Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne took aim at the Nationalist Party’s proposals, stating that they are effectively “debt directives” which will negatively affect the country’s finances. 

Fearne stated that the Labour Party’s track record of improving Malta’s standards while not increasing tax rates is all that’s needed. “The past two years were extremely difficult for any government but we still invested in the people so one can only imagine what the next five years will bring.” 

Fearne also jabbed at how the PN was not prepared for the election. “There is a clear distinction between the two parties, as soon as the election was called the PL came out strong while the PN had candidates dropping left, right, and centre.” 

“We are costing all our proposals in order for them to be viable. At the end of the day, we are not going to represent only the Labour supporters but the Maltese population.” 

With regards to the green initiatives proposed by the PL where they proposed €100 million to be spent every year for seven years, Fearne said that “the PL is putting its money where its mouth is. For a number of years previous administrations did not give the environment the respect it deserves but now it is the first consideration whenever taking any decision.” 

“We are clearly showing this with land being given back to the people in Zonqor and Marsascala.” 

Proposals like this are aimed at improving the wellbeing of the people especially in a post-pandemic era where many mental health illnesses have resulted from it, Fearne said. “We are introducing green places in our towns so that people have a place to relax and collect their thoughts.” 

Early Thursday morning Fearne inaugurated a new health centre in Gzira which cost €1.6 million and was the result of the investment brought to Malta through the IIP scheme. “The opposition was unanimously against this scheme but when one looks at the investment this government is able to make thanks to this scheme, it’s impossible to see their reasoning.” 

Fearne also announced that a number of health centres will be opening in Marsascala, Hamrun, Ta’ Giorni, Rabat Gozo, Rahal Gdid and others. He also announced that the government is to start the process of opening the first health centre in Birzebbuga.