Joseph Muscat, the new leader of the Labour Party, set out his vision for the Labour Party and the country very early in his leadership campaign.
He built his campaign on commitments to lead a “Winning generation” and to make Malta “the best in the EU”.
Dr Muscat said in his meetings with the Labour delegates that he can “heal and unite” the Labour Party, making the party positive in its outlook, and inclusive, a movement for “progressives and moderates”.
He has promised to improve the way the party conveys its message, strengthen its online presence and its participation in the other party and non-party media. He is even considering a second MLP radio station directed to young people.
His immediate aims for internal MLP reform include the appointment of a Director of Communications and a Director for Human Resources. He is also proposing a party Policies Unit and an Ideas Forum to coordinate party policy-making and review, a Candidates’ Forum and a party Finances Unit. He has also proposed the appointment of a party representative in the EU, and the setting up of a call centre to follow up calls to the party by its supporters.
He has also called for updating of the party statute.
As for national policies, Dr Muscat has said he is seeking a “new political season” where the opposition would be respected and regularly consulted by the government.
Dr Muscat has insisted that Malta must seek the highest EU environment, economic and social standards. Locally, merit has to triumph over political discrimination and state broadcasting should be reformed in line with the requirements of proper balance and European norms.
He has called for a law on state funding of political parties, a reform of the General Elections Act, and legislation to control government activities during an electoral campaign in order th prevent abuse. He has also proposed a Joint Parliamentary Committee to plan and oversee the use of EU Structural Funds.
Dr Muscat has said he will seek political consensus on the way forward in education.
He is also in favour of incentives to boost economic growth and job creation while protecting consumer rights and preventing worker exploitation, strengthened dialogue with civil society and investing more in cultural appreciation and sport.