The Labour Party is concerned that unresolved personal issues could drive voters to abstain in the European Parliament election in May.
It was Prime Minister Joseph Muscat who yesterday acknowledged there were voters miffed with the government for not solving individual problems.
He pledged to get involved in ensuring personal issues were solved while insisting that the forthcoming MEP election was “a difficult test” for the Labour Party.
Everybody except the Opposition understood the need to have the tools to know which children were falling through the cracks and why
“No party in government has ever won the EP elections and, all over Europe, parties in government are expected to suffer,” he told party supporters under a tent in Attard.
His message built on the concerns expressed by other speakers before him that people would not vote in protest at the government’s inability to address their personal concerns.
However, the Prime Minister urged electors to evaluate the government’s performance over the past year and appealed for their vote. “This is a government that... not only ensured you will have more money in your pocket but also took care of your family by providing free childcare, gave back what was stolen in VAT on car registration and is building a truly European country.”
This was Dr Muscat’s first public appearance since suffering temporary blindness last week after his eyes were exposed to strong light while addressing a political activity in Żurrieq.
He started his address by joking about the incident, which had also affected other MPs and party functionaries, who were sitting behind him. “I thought nobody would want to sit behind me today,” he said smiling.
Turning to concerns over the job market, Dr Muscat said the government wanted to have a clear picture of why some people found it hard to find employment. He used this as justification for the legal notice that would empower the Education Minister to have access to data on students.
The University Students’ Council had raised concern over the matter and the Nationalist Party presented a motion to repeal the legal notice claiming it was tantamount to spying. The parliamentary discussion on the Opposition’s motion is expected tonight.
Dr Muscat said the reasons underpinning the legal notice were explained to all the partners of the Jobs Plus programme, a job training initiative promoted by the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin that was taken on board by the government.
“They all agreed, including the PN representative who seemed to have no objection. Everybody except the Opposition understood the need to have the tools to know which children were falling through the cracks and why,” Dr Muscat said.
However, the PN accused the government of keeping the legal notice hidden from the people, describing the Education Minister’s actions as “abusive”.
The PN was against the powers granted to the minister to have access to sensitive personal information on students and would be voting to repeal the legal notice, it said.
ksansone@timesofmalta.com