January 2012: A taste of things to come?

Faced with the prospect of an early election, the government went in to a public relations overdrive on two fronts: promoting ongoing infrastructural projects and appeasing civil society through funding and the devolution of land to NGOs, sports organisations and local councils.

This emerges from a MaltaToday analysis of DOI press statements issued in January 2011- a normal month when the government faced no electoral pressures - and January 2012 during which the government faced the concrete possibility of being toppled by an opposition motion.

George Pullicino, whose portfolio includes embellishment projects, emerges as one of the most prominent ministers in the PR drive.

Between 3 and 31 January, Pullicino was the protagonist of eight press conferences featuring embellishment projects in Valletta, Rabat, and Bahar ic-Caghaq, Ta' Xbiex, Paceville, Msida and Mellieha. Some of the events involved visits to ongoing works related to already approved projects like the Family Park in Mellieha and the new garden in Bahar ic-Caghaq.

Other projects like the proposed 75-metre tunnel, which will link the sally port at the foot of St Michael counterguard to the Marsamxett end of South Street in Valletta, have just been submitted for MEPA's approval.

Pullicino has also hyped the long due storm water project which is set to alleviate flooding problems in localities like M'Scala and B'Kara, which has already been approved by MEPA last year.  

In total 10 press conferences dealt with infrastructural projects this year.  In 2011, the only press events were related to the planting of 5,000 trees in the Salina National Park and the road linking Nadur and Ramla.

The Big Society

The 'big society', a term coined by David Cameron in his bid to soften the Tory's image in the run-up to the 2009 UK election, could have an important role in the PN's electoral strategy. 

A total of 17 press events dealt with the devolution of land or financial grants to NGOs, local councils and sports organisations. The number of these events increased from 4 in January 2011 to 17 during the past month.

Prominent in these press conferences were Jason Azzopardi, the new minister responsible both for small businesses and public land, Chris Said, who apart from justice, is still responsible for local councils, and parliamentary secretary Clyde Puli who is responsible for sports.

The amount of money donated by the Malta EU Steering Committee to civil society organisations shot up from just €60,000 in January 2011 to a staggering €382,000 announced by Chris Said on 9 January. 

Charities involved in overseas aid projects also benefited from €363,000.

On 10 January, Jason Azzopardi transferred 15 government properties to a range of organisations including the scouts, the Red Cross to the Salesians. Subsequently land was also devolved to the Senglea and Gharghur councils.

On 17 January, Clyde Puli announced a new scheme aimed at assisting band clubs and on 28 January Puli announced that government funding for sport organisations is set to rise from €5.5 million in 2011 to €8 million this year.

EcoGozo also proved to be a bonanza for civil society organisations in Gozo. On 20 January, Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono announced that 38 projects involving 12 NGOs were benefiting from €1.24 million.  

The government also warmed up to the artistic community through proposed changes, which do away with censorship and introduce a system through which artists self regulate themselves. Culture Minister Mario De Marco announced this strategic move, which was welcomed by prominent artists, on 17 January who in this way enhanced his liberal credentials.  

Businessmen and tenants

Tenants on government land and small businessmen were also the focus of government activities in January.

Jason Azzopardi announced a new scheme which will allow tenants on government land to redeem the ground rent of the properties administered by the Joint Office and Lands.

Those who currently pay less than €5 per year as ground rent will be able to redeem it for €1,000. Those paying between €5 and €10 per annum will be able to redeem it for €2,000 and those paying between €10 and €20 per year will be charged €3,000.

A similar scheme was launched in 2001 and 5,500 applications were made, of which 3,400 have now been processed. 

But this time round the scheme comes with   two new conditions. If a property is sold within five years from when the ground rent is redeemed, the government will be entitled to 25% of the price of the property. Moreover, if within 20 years such residences are demolished to be replaced by flats, the government would charge between 10 and 25% on the profit.

Another scheme launched in January targets small businesses. Through the EU-funded Quality scheme, businesses will be refunded for expenses incurred after investing in certification.

Speaking at the launch of the 'Business First' initiative, Tonio Fenech announced that government entities will be coming together to provide more than 50 services under one roof, which will assist all economic sectors.

Health also featured on the government agenda through the extension of the Pharmacy of Your Choice Scheme to a number of southern localities.

Ongoing projects

By avoiding an election, the government will be in a position to capitalise on the 44 infrastructural projects which according to Transport Minister Austin Gatt are expected to be completed between this year and 2013.

11 projects are located in the Grand Harbour and include City Gate, the Barrakka Lift and the long due Dock No. 1 project in Bormla.

50 residential roads are also expected to be ready by the end of the legislature.

The list of projects also includes the new Kappara Junction and the upgrading of the Coast Road, which are still being evaluated by MEPA.