We are roughly halfway between general elections. On 10th March 2013, the PL was elected to government and eager to start working without delay. On 13th March, the Cabinet of Ministers took the oath of office and the new government, led by Joseph Muscat, got down to work on delivering the promises made in the PL electoral programme.
To make sure the momentum was maintained, the Prime Minister delegated Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech with the task of ensuring that the electoral manifesto was fully implemented before we faced the people again and asked them to give us a pass mark in the test of democracy.
We kept the rhythm, and how. In the first three years of this Labour government, a whole litany of manifesto measures was enacted. I think there was some surprise at how a team of people, with little direct experience of government and led by a relatively young leader, could achieve results so fast. Projects which had long been lagging under the Nationalist administration were completed in a short time. Things that we were always told could not be done were done. Decisions about measures that could be easily implemented were immediately taken, while a lot of work on new projects started with the results appearing in later months and years. We planted many seeds and the fruit from these trees will be enjoyed by all.
From words to action
Some of these seeds have already blossomed. One of them was the introduction, a year ago, of the right of members of the disciplined bodies – the Army, the Police Corps, prison guards, and Civil Protection – to join a union of their choice. A few days ago, I had the opportunity to take part in a meeting organised by the European Military Associations (EUROMIL) here in Malta, together with the Armed Forces Union and the General Workers' Union, which is affiliated with this first military union in Malta. The discussion, one year after the completion of the electoral pledge, centred on exchanging information and knowledge about the role of unions in the area of the armed forces. Such learning exercises are certainly useful as this is a relatively new area for us.
What struck me was a remark made by the president of EUROMIL, Emanuel Jacob that contrary to what happened in other countries, the right of members of the disciplined forces in Malta to join a union went smoothly, following public discussion. Do not forget that this had been talked about for years. It took a Labour government to move from words to action.
We put Malta on the map as the first Mediterranean country to give this right to soldiers. We managed to come up with a proposal that met both the rights of members of the disciplined forces, giving them freedom of association, and the needs of national security protection and maintaining public order.
Before, soldiers had to find alternative ways to advance their interests as workers through ‘L-Għaqda Dipendenti Suldati’.
This first-year experience of soldiers in unions proves we took a step in the right direction. Everybody has worked together. After all, both the Army and the union have the same goal: that, as far as resources allow, conditions for soldiers should continue to improve. This is good for the country because, after all, like any other worker a happy soldier will work much wholeheartedly and this will be reflected in his work.
Mr Abela is the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security