National accountability

Lack of cash is now really hurting the growing number of low-income families.

It is a sad fact that parish councils across Malta and Gozo are handing out free food in packets and boxes marked "European Community Aid", adorned with the blue flag bearing the golden stars. They are the type of packets the EU normally gives to Third World countries. Rice, cooking oil, spaghetti and flour are given to all who apply for this charity hand-out.

Certainly, no one should condemn this charitable acknowledgment by the European Community of the growing poor and needy within the Maltese community. But how does this compare with the promises by the Fenech Adami government of strong finances and a "new spring" and the constant assurances by the Gonzi government that the economic upturn is just around the corner? That Malta is reduced to accepting the equivalent of Third World aid hand-outs is a dismal reflection of the incompetence of the Nationalist government since 1987.

How does that compare with the inflated promises by both EU exponents and prominent elements in Malta and their obedient followers? Is it coincidence that those who made such promises now occupy highly-paid jobs within the EU?

These EC food packets are specially printed in Maltese, so it cannot be a mere surplus issue; these were specifically prepared and issued in Malta for the Maltese people.

On the one hand, the government boasts that all is going according to plan, that recovery is just around the corner but on the other hand it has to accept the scrap the EU drops into its empty begging bowl.

What do the small shopkeepers think of this bureaucratic sabotage? Because for every packet given away free, a shop, a wholesaler and an importer lose income. Could it be the case that small businesses will suffer even more than they are doing now?

The Maltese people must take account of the fact it is the policies the Nationalist Party implemented since 1987 which have led to this dreadful state of affairs and which are forcing Malta to accept EC aid in order to feed its increasing numbers of poor and needy.

Is it the first open admission that this Nationalist government is unable to cope and provide for its own people? Under whose authority were these foodstuffs imported? Which minister is responsible? Why was this arrangement made so quietly, without any announcements by the government or in the media? Is the government ashamed of it? Where is national accountability?

When the PN was in opposition it used to criticise the Labour government for securing foreign support and investment. Yet, now, that same party is having to accept charity gifts!

On the one hand we must not be ungrateful for the generosity of our fellow Europeans, even if we must constantly bear in mind the fact that this whole disastrous and humiliating situation is the result of years of Nationalist mismanagement.

According to the forecasts and promises that won the Nationalists the last election, we Maltese should all be enjoying the great fruits of their clever economic planning. Tell that to Air Malta pilots and crews who have been forced to accept lower income. Tell it to importers and exporters who no longer have the security of knowing that Sea Malta will serve Maltese interests first. Sea Malta, the vital lifeline connection to the mainland Europe for this island nation, is now under Italian control. Is the plan to make Malta another Italian village?

Tell it to the long established businesses driven to the edge of bankruptcy. Tell it to the farmers whose livelihoods are in danger. Tell it to the shopkeepers struggling to survive. Tell it to all the businesses who used to obtain payment in 60 days but now have to wait 180 days and more, thus seeing their cash flow drying up. Tell it to the employees who have lost their jobs as a result.

The acceptance of EC charity is the latest and most shameful symptom of total policy failure by the Nationalists and lack of accountability. Shame on you, Prime Minister; you and your greedy, selfish party have sold the pride of Malta and the Maltese people.

Mr Farrugia is the opposition's spokesman for agriculture, fisheries and rural development.