News • 23 March 2003

PN electoral programme – a pledge to make Malta a European state

By Matthew Vella

The PN’s electoral programme purports to take Malta towards the crowning of the EU dream. The 2003 general election programme outlines the EU accession process, a 13-year long history of preparations, restructuring and negotiations.

This is maybe why most of the programme looks like a general review of the Nationalist legislature and a pledge that promised projects will be started and work-in-progress ones completed.

It is the EU that overarches the programme proposals, a reminder of Government’s achievements in the EU negotiations. A good part of the programme consists of the general application of the government’s EU obligations and rights to the country’s conditions.

It is, therefore, interesting to note that "the strengthening of the diplomatic services" has been included in the PN’s programme, being, in fact, part of the necessary logistical support the country will need as an EU member. The programme highlights the creation of jobs in diplomacy, translation, interpretation and conference organisers in the scope of EU integration and in the cultivation of a culture that accommodates the EU.

Environment proposals include regulations that the government will have to abide to with EU membership. These include waste sewage treatment and the improvement of air and water quality. Even within the agricultural sector, it is the Lm77 million subsidy guarantee that takes centre-stage, as well as the monitoring of the European market and the protection of the local agricultural produce.

The transport section also includes a reminder of the ongoing process to improve Malta’s roads. The programme pledges an additional 30 kilometres of road, by means of the Malta-Italy financial protocol, and the upgrading of 100 roads every year, as well as more eco-friendly lighting. It has also pledged quality work and serious commitment, tolerating no abuse from contractors.

New projects include a music academy, and the revamp of the botched plans for an arts centre and opera theatre, and a science museum.

The completion of Valletta projects aimed at upgrading our capital city is also part of the PN’s programme, as well as a revitalisation of the port areas around Marsamxett, Cottonera and the ports, aiming at the creation of a tourism magnet.

There is once again a pledge for the creation of Cruise Liner Terminal: "Malta will be able to serve the Mediterranean as a centre of tourism, with air passengers arriving in Malta to go aboard the cruise liners."

Education has been focused on through the improvement of schools via the Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools, added parents’ contribution through the Foundation for Educational Services and added importance given to the MCAST.

Within the economic chapter, Malta’s benefits through the EU are envisaged in the form of more assistance to SMEs, through Business Incubation Centres, and the encouragement of co-operatives. The Malta Enterprise Board, collecting the MDC, METCO and IPSE together, will be enabling a more efficient use of resources.