Last thing politicians should do is turn people against each other - PN MP

Comments made by Economy Minister Silvio Schembri, that third-country nationals should go back to their country if they lose their jobs, were slammed by PN MP Ryan Callus, during a press conference on Wednesday.

Callus said that Schembri’s comments were a “deviation”, saying that foreigners were used to justify the economic strategy and now they were being told to go back to their country. “This is a global pandemic. The last thing politicians need to do is turn people against each other.”

He also commented that the economic strategy based on foreign workers was wrong. Callus then questioned the government: “Who is going to make good for rents now that foreigners are leaving?”

Government is not doing enough to safeguard jobs, which are already at the tipping point, Callus noted, adding that the crisis could take weeks or even months to pass.

“People are still unsure, despite the financial measures proposed,” he said. Some know that their jobs may be terminated because of this crisis and they are receiving no help from the government. Callus made specific reference to those working past pensionable age, who are worried that they will be the first to go. The same applies to part-time workers, he added.

The opposition is not criticising but putting forward proposals which are very important for workers. Quarantine leave cannot be taken from the workers’ leave, Callus said, adding that would mean 10 days from the overall 24. Quarantine leave should be covered by the government, he said.

Two other proposals put forward by the opposition regard the banking sector. Callus said that there should more initiatives from banks and they should look into lower interest rates for those who have loans.

Callus said that the government should take note of these proposals, adding that this was not a time to be partisan.

PN Deputy Leader, Robert Arrigo said that the country is already in quasi-lockdown, before the government has even announced it. He said that the current situation may sustain for three to six months and in the meantime, the government should use the taxes paid over the past years to give back to both employees and employers.

PN MP Herman Schiavone also added that some industries cannot wait any more, “we are already seeing devastating effects.”

He said that the government should fork out 50% of wages and 50% of utility bills. “For our businesses to keep afloat they need the help of the government,” Schiavone noted.

Schiavone also said that the surplus the government had boasted about came about from industries which are currently in trouble, like tourism, so the same surplus should be used to help them.