Towards Malta's growth in Europe

The theme chosen for the Nationalist Party's general council is Towards Malta' growth in Europe. The two sessions are being held at the New Dolmen Hotel, Qawra, this evening and Sunday morning.

The political document presented to the councillors focuses on the challenges the PN will be facing in the near future. Undoubtedly, Malta will be experiencing a radical change with the imminent membership of the European Union, hence the document also takes into account the Nationalist government's vision and preparation for this historic event.

It examines the government's past performance and proposes solutions to the major challenges the country is facing at present.

Since Malta gained its Independence in 1964, Nationalist governments have worked hard to offer the people higher standards and widespread opportunities in education, health, justice, social benefits, security, industry and tourism.

Nationalist governments have changed the face of our country in more ways than one. Apart from upgrading the country's impoverished infrastructure, they transformed the country's political environment. Through dialogue between all the social partners the PN has achieved national consensus on various national issues. It has also succeeded in fostering a new appreciation of our national heritage, culture and environment, as well as, sport, information technology and several other important issues.

The PN will continue to strengthen our country's growth for our benefit and for that of our children. In this light, the political document places special emphasis on analysing and prioritising the several proposals presented in the party's electoral programme.

The proposals to strengthen Malta's growth focus on the three main aspects:

¤ Malta's EU membership - reaping the benefits for the family and gaining advantages for visitors;

¤ safeguarding the environment - towards achieving a healthier society and

¤ intensifying development - sustainable growth.

In order to ensure success it is necessary to bear in mind two major factors: the threshold Malta will be crossing beyond its shores over to the EU and the absolute need to control public expenditure where possible and necessary. In an open economy, such as that of Malta, the state of government finances inevitably depends on the circumstances of the world economy.

Undoubtedly, Malta's first priority is the forthcoming EU membership. All efforts and energies should be directed to guaranteeing greater prosperity for its people. The elected candidates for the European parliament fielded by the PN will be in the optimum position to reap the rich harvest this New Spring will be offering our country. Their firm belief in Malta's membership will further enhance the strong impetus needed to focus on our country's interests, our opportunities and our full development within the EU.

With EU membership the PN will not be undertaking measures solely to present programmes and present candidates, it will also focus also on full participation in designing programmes of the European People's Party, of which the PN is a member.

The document Towards Malta's Growth in Europe is divided into five chapters:

¤ Malta in Europe: let's get started.

¤ Embellishment: for the benefit of our families and for our visitors.

¤ Safeguarding the environment: reaching higher standards of living for us and our children.

¤ National development: sustainable growth.

¤ Towards further strengthening of our country.

The Nationalist government has striven hard to achieve higher health standards for its people. It has, over the years, introduced into our country modern state-of-the-art services and facilities the medical world has to offer. In fact, investment by the Nationalist government in this field has increased considerably in recent years. Thousands continue to benefit from the sterling work our doctors are performing in our hospitals and clinics. Hundreds of lives have been saved.

The Nationalist government cares. For the Nationalist government the people's health has always been a priority on its intense agenda and various measures have been undertaken to safeguard the security and well being of our elderly.

The Nationalist government is now committed to ensuring sustainability of pensions and social benefits. It is evident that better health care inevitably carries with it the challenges of dealing with longevity. Pension and welfare reforms are therefore under way in order to guarantee and safeguard a high quality of life to all and sundry.

The PN has been constantly a vital catalyst of change, its greatest strength being its vision. Discerningly it has steadily invested in its people. It has directed its energy to raise standards by focusing on fulfilling each individual's needs. The PN will continue to work hard to succeed in this sphere because it cares.

Malta is undergoing great changes. Within the EU, and with the collaboration of all the social partners, the Nationalist government is geared up to face and overcome the challenges of the future. Working together, our country will continue to grow and flourish for our benefit and for that of our children.

Mr Saliba is general secretary of the Nationalist Party.