Therese Comodini Cachia discusses Gozo and her role as MEP

Maltese MEP Therese Comodini Cachia held a conference today about her second year of work in the European Parliament at Arka Foundation in Għajnsielem, Gozo.

Discussing the role of MEPs in the local context, Comodini Cachia said that it should always be intended to protect the people's interest and scrutinise the work by the government in the context of European obligations.

“This is because every Maltese and Gozitan should enjoy a high standard level of governance and transparency of its own government.”

Comodini Cachia spoke about projects that were promised by the Labour government for Gozo which never saw light. In particular, she mentioned the tunnel project which she stressed was the best option according to a previous study, rather than a bridge. 

"The policy which best addresses Gozitan needs is that drawn up by Gozitans themselves. Policy reflects the people and the people should be given the best tools to develop the policy they want," she said.

She also spoke about students and young people, particularly Gozitans, on accessiblity to tools for setting up start-ups, such as business incubators, which can be of fundamental help in raising their possiblity of contininuing working in Gozo. She added that young people with innovative ideas should be given more financial access to commercialise their ideas, remarking that it was unfortunate that our country is not investing enough in research to make this happen.

When asked about Malta’s registered economic results, Comodini Cachia acknowledged the importance of positive reports from international credit agencies, but commented on the nationality of employees.

“It is equally unfortunate that many of the jobs with high wages are being taken by foreigners rather than Maltese,” she said.

She underlined the importance of investing in medium and low bands to improve living standards in Malta and Gozo. 

Reacting to a question about the Nationalist Party Constitutional case which the Labour Government recently appealed, Therese Comodini Cachia cautioned "despite the Government's resistance to its outcome there should be respect towards each voter, the Maltese Court and justice".