Government’s priority is Malta – Louis Grech

Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech reassured that the Labour government "will be working hard to create new jobs," while reducing the deficit and national debt.

Grech, whose responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of the government's electoral programme, said that he was holding regular meetings with all Cabinet ministers and noted: "I can assure you that all ministers and parliamentary secretaries are committed and doing their utmost to implement our programme."

"We have to get the best out of the country at this crucial moment. Our only priority is Malta and the best results can only be achieved if we work together. We will have some divergences however we will work together when needed."

Grech added: "We are aware that we will face big challenges however the government will implement a positive style of politics to to assure that the aspirations of  everybody."

Louis Grech said that the government would be embarking on projects which attract foreign investment and expend various economic sectors.

While stressing that the Maltese economy and banking sector was   in a healthy state, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the government will be addressing shortcomings in the economy and introduce measures to safeguard the economy and Malta's reputation.

Grech stressed that the financial situation inherited by the Labour government was not as good as the previous administration claimed it to be.

He went on to reiterate that the €66 million Enemalta duties were included in the deficit estimate of 3.3% and said "it is irresponsible to claim that the government purposely bloated the deficit to enter the EU excessive deficit procedure."

Earlier Opposition deputy leader Simon Busuttil insisted that the Labour government had increased the country's deficit by one percentage point by including the €66m in duties collected by Enemalta, risking putting Malta in the EU's Excessive Deficit Procedure.