If there is anything that stood out clearly in last Friday's Xarabank debate it was the Prime Minister's capability to lead our country through challenging times as much as through easier periods. The debate centred on some of the most important and delicate issues he has had to face since becoming Prime Minister over four years ago, including the energy realities we are facing, the discussion on illegal immigration and healthcare issues, among others.
The debate helped to further consolidate the distinction between Joseph Muscat and Lawrence Gonzi. While the first sought to make populist criticism, the second dug in and emerged with substance. This damaged Dr Muscat because, while he came out strongly in his attacks on the proposed water and electricity tariffs, his incapability to come up with counter-proposals proved that he is devoid of ideas and vision.
The Opposition Leader presented the Labour Party's initial reaction to the government's proposed water and electricity tariffs on Monday. As in the Xarabank debate, Dr Muscat chose to attack what the government had proposed to the social partners rather than provide concrete alternatives. Therefore, while the discussion has continued in the MCESD, Labour can never state that it was "constructive" in the way it treated this fundamental issue. So much for a new political season!
On the other side of the spectrum, the government has proposed to phase in the new utility tariffs. More than ever before, this move proves that the government's ears are firmly rooted to the ground. It is paying close attention to the concerns raised by the constituted bodies. Having said this, it is also maintaining the central tenet that we must pay for the energy we consume. This is essential if we are to focus our resources on the most important investments, namely those of bolstering our educational infrastructure, nurturing an environment that we can benefit from and which can be enjoyed by future generations and investing in the best-quality healthcare.
I was greatly encouraged by the new faces I saw at the weekend PN general conference. Over the past weeks, the Nationalist Party has been undergoing a process of renewal in its various committees and branches.
I personally take the opportunity to thank all those who have given so much time and effort to the party in the past as well as those who have chosen to take up the mantle in the coming months and years. It is positive to see such an evolution taking place, naturally without the unnecessary pomp made by empty vessels.
The announcement of a mammoth €130 million investment in a wind farm project at Sikka l-Bajda, made by Minister George Pullicino and the Prime Minister is extremely positive for all those who wish to see a greater impetus given to the generation of alternative means of energy in Malta. This initiative will, undoubtedly, serve to steer Malta well towards the renewable energy targets, which have been made. Among them, the European Commission proposes that Malta should generate 10 per cent of its energy needs from clean and renewable sources of energy.
The wind farm project aims to cater for a total of four per cent of the energy needs of our islands. This is equivalent to the energy requirements of about 20,000 families.
The wind farm initiative, coupled with the government's intention to connect Malta to the European energy grid through a cable via Sicily, serves as an example of state intervention in securing a cleaner environment and a diversification of energy production. It is pertinent to note, however, that the €130 million (required for the wind farm alone) will not come out of thin air. Finances need to be side-lined and allocated to the project... as stated in the Xarabank debate, the government cannot continue to subsidise our energy bills.
Mr Casa is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.
david@davidcasa.eu, www.davidcasa.eu