A recent Eurobarometer survey, commissioned by the European Commission and conducted in September, confirms that most Maltese are optimistic about their immediate future. 

An impressive 80% of Maltese citizens said that in the coming year, their income will be better or more stable than this year. It was an EU-wide survey among the twenty countries of the Eurozone. 

Almost two-thirds of Maltese said that their income was stable-an increase of seven per cent compared to last year's Eurobarometer. Malta ranked second after Portugal and has a rate much higher than the Eurozone average of 54 per cent. Only Labour can guarantee an even stronger economy and a more prosperous future, and people are aware of that. That is why they trust Labour.

Optimistic

According to an EU-wide survey by the European Development Bank, Maltese companies are among the most optimistic and confident of all EU member states. More than a third of local companies said that they expected to invest more in their business. This contrasts sharply with the average, 4%, of companies in the EU that said so.  

Malta's optimistic rate is nine times higher than that of businesses in the European Union. Optimism happens for a reason, and in Malta, it's a strong, competent, and stable Labour government coupled with a resilient workforce. 

Celebrations

New Year's Eve in Valletta promises an unforgettable start to the New Year. Jason Micallef, Chairman of the Valletta Cultural Agency, and I launched the Valletta National NYE Celebrations. 

It will be a special event for all. 

The event will feature an impressive lineup of local and international artists. International artist John Newman will be a special guest. The lineup also includes DJ sets from Denzel Jo Armani, Wayne, and DJ Gabii. Jamie Cardona, Taryn Mamo Cefai, and Ron Briffa will host the event. Taking place in the heart of Valletta, St. George's Square, the event will culminate with Malta's largest-ever firework display over our unique Grand Harbour. A truly unforgettable night awaits.

Cribs 

This week, we took another significant step toward preserving and promoting our cultural heritage.   

We allocated a dedicated space to the Malta Crib Friends Association for them to operate, work, and showcase their artistic and cultural efforts. 

Thanks to the official transfer of property from the Lands Authority, this development signifies an important step toward preserving and promoting one of the most traditional aspects of Maltese culture.

The property on Melita Street, also accessible from Mikiel Anton Vassalli Street in Valletta, was previously managed by the Lands Authority. Under this agreement, it has now been leased for fifteen years.

Health

Since 2013, Labour has heavily invested in Malta's health sector. The latest addition is a Pet CT Scanner, the first of its kind, inaugurated at Mater Dei Hospital.

This will help cancer patients with diagnosis and ongoing assessments. Funded by European funds, this advanced device features a digital system based on semiconductors. It was inaugurated by my dedicated colleagues, Minister for Health Jo Etienne Abela and Minister for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi. Labour cares.

New families

Labour has been a pioneer in the provision of IVF for all. Now, the national health service will begin offering the facility for individuals to freeze eggs and sperm for use at a later stage in the IVF process.

Until now, this facility has been offered only to individuals for medical reasons. The new criteria, which are coming into force immediately, will also include women between 18 and 34 years of age who may wish to become parents in the future. They will now be able to undergo egg freezing and sperm freezing free of charge through the public service (NHS) for personal future use to preserve their fertility. 

This was announced by the Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, earlier this week. It was explained that this measure is intended for those who, for various reasons, including career circumstances, prefer to have children later in life. It will be carried out within a robust legal framework and under the regulations and oversight of the Embryo Protection Authority.

Shortly afterwards, the Nationalist Party issued a press statement casting doubts on this positive announcement. Perhaps this was Edwin Vassallo's first decision since rejoining the PN! The more things change ...

PN's fake news

A couple of months ago, the Nationalist Party wanted to make changes to the Constitution that would have jeopardized Maltese pastimes and traditions, such as the Maltese festa. Labour put a stop to that, and the PN did not get its way. 

This week, the Nationalist Party doubled down. 

Its spokesperson tried to, falsely, give the impression that the reform for the protection of agricultural land would harm hunters and trappers. Fake news. 

The government immediately countered, making it clear that the reform has no impact on any practice or hobby that is carried out in our fields. Any leisure that people have will continue to be enjoyed as long as no damage is done to agricultural produce.  The Legal Notice has been in force for months now, and no activity or hobby has been stopped. Many people have already registered their land and are benefiting from government aid and subsidies.

Judge Toni Abela

The Labour government legislated to create a Commissioner for Judicial Standards. Judge Emeritus Toni Abela has been appointed the first Commissioner. His nomination received unanimous agreement, and he was sworn in last week. 

At the ceremony, Dr Abela spoke about the qualities he believes the role demands: integrity, decisiveness, and kindness.

Having known Dr. Abela, for a long time and having been the Justice Minister who way back proposed him to serve as Judge in the Superior Courts in the first place, I can decisively state that he has them all. 

My view back then was shared by the independent Judicial Appointments Committee who had green lighted his nomination. 

Prime Minister Robert Abela said that increased scrutiny results in greater trust from those whom our courts must judge. Judge Abela will ensure that.

A blessed Christmas

I wish you, dear readers, and your loved ones a blessed Christmas.