What is your verdict on the Labour Party’s first year in government?
In my opinion, most promises made have been fulfilled or are in the process of being fulfilled. I am satisfied with the progress so far. Marie Cini, 19, BA Arts.
I think Joseph Muscat is moving along with his pre-election promises but there is still much more to be desired. Aidan Micallef, 21, BSc Maths & Statistics.
It’s not been without hitches, but I believe that overall it’s been a positive year. However, I think there’s room for improvement. Daniel Cossai, 19, BA English and Communications.
What were the highlights so far? Were you disappointed with anything in particular?
Although I was happy to see the termination of the contract with Arriva and their departure from the islands, there has been no improvement in the public transport service yet. Marie Cini
I am quite disappointed about the apparent lack of vision for the creation of jobs and strengthening of the workforce. On the other hand, I am quite happy with the government’s stance on civil unions and the speed with which the draft legislation was presented to Parliament. Aidan Micallef
For me, the most important thing so far was the fight for greater equality in terms of LGBT rights. I was disappointed that the issues that attracted most media attention, such as the citizenship issue, were not because of the ideas themselves but because of the way they were handled by the government. Daniel Cossai
Has Joseph Muscat lived up to your expectations? What were they?
My biggest expectation was that of a young Prime Minister who would make youths his priority. He has managed to do so. Marie Cini
He has not lived up to my expectations, in the sense that I expected more meritocracy, especially with an electoral slogan like Malta Tagħna Lkoll. Aidan Micallef
I had positive expectations and I think that in most areas he has delivered. But in other areas there is room for improvement, and while my opinion is still positive, my expectations have certainly not been matched 100 per cent so far. Daniel Cossai
Interviews conducted by Insite – the Student Media Organisation.