Update 2 | Suspension of Schengen rules to remain in place after CHOGM

The suspension of the Schengen rules will remain in place even after the conclusion of the Commonwealth heads of government meeting, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced.

Addressing a well-attended public consultation from the ‘government that listens’ campaign, Muscat said the suspension of the rules will be retained until the European Union establishes new rules making Schengen a safer zone.

Current situation in #Europe dictates #Malta keeps #Schengen rules suspended beyond this week. Situation will be reviewed periodically -JM

— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) November 22, 2015

Muscat reassured that Malta was on the guard but there was no information – also obtained from international organisations – that Malta was in some sort of risk ahead of the CHOGM.

“We should never let our guard down and assume that nothing could ever happen to us. On the other hand, we shouldn’t be pessimistic to the point that every move is considered as dangerous. It’s all about balance.”

Muscat reiterated that it was crucial to go on with the daily lives, with the comfort that information through intelligence gathering showed there are no risks.

As further news emerged of more asylum seekers trying to reach Malta from Italy using false passports, Muscat said: “I am of the belief that the suspension of Schengen rules should remain in place even after the CHOGM. Like we want to keep the country safe for the Queen, we want to keep the country safe for our citizens.”

However, in a reaction published on Sunday afternoon, the Nationalist Party dismissed the government's plan to retain the suspension of the Schengen rules, arguing that if the prime minister wants to improve the country's security, this should not impinge citizens’ rights.

"While the Opposition offered its support in terms of suspending Schengen rules for the Valletta Summit and the CHOGM, this practice should not be the norm ... If Joseph Muscat were to retain the suspension of the rules after the CHOGM, there must be a serious reason to justify this, as otherwise he would be curtailing people's rights," the PN said.

Permanent link

A study carried out by economist Gordon Cordina has found that a subsea tunnel connecting Gozo to Malta was financially and economically viable. Geological studies will be carried out in the coming months to determine a subsea permanent link can be done.

“The project would be attractive enough to be done by the private sector,” Muscat said, adding that no final decision on the permanent link will be taken before a public consultation takes place.

“While the government doesn’t exclude participation, the private sector should be the main mover. The government would regulate the toll to ensure price regulation.”

Turning his attention to the daily traffic congestions suffered by the main island, Muscat said the government would seek studies for the construction of underground tunnels connecting the north and south of Malta. This, he added, would split the traffic flow.

Pensions

Muscat said he was “proud” that his government became the first to increase pensions. On future pensions, Muscat said the government’s priority is to continue to seek economic growth and expressed his satisfaction at how private companies were now launching private saving schemes.

The schemes were launched following a government incentive, where savers may receive the equivalent of 15% of amount saved each year, up to a maximum of €300 for those at least 18 years of age.

Muscat said the government will continue to increase the incentives in coming years.

Paceville

Muscat said that it was of no consolation to state that this was a problem that should have been addressed a long time ago.

The government has now launched a public consultation on the state of security and safety at Paceville. The consultation will deal with legislative amendments, enforcement and training of security officers in clubs.

“Clubs shouldn’t open in the first place if they are not ready to check who wants to enter.”

He also said that the situation would not be solved by creating some sort of “fortress”.

Part of the reform would include legislation changes due to the loopholes and sparse regulations.

“This is also a social problem, not just because there were kids at Paceville at that hour but how they were allowed to be there at that hour. Creating a fortress in Paceville would only move them elsewhere,” he said.