At different stages of our political history, our leaders mapped out their vision for the country and garnered support for it by their supporters and the public sphere at large. It was via this process that Malta achieved main political advancements that provided an improved quality of life for our people.
Recently we have witnessed Prime Minister Abela clearly defining what he will stand for. Addressing a historical cabinet meeting which was held for the first time at the Malta Chamber, the Prime Minister spoke about his economic ambitions for Malta for the coming years.
An economic model for the future built on five pillars: Good Governance, Economic growth for a better quality of life, Education for a long-term healthy economy, Improving Malta’s infrastructure, Malta being Carbon neutral by 2050 with intermediate 10-year targets.
Prime Minister Abela stated that Covid-19 did not alter his views towards Malta’s economic future but merely strengthened this overall strategy.
The PM started off with the notion that good governance is empirical to a healthy economy. He added that with regards to commerce and business, having a level playing field could only be accomplished through transparent governance. This was supported by the first result achieved during the past six months; a set of new laws based on the recommendations by the Venice Commission. He highlighted that this achievement had also been attained via a bi-partisan effort - following discussions with the Opposition.
As part of the second principle, the PM stated that it is worthless to have economic growth if society is not living better. He also stressed that it is vital that sustainable growth leads to quality work and more quality time for families. This is a target that I am focusing on directly via my Ministerial portfolio that includes both conditions of work and sustainability. Indeed, discussions are already underway within the MCESD and later within the Employment Relations Board in order to create a national strategy on remote working. This will not be the only improvement in this sector: we are currently revamping old Work Regulation Orders, while we have also initiated an academic process to individuate anomalies and analyse what is leading to pay gaps and other inequalities at the place of work.
The third point of the PM’s priorities speech focused on education. Robert Abela said that an educational reform would take place to prepare students in subjects like life sciences, robotics, coding, IT infrastructure, software development, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, quantum, cyber security and industry 4.0 which are the backbone of the Government’s vision for the economy. Over the last months we have also highlighted these areas as we re-ignited the conversation with our social partners in order to strengthen Malta’s offering as a test bed. This would mean that innovative companies would enhance their RDI from Malta where new technologies can be validated and then exported to world markets.
I was also glad to notice how Prime Minister Abela pinpointed the role of our educators as he explained that in order to modernise the educational infrastructure, support would also be given to educators as well as students.
The Prime Minister’s 4th priority is the strengthening of infrastructure including digital infrastructure. He highlighted that actions were now needed in order to develop efficient public transport systems. The Prime Minister underlined the notion of bureaucracy aiding in preventing abuse rather than hindering business development. Here he also touched on digital infrastructure announcing that the second fibre-optic cable that connects Malta and Gozo was in its final stages. This will enable our sister island to attract new industry types; thus extending the promise of innovation and RDI also to Gozo.
The final point of principal outlined, related to Malta becoming completely Carbon Neutral by 2050. The PM described this as possibly the hardest challenge yet. I agree with the Prime Minister that the environment is the most crucial element to achieve a better quality of life. However there are tangible ways that will help us to start moving along the right path to attain this goal. My Ministry is currently working to have the first Sustainable Development proof Budget later this year. I am also looking forward at developing proposals and policy alongside both our dedicated department for Sustainability and other wider bodies including the committee of Guardians for Future Generations and Sustainability Network.
Attaining the vision set for us as a Government will be no easy feat, however I am as resolute and determined as PM Abela to reach these goals. Many will need the support of the electorate; some will demand a bi-partisan approach that will transcend legislatures… however I believe that we should not shy away from this national effort in order to translate economic success into better quality of life for our children and future generations.
Carmelo Abela, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister