Gonzi flaunts ‘first in class’ for lowering national deficit

“This is positive news that should encourage people; all 27 member states were examined and Malta is one of three countries that managed to lower its deficit,” Gonzi said in a dialogue held at the PN’s office at Hal-Gaxaq, accompanied by education minister Dolores Christina and Parliamentary assistant Charlo Bonnici.

Following a turbulent economic period two years ago, the country’s deficit stood at over 3 per cent, which Gonzi said was a problem in all countries. “We gave our reasons for the deficit- last year we managed to reduce it to 3.8 from 4 per cent. The Commission told us we are in the right direction and dropped the examination”

In a bid to compare Malta’s stable situation with that of overseas, the Prime Minister referred to protests which have been taking place all over the world, namely the student protests in the UK late last year.

“ I gladly recall large groups of students who came celebrating outside Castille because they graduated with a free education, when abroad protests are rampant because government increased University fees,” Gonzi said.

In an attempt to make people understand why the situation overseas is relevant to nationals, Gonzi said “There is no need for us to take any of the measures other governments are taking in Greece, UK, Ireland, Portugal and so on.”

“It matters and people would care if you work in a factory in Bulebel or San Gwann! There is a lot to do and we are not perfect but we are on the right track. Whilst other countries are protesting because their economies have shrunk and been driven into a wall, here we reached record rates of exportation and bursting tourism figures.

Gonzi added that government is also paying women to enter the world of work. “We paid €7 million in subsidies to get women back at the work place; on her recent visit, [Angela] Merkel asked me how we managed, as a small country with an open economy dependent on other countries, to provide the way we do, and I told her through sacrifices and often unpopular decisions.”

On the controversial issue of ministers’ wages, Gonzi said “This story has developed now and needs to be concluded. I feel that my decisions were made justly as all MPs need to be treated equally, nobody more or less.”

Labour MPs have a parliament honoraria and a government salary and it seemed to me that this had to be arranged. PL leader Joseph Muscat said he knew nothing about the increases but newspapers and documents I have of minutes of a meeting in July 2009 have shown otherwise.”

Education minister Dolores Christina spoke about the recent pension reform. “Changes here have been done peacefully, without protests or fighting as happened in France.”

“A measurable increase in National Insurance is an investment which will contribute to a better pension when retiring age approaches. The reform links to changes in society; society is consuming more and is saving less so the State has to help plan your future”

Christina went on to discuss the exams reform from primary to secondary school. “Streaming was a system that disillusioned children and was causing stress, emphasising the content rather than the capabilities of students and highlighting what they don’t know rather than celebrating what they know.”

“Students will do benchmark exams in Maltese, English and Maths, and give students a setting place in secondary school- it’s not classified on an average mark but according to capabilities in the different benchmark exams.”

Parliamentary assistant Charlo Bonnici discussed the public transport reform which will see Arriva starting operations in July 2011.

“The reform will create many different jobs; mechanics, electricians, administrative jobs, ticketing and many others; around 700 jobs in total are there to be filled,” Bonnici said.