Prime Minister: 'Inquiry won't affect election date decision'

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this morning would not comment on rumours of an early election, insisting he would take the decision that was best for the country.

"I am taking note of what is happening and being said. What is important to me, is the stability of the country and that I prevent anyone from disrupting the economic progress we are achieving," he said. "I will take the decision I think is best for the country."

Muscat said the ongoing magisterial inquiry would not factor in to his decision since he was "serene" and had nothing to hide.

"If I had something to hide I would say we must wait for the inquiry," he added.

Muscat was speaking at the inauguration of the new Centre of Residential Restorative Services (CoRRS) for residents under 21 years at Imtaħleb, which he said is a continuation of the government's drive towards reparative therapy.

According to Muscat, the newly refurbished facility has changed from a place where one is condemned to one that can offer its residents decent surroundings.

"This is because we believe in people, and because we believe in reform," Muscat said.

He underscored the importance of a holistic approach when dealing with those finding themselves in correctional facilities. He said the government had changed its approach on drugs, for example, adding that it had been understood that those suffering from addiction need to be helped, not excluded.

Home affairs minister Carmelo Abela said the newly refurbished facility would be helping inmates back to society.

According to Abela, in addition to the facility being refurbished, the programme followed by its inmates had also been updated, with officials being trained, and systems installed that are based on therapeutic systems that address the needs of younger inmates.

"They are tried and tested in other countries that have done well in this field," he added.

He said that institutions like JobsPlus, Sedqa and Caritas would be working with the facility in order to provide accredited training that will improve inmates' chances at a second chance.

Parliamentary secretary for EU funds Ian Borg said the project had been made possible through the use of Norwegian funds, adding that another agreement had been signed by the Prime Minister that will see a further €8 million coming to Malta from Norway.