The Opposition has no idea what consistency means, even when it talking about the Maltese institutions, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said on Sunday.

Muscat spoke during a recorded telephone interview on One Radio, as he explained that the Nationalist Party changed its position "every week or every three days."

 "First the Opposition says that the institutions are hijacked by the government but then renounces its representation from the same institutions," said Muscat. He was referring to the Opposition's representative in the Planning Authority, PN MP Marthese Portelli, who recently resigned from PA. 

"It is very clear that there are contradictions amongst representatives in the party," he continued. He highlighted that such contradictions reflect the lack of consistency and credibility in the party.

He mentioned that the Opposition is also inconsistent when it comes to court decisions; mentioning how at first PN criticises the court when it takes a decision not in favour for the party and then praises them when it does. "It is this lack of consistency which poses problems for the party. On the other hand the government will continue with reforms in favour of the country," said Muscat.

He pointed out that in previous years, former prime ministers could appoint judges, but now the Prime Minister has advice passed on to him. "I choose to stand by the recommendations of an independent commission, who are responsible for ensuring that the individuals who take up the roles in the judiciary are suitable for the job," Muscat explained.

Malta's economic growth will continue for the coming two years

Muscat also spoke about the EU commission's economic forecast, which states that the country's current economic plan is working and that progress will continue.

"We face challenges, challenges for better wages, to provide more jobs, to reduce poverty and to provide citizens with a better quality of life and increased social services. All these challenges can be met if the country's economic success carries on."

Muscat also mentioned the existing challenge on gender equality. Referring to the discussion in parliament regarding the law on equality, he said that one must look into the challenges and issues in other sectors, as to what is preventing women from entering the work force. "In the public service we have equality, and so we want to see this situation in other sectors which are not reaching that level of equality."

Muscat also referred to agreements with other EU countries on the issue of immigration, where he stated that the Maltese government has always upheld its international obligations. "This week we saw the departure of three migrant groups which left the country in a relocation agreement," said Muscat.

He ended the phone interview by mentioning the investment made in Gozo and Cottonera, pointing out that the government does not solely focus its investment in one sector, but for the whole country. He mentioned that Gozo has excelled in technological investment, as Gozo is attracting more companies and therefore more job opportunities. with regards to Cottonera, Muscat referred to the environmental problems in Cottonera, and the Ricasoli tanks which the government must address.

"To solve a problem we must not create another problem in another locality, instead we are looking into reforms and means to address this issues