Prime Minister Robert Abela said he could not understand how a major political party did not make any submissions and decided to be absent from the Cannabis White Paper consultation.

He was interviewed briefly on ONE Radio.

Abela, who is currently in quarantine, said that the personal use of cannabis is a reality that has been with us for tens of years, "a reality that others decided to sweep under the carpet and did not give enough importance to people having their police conduct destroyed."

He said that the government had an electoral mandate to start this process. He spoke about the main points the government wants to tackle through legislation, which include: People who are caught with a joint not being treated like criminals; eradicating the black market; Giving the opportunity to those who were caught with a joint to move forward with their lives and clean their police conduct sheets. He said that the government announced these general principles in the White Paper, which was issued for public consultation for 6 weeks. In those six weeks, he said, 350 contributions were filed. These are now being analysed. Abela said that after this process concludes, a bill will be drafted. He said that the PL made its own submissions, which go further than what was written in the White Paper.

Abela said the PL was a catalyst for change and wants it to continue being so. He said that the PL showed that it was a living party, and that its contribution will be considered with the other proposals. He reiterated that the PN did not contribute to the white paper discussion, not filing any proposals.

"A few weeks ago the Opposition said it will discuss, yet we don't have any submission from the opposition on such an important process. That is the PN's choice. If they are choosing to be absent from such an important issue that is their decision. We will continue ahead with our reforms. This is a reformist government. This government never abdicated from taking decisions."

He spoke about the past week. "This week was one that filled me with confidence," he said. He said that despite being in quarantine, he held many virtual meetings. He said that over the past months, the government worked with a plan with regards to Covid-19. He spoke about the opening of restaurants, and said that Monday was a good work day for them.

Abela said that there was also a lot of work seen in Gozo.

"He said that optimism does not come from nowhere, but comes as we worked with the people." He said the people are seeing the vaccination plan, which is extremely important. He spoke of the government planning ahead with regards to the vaccine, and how the government was focused on where it wants to go.

On Monday, the vaccinations open up to the general population, he said.

He said that Malta is not in a race with other countries, but noted that Malta was among the leaders in vaccination rates.

Abela believes that Malta will be one of the first countries to recuperate. He spoke about the Maltese feeling secure in the country and about the positive economic outlook for Malta.

He took aim at the Opposition for 'feeling pleased' that Malta was not listed in the UK's green list.

"The most important aspect in leadership is having the courage to take decisions," he said, adding that the government took many difficult decisions over the past months.