Malta should speak with one voice at EU level

Malta has to speak with one voice when it comes to defending its interests at EU level, the acting leader of the Labour Party, Charles Mangion stressed yesterday.

Speaking at a party activity at the Labour centre in Paola, Dr Mangion said Malta is obliged to keep an eye on what the EU is doing and take any steps it deems fit to safeguard its interests. This did not mean the country was against change but it only means ensuring change did not have a negative impact on the island.

The MLP yesterday marked the protests against British occupation held in April 28, 1958-50 years ago today. Riots had broken out during the day when the General Workers' Union had ordered a one-day general strike.

Several people who had taken part in the protests spoke during yesterday's activity. One, Nenu Buhagiar, described how he tried to scatter nails along the street in Sliema to stop buses from driving along, but the nails were too short to puncture the vehicles' tyres. Spent oil was later spilt along the road with Mr Buhagiar recounting how he had spoiled one of his best suits while doing so.

Dr Mangion said one needs to see whether such an event still held significance in today's world. He pointed out that, 50 years ago, Malta was a colony with a bleak economic future, where even education was restricted. The aim of the protests was to fight for a better future for young people and better economic development for the island.

In today's globalised world, he added, it was important to see how the economy could continue to expand to safeguard jobs and make for a better standard of living.

Among the areas where Malta could continue developing were services and specialised manufacturing. Even the maritime sector was important and could hold a future for the docks, although not necessarily in the traditional manner.

Moving on to education, Dr Mangion stressed the importance that education is based on the country's needs, both those of today and of the future.

"Welfare does not mean just giving handouts," he said, adding that welfare is also intended to help individuals develop their potential so they could advance on their own steam.