Prime Minister says it would be a mistake to focus on an election right now

It would be a mistake to speak about an election at the moment, Prime Minister Robert Abela said during a political activity on Sunday.

He said that the government after the past months (and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic), has a duty and a responsibility to lead the country until the end of its mandate.

“Others can focus on the election, we are focusing on leading the country, on how we can ensure a strong economic recovery, on how we can protect the elderly and the whole population.”

Abela, during his speech, also said that this isn’t the time for partisan arguments. “We must remain focused on moving the country forward.” Abela took some swings at the opposition over making partisan comments during this delicate period.

He said that the government will continue working to support society. “This is a government driven by a sense of duty, maturity and responsibility. I want this country to emerge from the pandemic stronger than it was last March."

Abela said that February is a crucial moment for Malta, explaining why he introduced more Covid-19 restrictive measures for February. He urged everyone to act responsibly.

In January, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced the extension of several measures and some new measures for the month of February. While stressing that the measures are being enforced, the Prime Minister appealed for everyone to do their part.”

“I know there is Covid fatigue, but I appeal for people to act responsibly during carnival. Let us not go through what happened in December and January again."

He said that this government offered peace of mind during the past year. "Instead of introducing austerity measures, we continued investing in people. Malta, compared to other countries, is in a strong position."

He said that despite the pandemic, the government took nothing from the people (economically), but rather gave to the people. Among other things, the government had introduced the wage supplement and the vouchers.

Abela said that what the government gave will be sustained, and that it will be able to do so as the economy is sustainable.

The Prime Minister urged everyone to work together for the good of the country.

Abela spoke of the challenge of balancing the safeguarding of lives and livelihoods during the pandemic. He said the government managed to maintain the balance, “but this wasn't easy.”

Statistics show that Malta has one of the lowest youth unemployment rates in Europe, he said. He mentioned that the government continues to reduce the number of unemployed people in the country.

The Prime Minister also confirmed that eight new members of the judiciary will be appointed to the bench in the near future.

Abela said that the government will move forward with plans for four new judges and four new magistrates to be appointed.

He said that this will be the first time the new appointment method for members of the judiciary will be used. "As a government we removed the Prime Minister’s power to choose the judiciary and appoint them."

He said that the process will be cut off from the government and the President will have the final decision.

The new members will be elected through the Committee on the Appointments of the Judiciary. The committee’s recommendations will then be sent to the President.

He expressed his complete faith in the judiciary, and said that he looks forward to conducting the needed rule of law reforms.

On social housing, the Prime Minister said that there are challenges, which have been around for years. "20 years ago, we had a court judgement that showed where the housing problem was heading. Other governments swept the problem under the carpet. We know there is a challenge, and we will not leave anyone alone." He said that the government invested millions in the construction of new social housing units and into affordable housing. He called it "the largest investment ever made in this sector."

"We have a number of projects at finishing stage, others where construction is underway. This year we will see the fruit of this investment."

Turning to the tourism sector, he said: "We have a clear strategy on how to bring tourism back. But until we have restaurants and hotels filled with people we will not pull our support to them.”

He spoke of a number of government initiatives, including the Gozo Teleworking scheme. This is for Malta based companies that offer teleworking opportunities for Gozitan workers. This will see the government give a refund up to €10,000 of the worker's wage of up to three years, he said.