‘We offer peace of mind’: Labour kicks off congress in Alex Borg’s backyard
Gozo's economy has tripled in size under Labour, PM says
Labour kicked off its pre-election congress in Opposition leader Alex Borg’s backyard on Sunday, with Robert Abela telling delegates in Gozo that a PL government offers peace of mind.
The prime minister said launching the congress in Gozo demonstrates how the island is a priority for the Labour government.
Borg confirmed in November that he will be the first PN leader to contest the election in the Gozo district, in what is set to be a key battleground.
The congress is taking place amid growing speculation about whether the prime minister will pull the trigger on an early election.
Abela this week sought to downplay claims that the party’s congress, a statutory requirement before heading to the polls, automatically means that an election will be called imminently.
During a speech at the congress opening, the prime minister said that under a Labour government, Gozo’s economy has tripled in size since 2013 and is now producing a billion euros yearly.
Abela said in 2013, Gozo’s unemployment figures were seven times as high as they are now. At the moment, only 90 people are registered as unemployed in Gozo, he said.
The prime minister said plans for a new airstrip in Gozo are at an advanced stage, and work is underway on the new Sliema – Buġibba – Gozo fast ferry route.
Abela announced two new initiatives for Gozo on Sunday, a study hub for Gozitan students and the installation of 150 bicycle racks across Gozo in conjunction with NGO Rota.
Abela also pointed to the government’s strategy of maintaining Gozo character as an island of villages.
The prime minister said that while this does not mean a halt to progress, development in Gozo must be done intelligently and sustainably.
‘Peace of mind’
Turning to the shockwaves from the conflict in the Middle East, Abela contrasted Malta’s stable fuel and energy prices with the skyrocketing prices and disruption in fuel supplies being experienced in other EU countries.
“There are huge challenges being faced abroad, while in Malta, we are in a position to discuss people’s aspirations. We can do this because of Malta’s strong economy,” Abela said.
Abela said a recent report by credit rating agency Morningstar DBRS observed how Malta’s energy policies had shielded families from rising prices.
“We kept stable prices for years, while those in Opposition wanted free market forces to take over… With a Labour government, there is peace of mind and stability,” the prime minister said.
Finance Minister Clyde Caruana confirmed with Times of Malta that the government is expecting to pay out between €80 million and €100 million to cushion the blow from the energy price hikes brought about by the war in the Middle East.
The additional bill will cover the rising costs of fuel and electricity coming from the interconnector and LNG supplies.