Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil said that government is failing on a number of fronts, and that the new Mepa demerger bills are a step in the wrong direction for the environment.
He was speaking during an interview on Radio 101. He mentioned that the Commissioner for Environment and Planning at the Office of the Ombudsman said that government is taking a step backwards in protecting the environment through the bills proposed for the Mepa demerger. Dr Busuttil explained that in government's electoral programme, environment was said to be a priority, however as the Ombudsman letter showed, was taking a back seat through these Bills. He argued that when Parliament starts, the PN will fight to ammend the clauses in question.
"Mepa is not perfect, however change should be made for the better, and not the worse".
He spoke of abuse of power, mentioning that the new bills would give politicians more power on land use, and that his could lead to corruption. "The last time that had happened was in the Mintoff/Lorry Sant days, and that brought about corruption," he said.
Turning to the health service Dr Busuttil said that the management of Mater Dei Hospital was terrible, with long queues and treatment in corridors.
He mentioned that the Mater Dei CEO, who earns €84,000 a year, is currently missing. "This is what happens when you put people you favour in high positions".
The Opposition Leader also spoke of the recent crime spike in Sliema, St Julian's San Gwann and Swieqi, stating that confidence in the police was failing.
"This is an example of how people are suffering through bad government appointments. We have seen four Police Commissioners in two and a half years.
He also spoke of unemployment, referring to the news item earlier this week that 50% of new jobs are being taken by foreigners. He said that this is because foreigners work for lower wages, resulting in Maltese having to do the same. He mentioned that government, in 2 and a half years, the number of public sector employees rose sharply.
The PN Leader concluded by mentioning the Independence Day celebrations, and said that the mass meeting will, for the first time, take place in the square outside the new Parliament building. He also said that this year marks the 135th anniversary since the founding of the party.