Education Minister says balance needed to protect environment and support development

Education Minister Evarist Bartolo yesterday said that while economic growth and development is important, environment sustainability is too. He said that in a small country like Malta, a balance is challenging, however it needs to be reached, with a sense of realism.

The Minister made such comments in the wake of controversy over the proposed site at Zonqor, to develop a university campus.

Mr Bartolo said that in the past two years, the government has been pro-active in attracting investment in the country and to create the right conditions for investment. However, he said, the Opposition has opposed investment – investment to support Enemalta. He noted that China invested in Italy without a hysterical campaign by a political party.

He added that the Opposition also tried to create fear about investment by Azerbaijan, noting that next year the EU would be investing millions in the country.

The minister noted that unemployment levels have gone down by 1,723 in one year, and there has also been a decrease in unemployment rates among those most prone to poverty. The best way to combat poverty he said, would be

In a small country like Malta, a balance is challenging, however it needs to be reached, with a sense of realism

to create jobs and prevent individuals from becoming dependant on social benefits.