Economic growth is best served through inclusive social change which entails empowering the individual who, in turn, enriches the nation. This full-circle process has proved to be successful over the past six years and needs to be sustained.

It has, in fact, been proved that all the positive economic figures we have reached are only meaningful if economic growth is constant, sustained and inclusive. It is no coincidence that this year’s pre-budget document, launched this week, is entitled ‘Sustaining inclusive growth’. Fiscal discipline and social justice go hand-in-hand.

With this in mind, Labour’s commitment to further enhance its strategy of prosperity with a purpose will once again, amongst other things, improve essential services that include more income and care for senior citizens and people with a disability.

Our success story

Malta has now enjoyed six consecutive years of unprecedented growth, sustaining its position amongst the best economic performers in the EU. Economic prosperity allows the government to continue to commit to policies that ensure greater social justice, through further inclusivity.

Sound public finances, the healthy fiscal surpluses and a record decrease of 20 percentage points registered in the national debt have shown that our economy is on the right track and is strong enough to further improve the well-being of our citizens. In fact, the unemployment rate is below 4 per cent, the inflation rate is stable and take-home pay continues to rise.

 Under a Labour Government, the Maltese economy is a success story. We will ensure that with – the 2020 budget – this success is well-managed so that it continues to be enjoyed by everyone. Inclusion and integration will remain key factors and, indeed, we will nurture a fair society that cares.

Our priorities

In recent months, the government has been speeding ahead with setting targets and priorities for next year. We have never considered poverty and deprivation risks as a mere perception, as was the case with previous administrations. Our commitment in this regard has already led to success over the past years, although more needs to be done. The pre-budget document, which will now be open for wide consultation, shows that we will continue ensuring higher quality in healthcare services while prioritising investment in education to sustain the improvements being achieved so far.

 The government will also continue to focus on making the country a leading player in technological innovation and raising the quality of the tourism product for Malta and Gozo. We will also continue to address the new challenges brought about by the rapid economic expansion in order to ensure that economic growth is sustained and well distributed.

The elderly

The pre-Budget document emphasises the improvement in the quality of life of the people and the protection of the most vulnerable in society. Protecting and improving the quality of life  of people, with particular focus on the elderly and those who  need further support within society, has and will always be  Labour’s top priority.

We are committed to ensuring that senior citizens, who have worked hard for their entire lives, enjoy a secure and dignified retirement, free of financial worries. Pockets of poverty and deprivation can be found in every society. People who, unfortunately, fall through the cracks are mostly elderly, particularly those living on a very low pension. This is particularly true for stay-at-home women who, over the years, failed to qualify for a pension and have barely enough income to make ends meet.

Social and distributive justice will always be at the basis of Labour’s most sacred principles. Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat has already stressed that after four consecutive budget increases for pensioners, more will be provided in the 2020 Budget.

Gozo’s fair share

The government is also intending to include enhancing Gozo’s economic prosperity. It is our mission to optimise Gozo’s potential.

Prosperity, economic growth and qualitative job creation to meet the Gozitans’ aspirations is part of the long-term strategy that will soon be implemented by the Gozo Regional Development Authority. It will be totally dedicated towards an innovative, rejuvenated and connected island. Social and economic prosperity will be given priority, keeping in mind the conservation of Gozo’s unique rural, cultural and natural characteristics.

Connectivity will still be high on the agenda. Apart from the fourth ferry, which has proved to be a resounding success, the Government is pushing forward a scheduled helicopter service and – further down the line – a fast ferry service that will stimulate and encourage economic growth, particularly in the tourist sector.

The introduction of a second fibre optic cable, already at an  advanced stage, will provide a reliable and secure internet  connection 365 days a year virtual connectivity and is, of essence , particularly for high-end and already established businesses. This will be coupled with the now established budget measure that gives a rebate of up to €6,000 annually for new jobs over a period of three years to businesses operating on Gozo. This measure has proved to be successful in attracting new businesses and in the creation of new job opportunities. Quality and value-added employment in Gozo will therefore continue to grow and expand.

Major challenges

Under the redefined EcoGozo Strategy, a continuation of the  projects undertaken – including the regeneration of village  cores to offer more space to the public, the regeneration of the  valleys and rubble walls and restoration work on landmark  sites – will proceed according to plan.

Our long-term strategy to upgrade and improve Gozo’s road network has come at a cost – both financial and time-consuming – to say the least. I have consulted experts and have even gone through expensive proposals that had been shelved and left to gather dust by previous administrations, only to find that, in the majority of cases, they are now obsolete and not fit for purpose.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Roads and other infrastructural work carried out by previous administrations were not up to standard. Poor workmanship, sub-standard materials and  downright negligence have created scenarios where what  appeared to be, for example, the mere resurfacing of a road,  ended up being a major overhaul, digging down to the bedrock  and rebuilding from scratch.

Overcoming hurdles

All this is at the expense and inconvenience of the community at large. Work on the roads has involved the laying down of new foundations before resurfacing and also includes the underground connection of electricity cables, water pipes, drains, telephones and fibre optic lines. This has required gargantuan efforts on the part of everyone involved to install their services in the shortest time possible and I extend my heartfelt thanks to them all. Working against the odds means that projected time-frames have to be extended and new enhancements are consequently delayed. An added vexation is the fact that, on Gozo, we do not have enough contractors to speed up works – mainly because of the size of the island and a shortage of workers.

Having said all this, challenges spurn me to push harder. My aspirations for a better-connected and prosperous Gozo grow stronger as time passes. The Project Gozo initiative taken by my Ministry to improve Gozo’s infrastructure on all fronts is gathering momentum and will not stop short when faced with the many challenges it faces. Economic growth and curbing the negative effects of double insularity is of the essence. Indeed, our ability to handle life’s challenges as Gozitans is a measure of our strength of character and I am confident that time and hard work will prove us right.