The opposition is drowning in negativity - Prime Minister Muscat

Over the past weeks the public could witness the difference between the two political parties with the government achieving results and the opposition complaining and launching a fault finding mission on the government's operations, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat held this morning.

Speaking at Rabat Labour Party Club, Dr Muscat the upcoming Budget, currently being discussed with the EU Commission will bring with it a number of surprises. The government will tomorrow publish the reports and studies of the budgetary discussions. "The opposition should get used to surprises by the PL led government as we are delivering results which have been portrayed as impossible for the past 25 years", Muscat said.

The prices of gas and fuel were deemed uncontrollable by the previous government that blamed the international scenario for the fluctuation in prices. However the present administration has blocked the prices for the next three months to the benefit of domestic and commercial users.

Having inherited an economy riddled with debts, particularly Enemalta which had over €800 million debts, the government struggled to sustain its finances. But, after succeeding in getting China on board the situation changed. Yet from the opposition benches, the PN embarked on a scaremongering mission instilling fear that the Chines would control Malta's electrical supply. "A company's control lies in the hands of the major share holders", Dr Muscat said, joking that the PN needs basic lessons in economy.

The Prime Minister welcomed Moody's revision of its Maltese rating. This will improve the country's economy and help sustain Malta's drive for better opportunities. Through its constant work, the government convinced the European Commission that the deficit will deficit will be below 3% of GDP by the end of this year without introducing new tax measures.

While the government has embarked on a mission to lift Malta's standards and international placing, opposition leader is sowing negativity every time he delivers a speech, Dr Muscat said. "Last Tuesday's events at the House of Representatives after being asked to substantiate allegations that I interfered in police work are proof that Busuttil panicked and tried to mask his mistake", the Prime Minister said. Describing the walkout of parliament as a reaction out of proportion, Dr Muscat reiterated that everyone should respect the Speaker's rulings even if one does not agree with them.

Dr Muscat stated that an investigation has been launched after unknown persons published statements claiming that students would no longer be eligible for stipends. Not only was the decision reversed but also the person who did this will answer for his actions.

The Prime Minister also welcomed the new record in tourism achieved in August and hailed the return of British Airways to Malta's airport.

Concluding his speech, Dr Muscat said that 40 companies had submitted expressions of interest for the development of a maritime hub while 14 consortia applied to develop a cruise liner terminal and a yacht marina in Gozo. Previous calls for expression of interest had generated no response.