Malta has once again received positive feedback ratings from the world’s largest credit ratings agencies over the past few weeks. Naysayers would like to write off the Labour government as an economic blimp rather than an economic triumph.

Our economic vision was made a reality because we had workers willing to put in the effort – an economy is only as strong as those who pave to make it. Measuring economic growth alone isn’t enough to measure the trajectory of growth a Labour government has set this nation on in a mere five years.

The link between economic development and social progress is not a linear one. While improved economic conditions boost investment in areas key to society, we have made rampant progress in recent years on issues involving basic social and economic justice.

Economic growth is not only seen in numbers but in the improved lives of the people.

Rather than the traditional analysis of economic performance, taking a wider and more meaningful measure, captures a more accurate view of development and progress and a more nuanced version of what bold and strident policymaking has led to.

From the onset, this government embarked on a roadmap to drive Malta through its next phase of development and heavy investment in any project that shall enhance economic and social welfare.

The government is delivering quality changes in standards of life and opportunities for the average citizen. People are not only witnessing change but feeling it too. This started as a social movement and its flames have not fanned out.

The Labour Party was and still is a social change agent. The only way we can continue to be a real people’s movement is if we respect the people.

Respecting people meant believing in what they can achieve and supporting them to make their ambitions a reality:

The only way we can continue to be a real people’s movement is if we respect the people

That small family business that now has a framework to ease a transfer from generation to generation; the young farmer who wants to invest in organic farming not only has the tools to do so but the government’s backing both through investment as well as with the right policies to ensure a sustainable sector.

The mother, who returned to work, or finally started that course to lead her to a new or progressing career path, without having to compromise her and her family’s quality of life in order to afford childcare.

Then there are our youths, who have been told they have no limits with new avenues such as vocational teaching and removing fees off examinations.    These are great examples of policies that once seemed radical and now are simply a part of life.

Indeed bold new ventures are becoming synonymous with a Labour government. Governments were associated with dozing administrations, slow-to-react and ineffective.

We have transformed that associated apathy into not only a drive to perform and deliver results but to be trailblazers. We have worldwide leading legislation in civic rights and breaking into new economic sectors such as medical marijuana manufacturing and blockchain technology.

Only recently we invested in youth’s capabilities to participate effectively in the civic process by being the second country in the EU to grant 16-year-olds the right to vote.

Respecting people in a new economic era also means being sensitive to upcoming challenges that prosperity, migration and incessant competitiveness bring with it.

We are emboldened to overcome and address the increased inflation in the property market, mental health matters, infrastructural and environmental issues.

The economic scenario is an even more affluent one when the general well-being of the nation swells. In itsfirst five years in office this government has revolutionised the local scenario and will continue to take decisive steps to a better tomorrow.

Chris Cardona is Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business.

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