PM warns of difficult months ahead but vows to turn challenges into opportunities
Prime Minister Robert Abela has warned that the months ahead will be challenging, but insisted a Labour government would continue turning difficulties into opportunities through what he described as credible leadership. Speaking on ONE after returning from an informal EU summit in Cyprus, Abela said European leaders had focused heavily on rising fuel and energy prices amid renewed global uncertainty. He defended Malta’s decision to keep subsidising fuel and energy, saying the measures remained sustainable so long as the country’s finances were managed responsibly. Abela said government had been preparing “for months” for a scenario involving renewed price shocks, following tensions linked to the US-Israel conflict with Iran. He argued that stable local energy prices and political certainty were helping keep Malta attractive for foreign investment. Referring to the next EU budget, Abela said Malta’s strong finances could place it at a disadvantage in negotiations, but insisted the island’s realities must be taken into account. (Times of Malta)
Alex Borg unveils Gozo vision and says PN ready for election
Opposition leader Alex Borg has pledged a new vision for Gozo, saying a Nationalist government would deliver long-promised projects and better opportunities for Gozitans. Addressing a political activity in Victoria, Borg said the PN was ready for the next general election whenever it is called, adding that “the wind of change” was beginning from Gozo. He outlined proposals including a new general hospital, a modernised Gozo Channel fleet, an upgraded port and new economic sectors aimed at creating better-paid jobs on the island. Borg accused the government of neglecting Gozitans before attempting to win support through public sector jobs, while also claiming several promised projects had stalled. He cited works on the Marsalforn breakwater, a multi-storey car park, the Gozo Museum and the promised hospital among unfinished commitments. Borg also said businesses in Gozo were burdened by bureaucracy and pledged reforms to help them grow. (TVM News)
Finance Minister says he will not approve rail project without clear viability studies: Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has said he will not approve Malta’s proposed light rail project unless he is fully convinced it is financially viable. Caruana said it was still too early to give his backing to the €2.8 billion plan unveiled this week as part of the Malta in Motion transport strategy. The proposed route would link St Paul’s Bay to the airport through Valletta, Qormi and Tal-Qroqq, using a mix of underground, street-level and elevated tracks. Caruana said he would never sign off on something he believed harmful to the country, stressing that further studies were still required. He reiterated warnings that a failed mass transport project could damage Malta’s economy. The minister had previously questioned whether enough people would give up their cars to make such a system work, saying cultural change would be just as important as infrastructure investment.(Maltatoday)
