Only a Labour government can guarantee political stability and credibility - the two crucial elements to maintain Malta’ present economic rhythm, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this morning.
Addressing a political activity in Marsaxlokk, Dr Muscat hailed government’s track record in the first four years of this legislature and expressed confidence that the electorate would give the PL another term in office in the general election.
He backed his claim saying Labour’s track record, in public finances, the energy sector, free childcare, coordination on major capital projects and the various Budget measures introduced since 2013, showed that the party was delivering on its promises.
While acknowledging that the PL had committed “major mistakes”, he argued that the government learnt its lessons and had even started to address past grievances which had occurred under Nationalist governments, such as the police overtime issue. He added that 6,800 vehicle owners would this year be refunded the VAT paid on the purchase of their car in 2006.
Touching on the economy he welcomed a recent Eurostat report which said that 81 per cent of the Maltese were satisfied with the country’s economic direction.
“The keystone of the economy are stability and credibility,” he said.
Dr Muscat noted that even though during these four years political stability was taken for granted, in recent history, the country had paid a hefty price when it was led by a government with a weak parliamentary majority and crippled by infighting.
“When it is not clear who is in command, the economy stalls and jobs are lost,” he remarked.
On the issue of credibility, he said that Labour’s biggest strength was that it delivered on its pledges.
“People won’t be taking decisions on long-term projects which are still on paper, but on the PN’s track record on major projects like the Mater Dei Hospital, the Ċirkewwa terminal and the closure of the Marsa Power Station which were not finished on time and which went over budget. “
He said his government was phasing out heavy fuel oil and would soon be signing an agreement which would pave the way for a gas pipeline with Italy. This would also mean getting rid of the gas tanker in Marsaxlokk.
Dr Muscat reiterated his accusation against Opposition leader Simon Busuttil that he breached the party financing law by ordering the party’s commercial arm to issue false invoices for non-existing adverts as a means to circumvent donation rules.
The Labour leader said that after committing to open the party structures for the Electoral Commission’s scrutiny, Dr Busuttil was now refusing to do so, saying he had no trust in this constitutional body.
Dr Muscat said there were several instances in which State organs took decisions with which the PL was in complete disagreement. “The court’s decision to take away two parliamentary seats is a case in point,” he added while expressing his hope that these would be regained in the in the next election.