The following is an abstract of Angelo Xuereb's speech on the occasion of the launching of the new political party, Azzjoni Nazzjonali (AN) on June 9.
The present political situation has led us to a political environment with an exaggerated race for votes and personal insults and which thus diminishes the focus on the country's economic and social needs.
Our country badly needs a breath of fresh air, and this may only come about if a political balance is achieved through which we will be able to draw up policies based on serious long-term plans with the well-being of present and future generations in mind.
Our aim is to achieve parliamentary representation from across the electoral districts in the next general election. This, in itself, would signify success for our country and for all Maltese and Gozitans.
Our political manifesto is at an advanced stage and will be radical but just. This is necessary to achieve a better future for our country. Because of the absolute power of a single party, certain change has not occurred due to partisan politics.
Therefore, the time has come for people of vision, courage and determination to set up this party to enable our country to flourish in every sector.
The following are the main reasons why I have decided to run for office.
• I am a patriot and I believe I am able to make a great contribution towards increasing the nation's wealth and justice.
• I believe that the new party will create greater balance in Parliament and because we support any legislation or motion which is in the country's interest, regardless of who the mover is. Our main aim is the good of the country and not the party or the votes.
• I believe that the country's leadership requires more persons who have made a success of their career and who, using their God-given skills, are ready sacrifice their precious time to contribute towards a better future for our country and for present and future generations.
• Many Maltese and Gozitans are fed up with exaggerated partisan politics that continues to stifle progress and creates a bigger divide between us.
• I believe that we will contribute to long-term master plans, covering 20, 30 and even 50-year periods. The generations which follow us have to be proud of our achievements.
• I believe that our country is worn out by partisan politics and needs to keep the hunt for votes in check.
• I believe that the time of tension and retaliation against political opponents is past.
• I believe that there is room for another genuine party in Parliament to help reduce the ruling party's arrogance of power in recent years.
• I believe there is no place for partisan political interference in local councils. Local councils have now become a mirror of the general situation in this country.
• I believe that local councils can be very beneficial if they pull the same rope.
• I believe that capital projects may be accomplished jointly with the private sector or on the basis of Public-Private Partnership or similar schemes to ensure that projects are of better quality, with pre-set budgets and a fixed termination date. This will ensure the reduction of possible abuses in over-expenditure beyond the established budget and with less inconvenience to the public. It is unacceptable that the final expenditure is double the original budget.
• I believe that my experience may be instrumental in helping the government obtain more funds from the European Union because we have already lost so much and are still missing these opportunities.
• I believe that the state should help directly those with special needs, as well as their families. These are our fellow Maltese and Gozitans and the state is in duty bound to give them all the assistance they need.
• I believe that we need a strong educational campaign for old and young alike, aimed at creating greater civic pride and patriotism.
• I believe that economic growth and social improvement should come before vote-seeking.
• I believe that social housing should be spread across the whole legislative term and not concentrated in the few months before the general election as a vote-catching measure.
• I believe we are going to introduce a radical change in the public transport system, making it an efficient service that attracts greater, regular use.
• We believe we will improve the state of our roads even while awaiting their total reconstruction.
• I believe that many are genuinely ready to do their bit for their country but hold back for fear of retribution or victimisation.
• I believe that that our Grand Harbour is unique and needs better tourist facilities and that with my practical experience in the tourist industry I may be instrumental in re-establishing Malta as a quality tourist destination.
• I believe that Valletta, and the harbours and towns in the harbour area, deserve much more while Cottonera may be transformed into a first-class region.
• I believe that actions and not words are capable of transforming Valletta into a city of World Heritage class. Furthermore, the old Opera House façade should ideally be rebuilt according to the original design while the interior would be contemporary.
• I believe that the City Gate area is in a disastrous state and deserves to be revamped immediately together with the public bus terminus because they degrade our capital city and our country.
• I believe that in the same way that I was the promoter of the beautiful Valletta Waterfront project on a private basis, I could do the same for our capital city.
• I believe that we are not giving enough attention to the quality of development. We shall be instrumental in enhancing these aspects and developing quality multi-functional buildings that contribute to the quality of family life.
• I believe our initiatives will serve to improve the urban and rural environment.
• I believe that building contractors have to be licensed and classified and that craftsmen should be professionally trained, qualified and licensed, thus reducing the need for foreign workers. Such training would also include aspects of health and safety to reduce accidents at the workplace.
• We shall be instrumental in addressing the Maghtab problem immediately with long-term plans which include new ideas regarding recycling and better use of waste.
• I believe we need to have more Blue Flag beaches and not wait another 20 years before another beach is given this status.
• I believe that Marsascala is not the best location to house the plant to treat domestic waste.
• I believe in the need for greater transparency and autonomy at MEPA as well as in reducing bureaucracy and raising efficiency by using the same criteria in processing all applications.
• I believe that at MEPA there are capable persons and that with a serious reorganisation, they will be able to work better and become more efficient.
• I believe I can implement the various proposals I have made over the past 18 years and that the government has still not carried out due to lack of resolve.
• I believe that Azzjoni Nazzjonali will help reduce bureaucracy and create greater efficiency, because inefficiency means wastage which each of us has to pay for.
• I believe that we will help create more jobs and reduce unemployment.
• I believe we can collaborate with other political parties in the national interest.
These were but some of the reasons that helped me decide to run for election. Those who know me know that I am a great believer in action and not words and that I have the determination to fulfil my promises.
To be able to dedicate all my time for the good of the nation I am ready to sacrifice most of my free time and that of my dear family, as well as my position as head of my group of companies.
I have reached this decision because I cannot bear to see more golden opportunities for our country being lost and especially because our country remains filthy and its beautiful countryside is disappearing due to lack of serious planning.
I am convinced that with the help of God and with the electorate's support, together with my colleagues within the new party, we will do our utmost to work for the benefit of the people of Malta and Gozo.
I am convinced that through our presence in Parliament we will create a political balance and thus reduce the absolute power of a single party. We will thus contribute towards the country's wealth and progress in the economic and social sector.
I am convinced that with our full and honest participation we will create greater justice, seriousness and progress in the leadership of our country.
I am sure that the success I have achieved, with God's grace, during my honest career as well as the leadership of the Naxxar council is proof and assurance of my ability to play a role in the country's administration.
I end by appealing to all those seeking their country's good to give us their support to make Malta a jewel in the Mediterranean of which we will be truly proud.
Mr Xuereb is deputy leader of AN