The reason why the rate of criminality is on the rise is because the government has shown itself to be not only lenient, but part of the system, leader of the Opposition Adrian Delia said on Saturday.

“We have noted an increase in criminality in the recent months, and we ask ourselves, how did criminality increase in such a short span of time? We notice that people are influenced by the government, which is that crime pays and criminals make a living. We have seen so much in the government happening, and not only do the police not interrogate them, but simply let them be.”

Delia was speaking on NetFM on a number of topics, mainly highlighting the rise of criminality and the recent NSO report on poverty in Malta.

“We need a government which runs by example, to not allow criminality, and to insist that criminals face consequences; but from what we have seen this is far from what is happening, especially when we take note of our previous Police Commissioner and our Attorney General.”

Delia said that he noted a number of ghettos and petty crime gangs growing across the island, and that the authorities continue to allow such crimes, with no form of discussion on the matter. “We need to understand what is happening, do our research and intervene before it is too late,” said Delia.

He noted how a number of ghettos have been set up in a number of towns, and highlighted that the discussion is not a question of racism, but a question of how society is not growing organically. “We have many people moving in to one place, toppling over one another, foreigners being imported to work and then leave, only to be replaced. There is no form of family’s growing or integration, which is what we need for our towns to grow organically; we need to completely transform and set up a different plan for these zones and to provide a sense of growth and reduce criminality; but our government continues to do nothing.”

Socialist government that have abandoned those at risk of poverty

In most recent news, a survey highlights that 82,758 are at risk of poverty in Malta.  When asked about his own views on the matter, he said that it was upsetting to notice how the government which should have the individual at the centre is not focusing on the individual whatsoever.

“17%, is a huge number of the population, which includes children, single-parents and our pensioners; all who are at risk of poverty. Not only are they at risk, but the probability of them leaving that risk is decreasing.”

Delia said that every individual is entitled to have a roof over their head and to have the right to a decent life, and that those elderly who have spent their life contributing to society are worthy of a decent pension, not only that they manage to stretch on till the end of the month.

“The government fails to realise that we have this level of poverty; the government time and time again continues to say they have registered a huge surplus, but then nearly 205 of our population is at risk of poverty? What happens next year? After COVID-19, all the restrictions, barely having any tourism; what is the plan of the government?”

He said that the Labour government currently has no economic plan, and that Prime Minister Robert Abela copied ‘word by word’ the economic points of the Nationalist Party. “He copied the same points we had about a year ago; focusing on being more carbon neutral, providing mass infrastructure; literally word for word.”

Students facing increasing stress that can have permanent damage

“We have students who have been facing a very difficult period and some who experienced trauma. MATSEC exams can determine the next steps for what is to come in their life, but it seems that the government does not want to listen to their pleas.”

He said that he does not expect miracles, but that information must be provided soon about the next scholastic year so that parents and students can prepare accordingly.

Abela wants to turn public broadcaster into propaganda machine

Delia also reflected that Prime Minister Abela wants to turn the public broadcaster into a propaganda machine for the Labour Party. “It is clear that Abela wants more control, he wants to have control over the state media, which is not meant to be run by the party, but is the media of the people.”

He said how just on Friday the broadcaster announced that Xarabank has been removed of the list of upcoming shows. “Whether or not you liked the show, it was a programme which provided space for all types of people, politicians, individuals, for everyone to voice their opinion freely, but now that has been removed.”

He said that the Nationalist Party will continue to push for freedom of speech and the voice of the individual.