Muscat talks jobs, energy and childcare

In the coming days, families will be receiving information about how their energy bills will be decreasing, said PM Joseph Muscat.

Muscat was speaking during an interview taking place at a political event in Zejtun yesterday.

He said that had a Nationalist government been elected, energy bills will have risen by about 30%. Muscat spoke about how Enemalta has gone from a burden on the taxpayer to an opportunity. Workers have guaranteed employment and the chance to work abroad.

“Thanks to our strategic partnership with China, Enemalta will have the opportunity to service other Mediterranean coutries,” Muscat sat.

The PM then spoke about employment, saying that despite progress in this area much still needed to be done to incentivise the creation of jobs in the private sector. “Youths are one group that struggles to find employment,” said Muscat.

“Thanks to the Youth Guarantee and other schemes, they will be provided with vocational training to address the skills gap that many industries report.” Younger students who do not pass their O’Level examinations will also be getting academic support in the form of remedial tuition and the government will grant over €4 million in scholarships to older students.

The PM spoke positively about the economy, stating that the current government had accrued less debt than the previous one, reduced the deficit and reduced taxes.

The newly launched child care service has been taken up by some 2,000 families, far more than was anticipated, which will have a positive effect on the number of people who return to work. On the €400 child supplement , Muscat said, “This will only be given following a monitoring process. I would rather lose a vote than lose a child in this society.”

Muscat also mentioned projects in Gozo, namely the cruise liner terminal and the yacht marina, as well as activities such as the Travel to Gozo weekend that allowed hotels that to remain open during months when they would normally close.   

Muscat concluded the interview by saying that the PL was not chasing votes but after those who the government can help to make a difference in their lives. “I believe that this message is getting through and people are beginning to understand the importance of expressing their opinions through their vote.”