Fight against corruption dominates Muscat's speech

In the wake of the PN's electoral programme launch, Joseph Muscat today highlighted some of the PL's key proposals in a speech held at the Valletta Waterfront.

The fight against corruption was high on Muscat's list, with the opposition leader again insinuating that a commission is still being skimmed off the top of Malta's daily oil purchases.

"Persons with oil stained hands exist. The country buys €360 million worth of oil yearly, amounting to almost €1 million per day. Doubts are growing and the government has a lot to answer to. Who has an interest in keeping this current system up," Muscat questioned.

"With this government's plan we will continue buying €1 million worth of oil per day, with someone taking a commission on this. Political corruption is a tax on all of the population. The Prime Minister is telling people that if he is trusted in government again, he will not bother with a whistleblower act. He is telling people within his own party to not speak up against corruption as they will not be protected."

Muscat assured that all those coming forward with information about political corruption will be protected by a Labour government.

"Malta together with Albania is the only European country without a law on party financing. This party is the only one that publishes its accounts. Not only has the party financing law not been implemented, but also the Prime Minister has said that it is not a priority for its legislature.

Muscat said that the Labour Party is willing to hand back power to the public. Reference was made to electing individuals onto public entity boards, instead of just relying on ministerial appointees.

Muscat again called Malta's current power stations "cancer and asthma factories," rubbishing claims by the minister for health that they are not a significant health hazard.

On the PL's education plan, Muscat said "Year 4 children will have a new tool to more forward with, a tablet. We are glad that the teachers' union has said that they need time to adapt to this. That is a part of our proposal, there will be time to adapt. This is a proposal that will cost €1.5 million, we know how the money is coming, and the private sector will be roped in on this. This is part of an integrated plan with the scope of fighting illiteracy."

Muscat again urged people "not to be afraid of the past."

Deputy Leader Toni Abela declared, "I am a part of the PL's history. I am here and I am in a position to serve this country. We have our history, and we have learnt from it. We have also learnt from this government. This government is a textbook case in how not to manage the country."