.
Malta having approximately 5,800 under the age of 25 unemployed the scheme will provide 350 a new opportunity and will benefit from the scheme. Lately some cosmetic changes were announced.
Notwithstanding the many broken promises the PL has wind in its sails. It may be too early for people to shift their preferences though Malta is in dire need to continue with its European Union journey.
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