Finally Labour has made a choice

Italian film director Nanni Moretti once told the first left-wing Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema, "Dite qualcosa di Sinistra". He may well have said that to Muscat. But today I was pleasantly surprised by Edward Scicluna's report. By countering the scare mongering on extending parental leave, and by taking a stand which does not pander to short term business interests, Labour has taken a step in the right direction.

From Nanni Moretti's Aprile... "Say something left-wing!"

Joseph Muscat's party has been characterized by a reluctance to stand up to be counted by taking clear stands on the issues that matter in an attempt to build a contradictory coalition of moderates and progressives. In some cases it even capitulated to business interests as was the case of its partial retreat on the Gozo airstrip or to pander to right-wing sentiments on issues like migration. So far I remain unconvinced on how Labour would manage to cut taxes while keeping the welfare system intact. In other cases it has sent contradictory messages as was the case when the party voted (apparently by mistake) for a more draconian censorship law. But today Labour has made a choice which respects its reformist tradition.

I would add that extending parental leave is far from an "anti business" stance. From a long-term perspective it is good for business, good for tax revenue and good for the wellbeing of Maltese families. For if more women join the labour market the whole economy as well as government's revenues from taxation will grow. As things stand the Maltese labour market is losing the vast potential of a substantial part of the population. If we want our economy to grow in a sustainable way we cannot afford to lose anyone's potential.

Lawrence Gonzi's government which has taken some positive steps like giving a tax refund to mothers who keep on working after pregnancy should take this opportunity to change tack on this issue.