Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi said that Air Malta is part of the country’s critical national infrastructure and, together with the stakeholders, we will work to ensure a bright and successful future for the company.
Speaking to The Malta Independent before being sworn-in as minister, Mizzi said the country needs the airline.
Asked whether he excludes the possibility that Chinese or Azeri airlines are involved in negotiations with the national airline – similar to negotiations the airline had with Alitalia before the deal fell through – Mizzi said the number one priority for the airline is its turnaround.
“I will be working to see that Air Malta is put back on its feet and that the necessary restructuring takes place,” he said.
He said that the next stage of restructuring will take place in the next 12 months. The workers will have their place guaranteed, Dr Mizzi insisted.
Joe Mizzi, who is now the Minister for Energy and Water Management, said that the first order of business would be to ensure that the gas pipeline between Malta and Sicily be constructed “as quickly as possible.”
“LNG Bunking, Enemed and water are also issues we would like to cover.”
Minister for the Environment Jose’ Herrera said that first item on the agenda is to enshrine the environment in the constitution.
He also said that retaining his remit from the previous legislature, shows that the PM has faith in him and wanted continuity.
Michael Falzon, who made to resign as Parliamentary Secretary for Lands in the previous legislature after his involvement with the Gaffarena scandal, is now the Minister for Social Policy. He told the newsroom that it was “very hectic” being involved in the cabinet once again, and said that he need “time to find one's feet and make a success of this.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carmelo Abela told The Malta Independent that he looked forward to continuing the good work carried out by his predecessor, George Vella.
“I will represent Malta across the world, and promote more foreign trade.”
He said that Libya will remain of the utmost importance, but maintained that it was important that the ministry also should not forget other parts of the world.
The new Minister for Home Affairs and Internal Security Michael Farrugia faced questions concerning the police force’s reputation and what he planned to do to remedy it, he insisted that “the police force is strong, and we want to make it stronger.”
“I feel good that there is still a big majority (of people who support Labour), and we plan to deliver for the country.”
Parliamentary Secretary for housing Roderick Galdes said that it was important to take stock of the housing situation and combat rising rental prices, which he said was good for business but deeply affected vulnerable people.
“Affordable housing will be a priority in this legislature.”