Malta to start making surplus by end of 2016 – Gonzi

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has reiterated that Nationalist Party's pledge that by 2016, a Nationalist government will not only achieve a balanced budget, but the country "will be in a position to start making a surplus."

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi was speaking during a political activity in Imtarfa, where several other PN candidates also addressed the crowd.

In his own address, Gonzi reiterated many of the Nationalist Party's proposals delivered thus far, as well as noting that earlier that same day, the party had made the "unprecedented move" of publishing the costings behind the electoral programme.

Gonzi hit out at the Labour Party for "not having learned anything in the past five years," as opposed to the Nationalist Party, which Gonzi insisted "learned a big lesson regarding what happens to a country that does not take care of our finances."

"It is not because we made a mistake, because if we made a mistake I would admit it," Gonzi was quick to clarify," but said that it was the EU-wide instability and overall financial slowdown that drove several companies to the brink of closing down, which would have meant the loss of 5,000 jobs.

He said that Labour "learned nothing", insisting that Labour leader Joseph Muscat "is promising everything to everyone" and that it was not being credible in its proposals.

Gonzi said that in order to follow its own advice the PN took the decision to issue the costings of its electoral proposals "because we want to make sure that not only our finances remain strong, but that in the next five years, they get even stronger."

Gonzi said that Malta's deficit currently stands 2.3% deficit, describing this as "one of the best results alongside other EU countries" and insisting that "we are the envy of them."

Gonzi also reiterated the PN's pledge that by the end of 2015, "we want to achieve a budget where there is no deficit," adding that Malta will achieve a deficit of 1.7% by the end of 2013. "This will have been the best result achieved so far."

He said that "by 2015 the country would not only be able to achieve a balanced budget, but we will be in a position to start making a surplus."

Gonzi said that to ensure this, a Nationalist government will establish a new institution, independent of government, to monitor government expenditure.

"It will be responsible to ensure that all figures and budget issued by government are accurate and responsible, and report a government that does not do this."

The Nationalist leader added that a clause in the constitution will be inserted that would oblige all future governments to work towards achieving a balanced budget. Gonzi also said that a spending review would be carried out to achieve spending cuts where possible.

Gonzi also warned the party faithful that Labour's criticism regarding the PN's new 20,000 job claim "should terrorise you."

He insisted that if the PN government had not created 20,000 new jobs, then all students from MCAST, University, ITS, former dry docks workers, former GO workers, and former Air Malta workers, "would not have been able to find a job."

He also said that if this was not the case, then Malta would be burdened by "massive unemployment" and claimed that Malta's "records in female employment" would not have been possible.

"Not only did we create 20,000, but we will create 25,000 more," Gonzi pledged, referring to the PN's proposals to provide childcare by means of vouchers, as well as a revision of N.I. for self-employed to be calculated on pro rata basis to encourage productivity.

The political event opened with a 'My Team' feature which familiarised audiences with the 7th District PN candidates, through a series of clips during which each candidate delivered a brief statement. Loyalty and honesty featured prominently, as each candidate attempted to affirm their personal values and political credentials.

In a series of brief addresses, Health Minister Joe Cassar highlighted the importance of the fight against diabetes in the PN's electoral programme. He said that given that 10% of the local population suffers from this condition, and insisted that a PN government has worked hard to

"Now we must make a step forward in quality," adding that Malta must become an international hub of diabetes care in the Mediterranean. He said that Malta's proposed Bio-Park will be able to assist towards research in this regard, and that a new PN government would improve the primary health care service.

PN MP and candidate David Agius also praised the PN's efforts within the sport-related sector, and reiterated the PN's commitment to generation 25,000 new jobs over the next five years. He asked the PL opposition: "Are you going to generate employment? How?"  He insisted that despite the importance of such questions, the Labour Party are not forthcoming with answers.

PN candidate Tony Abela spoke of the benefit of the PN's proposal related to property, such as the PN's proposal to reduce succession tax by 15%, and also the proposal to reduce tax for rent-related income. "This is how, the PN is showing, with facts and without promises and antics, what we can deliver," he said.

Edwin Vassallo delivered an intense fire-and-brimstone sermon, wherein he warned the party faithful that Malta is at a crossroads.

"The wrong decision will mean that all the advances and successes we've achieved over the past years will all be lost forever," he warned.

He said that "Labour's promise to reduce the utility tariffs is exactly the same as former Labour leader Alfred Sant's promise not to remove VAT." Vassallo said that when the PN used to say that Sant was not to be trusted, they accused us of being negative. "But he proved us right."

"A vote to Labour is a vote against your interests, those of your families, and those of your children. A vote for Labour will mean that the country will suffer," Vassallo said.

"Don't give importance to your personal needs, and forget what damage a labour government will do to the common good," he said, urging Nationalists to set aside what he described as "personal promises."