Much privatisation, but little liberalisation - Joseph Muscat's New Year address

Opposition leader Joseph Muscat said 2010 had been both a successful year for some, and an unfortunate year for those who had fallen behind due to rising prices and energy bills.

Addressing the public on One TV in his year New Year’s address, Muscat said families were understanding their livelihood was impacted by the global crisis, but that domestically the situation had been exacerbated by “insensitive increases in costs”.

“It seems the private sector understands this reality, especially since it works in a competitive market, and that it understands that families cannot be burdened anymore than they already are.

“But it’s the government and the services offered from the state’s monopolies that families are facing. Energy bills will increased by €14 million in the next year, while consumers got little protection when gas distribution was privatised. It seems that there has been little liberalisation and competition in our privatisation drive,” Muscat said.

The Labour leader said the State’s role was central in ensuring effective competition in a liberalised market that can benefit consumers.

“The example should always come from above. At a time when families are asked to make sacrifices, those who ask for the sacrifice cannot give themselves astronomical salary rises,” Muscat said, referring to the increase in salaries for ministers and MPs.

“I wish you courage… 2011 will be one in which families will look for a better day that will be built by competent people who will manage the economy, our environment, health and social services the best way possible.

“It will be a year in which we’ll prioritise a better quality of life and fight against poverty as part of our national project, and strengthen laws that promote gender equality and defend victims of domestic violence, fight criminality and rehabilitate offenders."