Quality of life is central in this election - Gonzi

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi told a televised press conference this evening that a core issue at this general election was quality of life, with the PN promising to put more money in the people’s pockets and committing itself to creating jobs and improving the environment.

Replying to questions in a press conference organised by the Broadcasting Authority, Dr Gonzi said his government had achieved an absolute record in the creation of productive jobs and had invested heavily in the environment. He would admit, however, that more had to be done for the environment, and that was a commitment which the PN was making.

The Prime Minister, addressing himself to young people, said their choice at the general election would make a major difference for the country’s future. This, he said, was the government which was securing young people’s future by attracting foreign investment such as SmartCity, and this was the government which had retained, and in some cases improved, students stipends. The MLP had wanted to reduce the stipends, and it had even wanted to devalue the local currency by 10 percent.

The PN government had created an environment conducive to investment, but the MLP was already fostering uncertainty, as evidenced by its comments about reopening the EU accession agreement.

The tax cuts the PN was proposing would ensure that the momentum of economic growth was maintained, despite looming problems abroad caused by recession and rising oil and cereal prices.

Replying to other questions, Dr Gonzi said his government did not want to see Malta Shipyards closed, but wanted it to raise its productivity and turn a profit.

He said the MLP promise to halve the surcharge would encourage waste. Thousands of low income families were already benefiting from generous assistance by the government and they would not, therefore, from this proposed MLP measure, he said.

Questioned on how funds from the Lotteries Good Causes Fund had been donated to a company which brought Juventus to Malta, Dr Gonzi said that money was used for children in football nurseries to be able to watch a match at Ta’Qaliand everybody knew how good sport was for character formation.