Although earlier this week Enemed announced an increase in fuel prices, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has said that the government continues to work hard to stabilise prices to ensure a better quality of life for Maltese and Gozitans. Muscat was speaking this morning during an over the phone interview which was broadcast on One Radio.
The price of unleaded petrol has gone up from €1.36 a litre to €1.41, whilst diesel has risen from €1.23 to €1.28 per litre. Muscat said that despite the increase, fuel prices abroad and internationally has also gone up, but Malta remains with lowest prices.
"I can assure you that the government has been working for the past seven years and will continue to work to stabilise prices to ensure sustainability and a better quality of life." He said that the government is currently working on the next budget, which just as the previous two budgets, will continue to help those people who might be in more financial need.
Yesterday, 40 migrants who were rescued by a German NGO vessel were allowed in to Malta and then redistributed among EU member states. When asked about this, Muscat said that he felt it was 'common sense' to work together to strengthen international ties and to safeguard human lives. "When we were contacted by the German government, they were aware that the responsibility did not fall on Malta and were fully aware of the situation and asked us to make an agreement. Those on board will not stay in Malta but will be distributed, and we felt it was our responsibility to work together."
Adrian Delia remained silent in reaction to court rejection of Azzopardi's appeal
Earlier this week, the Appeals Court took a decision against Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi in a case which he filed case against a decision that had been in favour of Justice Minister Owen Bonnici. Muscat highlighted that the court's rejection of Azzopardi's appeal was a chance for Adrian Delia to take action, "yet instead he remained silent. Delia had the chance as the Nationalist Party leader to take a stance and to speak up, but just like Azzopardi himself, he remained silent." He said that the two courts had made it clear that Azzopardi has a big political responsibility to take on, when it comes to the Löwenbräu land.
Modernising infrastructure for the benefit of Maltese and Gozitans
Muscat said that government is pushing to modernise Maltese infrastructure to benefit the families and business of the islands.
"When we speak about infrastructure, we do not just mean roads, but we are signing deals with different stakeholders, such as Vodafone to develop an app to notify you when there is a free parking space. That way we do not spend time and fuel driving through numerous streets, but we find one straight away, which will also reduce emissions."