‘From wellbeing index to luxury index’ – Alex Borg slams Robert Abela
Opposition leader takes aim at PM's claims in Times of Malta interview
Alex Borg on Sunday slammed Robert Abela’s claim that people are living in luxury, saying the prime minister is cut-off from everyday realities.
Speaking during a telephone interview on NET TV, the Opposition leader contrasted Abela’s pre-election talk about a wellbeing index with his new apparent “luxury” index
Abela said during a Times of Malta interview that people are buying more cars, boats and going on more holidays, as the Labour government has made luxuries accessible to many.
He admitted, however, the new indulgences have come at a price that people must accept.
The Opposition leader said such declarations show Abela is cut-off from people’s realities.
“When I saw what the prime minister said, I wondered if he is living in the same Malta. I meet many families who tell me their salary does not last them till the end of the month,” Borg said.
Borg said youths’ concerns are whether they can afford their first property, not whether they can afford a boat, while the elderly are not prioritising boats and cars, but just being able to afford their daily needs.
“The government is starting to believe its own propaganda,” Borg said.
Borg also took the prime minister over his declaration that people buying more cars and boats come with its own trade-offs.
The Opposition leader said the prime minister was insinuating that for people to enjoy these “luxuries”, they must be willing to deal with traffic, population increases, drainage in the sea and power cuts.
Borg questions what had become of the government pre-election talk about traffic reducing measures.
The Opposition leader also had words about the recent incident in Marsalforn which saw concrete poured over the rocks at the popular bay.
Although the works were carried out by government workers, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri claimed they were “unauthorised” and ordered that the concrete be removed.
Borg questioned who gave the order to cover the rocks with cement, and who will foot the bill for its removal.
The Opposition leader said this incident showed a lack of leadership if workers are doing things they are not authorised to do.
“There is an 'everything goes' culture where the government just throws money at problems,” Borg said.