Prime Minister hails achievements of the last three years

Listen to the Prime Minister’s speech here

The Prime Minister was addressing a press conference at Castille aimed at giving a rundown of the government’s work during the third year of its legislature.

The Prime Minister said that notwithstanding the economic problems in Europe, the political instability in Africa, the record oil prices and the price increase in cereals, "Malta still managed to have an economic growth of 3.6%."

in what would turn out to be a highly contentious claim, Gonzi also claimed Malta enojys the best rates of unemployment rates amongst the entire European Union. In reaction, the Labour Party issued a statement later during the day saying the unemployment rate is on the rise again, and that Malta was one of the few European countries which registered this increase.

According to EUROSTAT figures issued in Febryary 2011, Malta's unemployment stands at 6.5%, below the EU average of 9.9%. However, the lowest unemployment rates were recorded in the  Netherlands  (4.3%), Luxembourg (4.5%) and Austria (4.8%).

Durng his address, Gonzi also highlighted the number of reforms embarked by the government, including those affecting the energy sectors, local councils, MEPA and public transport. 

The Prime Minister also expressed confidence that during this year, the GDP rate will go down under 3%.

“And this was all done without ignoring vital sectors such as education, health and the social sector,” Gonzi reiterated.

He added that whilst other countries had to resort to austerity measures, Malta’s government had invested in new schools with the best technology.

“Where other countries increased their education fees, the Maltese government continued to pay and invest so that youths would be able continue their studies and develop their skills,” he said.

Gonzi went on to talk about the health sector, saying that government increased the service offered, especially marked by the substantial increase in operations at Mater Dei Hospital. He also referred to the ongoing struggle against cancer and the challenges the health system faces on a regular basis in this regard.

“We invested in cancer prevention programmes and a new oncology centre with an investment of €40 million,” he said. “Government’s expenditure on medicines increased by 65% these last three years.”

Gonzi said government continued to strengthen the investment in the social sector through initiatives in favour of persons with special needs and the elderly.

“Moreover, government is bringing change in the environment sector so the country can enjoy a sustainable environment,” he said.