Muscat promises self-employed the protection of a Labour government

Addressing a political activity this morning, Opposition leader Joseph Muscat reiterated his government would work on increasing social mobility.

"Whatever a child's background is, we will make sure they will be successful in their careers. But to do this we need strong self-employed. As a Labour government, I promise we will work with them and make their lives easier. We are their party," Muscat said.

He said his 51 proposals focus on SMEs and self-employed, including the promise to reduce the interest rate on VAT fines: "Fines which discourage SMEs. That is why we propose a reform in how fines are calculated. Another reform will be in fiscal policy. Businesses shouldn't work for red tape."

Muscat said Malta should start act as a European country. "A Labour government, with a progressive leadership, will ensure that everyone's rights are safeguarded. We will legislate to protect couples whether married, cohabiting or same-sex. We will protect children, because for us they are all the same.

"It might not be a popular choice, but a Labour government would introduce civil unions for same-sex couples. This proposal is not for votes but because we believe in minority rights. It is time for new social rights."

Muscat said he would legislate IVF. Mater Dei Hospital is already equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for IVF, but is not being used until IVF is regulated: "We promise an ethical and realistic law."

He went on to say that a Labour government would build and enhance what exists today, including current investments made by today's government. Muscat promised his government would implement a 20-week maternity leave and encourage fathers to also make use of parental leave.

"We will work on incentives to encourage more women join the workforce, which is the sole solution for pensions," he said, adding he would work on a pensions reform, including incentives for private pensions.

Implementation of private pensions will be based on choice.

On health, Muscat said he would enforce a European directive which sets the maximum waiting a time a patient has to wait for an operation: "This would help reduce waiting lists to the minimum."

He would also work on public-private partnership between government and private hospitals.

On energy, Muscat reiterated he would reduce utility bills and promised the Delimara power station would run on gas and not heavy fuel oil. He would also appoint a person who would be responsible of the energy sector.

"This sector can no longer be divided under different ministries, working separately."

He said, his promises to reduce utility bills are real, with the implementation of different measures and technologies: "The technology to reduce tariffs exists."

Muscat said he would give all disciplined force the right to join a union, but will not be able to take strike action.

He also reiterated he would remove the €500 increase given to ministries and would set up a committee made by the Ombudsman, the Auditor General and the Electoral Commissioner who decide the ministries' salaries.

"But we would never accept increases unless the families' financial situation is improved," he said.