One year on, Busuttil slams ‘irresponsible’ government

Detailing several of the government's "unfulfilled and flawed" promises, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil has accused Prime Minister Joseph Muscat of deceiving the electorate and of tarnishing Malta's reputation.

"A year after the government won the election, the electorate has a right to dwell on the government's promises and proposals and question whether these have been delivered. It is however, evident that the government's promises of meritocracy and the pledge to deliver a 'new' style of politics were not fulfilled - all this at the country's expense," Busuttil argued.

The Nationalist Party has been vociferous in its criticism of the government, most notably its criticism of the contentious citizenship scheme, the PL's meritocracy pledge, the ministers' declaration of assets, the reforms in the public transport and the police force and most recently, the government's decision to build an LNG terminal at Delimara.

However, the PN's criticism has been rebutted by the government, which while lamenting the situation it inherited from the previous situation, has insisted that it has delivered on its electoral pledges and that the Opposition is only seeking to score political points.

Addressing the party faithful at the Senglea PN club this morning, the Nationalist leader said accused the government of "tolerating and overlooking" corruption - a feat which according to Simon Busuttil was highlighted in the government's decision to waive criminal proceedings against Enemalta account holders.

After the police and the energy ministry uncovered an electricity-meter tampering ring, the government decided to offer leniency to Enemalta customers guilty of energy theft and of corrupting an energy official.

"Is this how the government is delivering on its pledge to fight corruption? One does not need to ponder much as the evidence is saying that the government is tolerating corruption 100%," Busuttil said amid applause from the party faithful.

Taking a swipe at Economy minister Chris Cardona and parliamentary secretary Edward Zammit Lewis, Busuttil reiterated the party's call for the two Labour MPs to shoulder "political responsibility".

A National Audit report confirmed that Cardona and Zammit Lewis interfered in the selection of the legal firm involved in the process and the ranking of bidders of casino operators.

"Has the government delivered on its 'Malta Taghna Lkoll' pledge or has Joseph Muscat ridiculed and undermined the country?" Busuttil said.

In addition Busuttil claimed democracy and justice had been undermined after Joseph Muscat put him on trial over an alleged breach of privilege.

The case goes back to October 2013, when during a parliamentary debate, Joseph Muscat asked Simon Busuttil to withdraw or substantiate his allegations that there had been "political interference" in the police investigation against former PN minister John Dalli.

Busuttil has also claimed that a series of political actions, mainly the appointment of Peter Paul Zammit as Police Commissioner and the reappointment of the team investigating the Dalli case, led him to deduce that there had been political interference.

"This government had promised to strengthen the pillars of democracy, but instead it filed a breach of privilege complaint against the leader of the opposition. Dear prime minister is this the way to improve democracy?," Busuttil underlined.

In addition, Busuttil also questioned the Public Broadcasting Services, and argued whether this has become the government's political tool.

Turning his stride on unemployment, the Opposition leader said one year into the government's legislature, unemployment rates have increased by 7,000.

"The government has not created in work and instead, joblessness has increased. Unemployment rates are being highlighted by the lines of people queuing to register for work," Busuttil said.

In addition, Busuttil also lamented the health sector - a ministry that has been the target of heavy criticism by the Nationalist party faithful.

The government's planned Cabinet reshuffle is envisaging a reform in the health ministry, with health minister George Farrugia reportedly earmarked for role in social policy.

On the proposed floating Liquefied Natural Gas storage terminal at Delimara, Bususttil accused the government of "ignoring" the Marsaxlokk and Birzebbugia residents.

"The prime minister deceived the people of the south. He used their votes to win the election, but he has now awarded them with a health hazard," Busuttil underlined.

The Labour Party's original plan was to store gas in gigantic tanks on land, but later discarded it due to "health and safety" issues and opted for the floating LNG terminal. The terminal will see a 215MW gas plant and liquefied natural gas storage terminal be permanently anchored to a jetty outside the Marsaxlokk Bay.

 "When it comes to analysing facts, it is evident that the Marsaxlokk and Birzebbugia residents have been taken for a ride. Their votes were welcomed and championed by the Labour Party but now, they are being ignored," he insisted.

"The PN is the voice for the residents of the south," he said.

Just weeks of the short of the forthcoming MEP elections, the PN leader said the elections were the perfect platform for the electorate to show whom they trust.

"The interests of Malta have always topped the Nationalist Party's agenda. This has also been highlighted on a European front," Busuttil continued.