Enemalta privatisation in breach of PL electoral programme – Busuttil

The news that Malta signed a memorandum of understanding with an electricity company owned by the Chinese government was met with contempt by Opposition leader Simon Busuttil who dubbed it "a classic Labour U-turn".

Addressing party faithful gathered in Balzan, Busuttil accused Prime Minister Joseph Muscat of going behind the country's back in negotiating and signing the agreement.

"I'm surprised that the Labour government wants to privatise Enemalta, especially since Joseph Muscat had pledged not to do so in his electoral manifesto," Bususttil said.

"After they promised non-privatisation, we receive the news from the other end of the world that they have agreed to sell part of a state entity."

The Opposition leader said the country had to know why no one had been informed that the government was planning to privatise Enemalta. "How did he decide the stakes? On what criteria was the shareholding established? And why were no tenders or expression of interests issued?" Busuttil said.

He went on to question the "strategic decision" behind selling the island's energy control, also referring to the gas power plant agreement where half of the country's energy would be generated by the private.

"Who will decide on interests on energy generation? And what's in it for China? The people should now start asking who will be in control of Enemalta and of their electricity at home," Busuttil said.

The memorandum of understanding signed today includes a direct cash injection to Enemalta, which would place Shanghai Electric Power a minority shareholder of the state entity. China and Malta have agreed that within six months, the agreement would be ironed out and finalised. Before implemented, the government would appear before parliament to ratify the agreement.

The government has described this agreement as a "lifesaver" for Enemalta whose €800 million debt has crippled it.

Busuttil however went on to raise further questions, asking whether China would have some sort of "strategic control" over the country. He hinted that China's true interests were tapping into Europe.

"The Opposition will be there to ask the questions and to show that the country's strategic interests are not up for sale."

The evening's activity was also addressed by deputy leader Mario de Marco and MEP candidates Stefano Mallia, Jonathan Shaw and Helga Ellul. The discussion focused on the importance of a stable economy and continuous investment and the drafting of a clear economic policy to incentivise job creation.

Ellul, former Playmobil CEO, also insisted that the pre-budget document offered nothing in terms of employment and work generation policies and proposals.

Busuttil said the government has so far "failed" in presenting "the famous roadmap", asking his audience whether "Labour knew how to govern". "We are the party which increased employment, and something about job creation we know. This summer we have however witnessed a 6% increase in people seeking employment. I hope government controls it before it becomes a trend."

The Opposition leader reiterated that the PN will be a constructive Opposition, ready to give credit where credit was due.