Constructive politics

Many Maltese have lost interest in local politics. They are tired of the political fighting between the parties and the internal struggle between the various factions within the parties themselves.

Malta needs a break from the type of politics we have been used to during recent years. Never was this break needed more than today. The state of the economy and public finances is indeed very alarming. Last year the country had a fall in GDP in real terms of 1.7 per cent. We have not as yet seen the light at the end of the tunnel.

The launching by the Labour Party of a draft plan for economic and social regeneration is indeed a much desired diversion from the old style of politics. It is a very positive and constructive contribution to the effort to put Malta on its feet again. This new approach should find the approval and support of all those who want a change in the way of conducting politics on our island.

The precariousness of the economic situation calls not for divisiveness, but for national unity. All forces from the whole spectrum of Maltese society should give a valid and genuine contribution to the regeneration of the national economy. The present system of running the administration through the use of party blue-eyed boys has failed miserably.

Malta needs the best brains available, the most efficient administrators, irrespective of their political affiliations, if it is to survive the present crises. The government lost a golden opportunity when it failed to nominate a President, accepted by all, who could have rallied the whole people around him in a national effort to come out of the present impasse.

Action to kick start the ailing national economy has long been overdue. Although the structural deficit in public finances is a matter of grave concern, the government has so far failed to curtail its recurrent expenditure, even in sectors where the economy is receiving very little benefit.

Up to now, government action to solve the financial crises has consisted mainly in increased taxation. Indeed Malta is now one of the most taxed countries in the EU. Taxation has now reached a saturation point as it is affecting adversely the level of consumption, savings, and investment.

It seems now that the government, in the coming months, is going to redress the present crises in public finances by reducing substantially the welfare state and the national health services. This is a sure recipe for disaster as it will bring great hardship and division in Maltese society. What the moment requires is national unity, not social conflict. Instead of moving forward, the country will go backward. The crises will not be solved by increasing taxation or by drastically reducing social services, thus bringing sections of the Maltese population to the verge of poverty.

What is required is a national effort to revamp the national economy and sustain social solidarity, on the basis of new policies, which must have the whole backing and support of all the forces along the political and social spectrum.

Measures must be taken without any further delay in order to retrain our workers in the skills required by modern, highly technological industries and in order to increase their productivity.

There has to be a common vision on how to attract foreign investment and to encourage local entrepreneurs, thereby creating new opportunities for work.

Ways and means have to be found by all concerned as to how to control our rising costs in order to get Malta back on track regarding it competitiveness on the international markets. Money from the EU should be sought.

The plan for economic and social regeneration launched recently by the MLP could be one of the foundation stones on which to build a national effort to bring an economic and social renewal of our country in line with the EU Lisbon Strategy.