Falzon launches his programme
"MLP should be pro-Europe, patriotic, and pro-environment"
Labour leadership contender Michael Falzon said yesterday that the report commissioned by the party to examine its electoral defeat should be made available for all leadership contenders, though he had no opinion on whether the party should make it public.
Replying to a question during a press conference yesterday morning, during which he launched his programme for the party and the country ahead of the June 5 Labour leader election, Dr Falzon said the report had been handed to acting leader Charles Mangion.
Speaking about his programme, Dr Falzon said he had purposely held off publishing it earlier because he first wanted to hold consultation meetings with the 900 party delegates.
Dr Falzon said he viewed the future Labour Party as being leftwing, pro-Europe, patriotic, and pro-environment.
He said that the EU was no longer an issue and there was "no re-thinking about renegotiating any packages", as former Labour leader Alfred Sant had suggested prior to the March election.
Moreover, as an EU member state, the MLP should work to make the best of the opportunities this brings along.
With regard to the party's statute, which he compared to pizza dough in view of the several amendments to suit certain circumstances, Dr Falzon said that if elected leader, a new draft statute would be ready by the end of the year.
Dr Falzon said it was fundamental for the Labour Party to be inclusive and open to criticism, especially internally.
The MLP leadership hopeful said the party needed stronger team spirit and better communication. With regard to the party media, Dr Falzon said this needed to achieve a balance between commercial and political interests.
Dr Falzon also said discussions should begin to establish how parties could be funded, if necessary even through the state. Dr Falzon stressed that he wanted to be "the leader and not the head" of the MLP, where decisions were taken following consultations.
Turning to his vision for the country, Dr Falzon said his plans were based on Malta as an EU member state, on socio-economic justice, education, the environment and on science and technology.