PN Spokesperson for Education Clyde Puli condemned the Prime Minister for failing to act and effectively remove Justyne Caruana as Minister for Education immediately.

The fact that the Prime Minister seems uncertain on whether to dismiss Caruana from her post is negatively affecting the country’s education system, said Puli in a press conference today.

The Hyzler report regarding Caruana’s case has serious implications, said Puli.

“We have devalued our educators and stripped them of their dignity, by allowing the future of our children in the hands of a person who is unqualified and incompetent in the sector,” said Puli, adding it is a disgrace that Bogdanovic was being paid around €5,000 a month whilst teachers and educators receive an average wage of €1,800.

“It is not a surprise that through this disrespect, we are failing to attract more teachers and educators to strengthen our education system,” he added.

Puli emphasized that compared to other countries, Malta’s education system needs serious improvement, particularly with regards to early school leavers, wages for educators, technology devices in middle and secondary schools, as well as security in schools.

The PN is proposing better pay for teachers to ensure that more individuals are drawn to the education system, as well as respect and keep existing educators, said Puli. He added that there should be emotional, psychological, and social support in every school.

The party is also proposing a national strategy which sees to it that there is participation of stakeholders as well as the educators to ensue a plan for the education system in the coming years – one that a minister cannot change, said Puli.

“This is the third Minister for Education in this legislature,” noted Puli, adding that this caused a great instability in the system.

PN candidate Stefan Caruana highlighted that Bogdanovic’s “lies” were revealed in the Hyzler report. Recommendations he claimed he made were in fact made by third parties, as well as certain data being erased, added Caruana.

PN candidate Julie Zahra emphasised that there is a crisis in the educational system, where there are classes without teachers, confused students and almost-abandoned schools.

“The only continuity that this government has maintained is that he has followed in the footsteps of the one before him, who was voted the most corrupt politician globally,” said Zahra. She questioned what will be done at schools with regards to the pandemic, with Covid-19 cases rising daily.

“Our children are suffering just so that Justyne Caruana can save her reputation,” said Zahra.

Zahra also proposed that wages for educators increase, as well as the needed air conditioning in schools.