[WATCH] PN government ‘always open’ to private investment in energy sector

The Nationalist Party in government was and will remain always open to private investment, and the interconnector project which is underway will be an "opportunity to explore."

Echoing comments given by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi in Berlin this evening, PN deputy leader Simon Busuttil said that nothing impedes governments plan for an eventual gas pipeline, to be co-financed by the EU, and also potentially by private investment.

Addressing supporters in Mellieha tonight, PN deputy leader Simon Busuttil said that voters must be cautious when voting on March 9 and not be duped by Labours proposals on energy, which are "based on a gimmick".

"Let us be realistic, serious, and speak honestly, when you reduce from one thing, you will have to make good for it from another place, unless you have a long term plan like we have, and Labour is trying to take the merit of plans which we have in hand," he said. "If possible, we will reduce the tariffs," he said to applause from the public.

Balanced budget

Simon Busuttil said that a new PN-led government is aiming to bring about a balanced budget, "and an eventual surplus."

Busuttil, who was the main speaker instead of Prime Minister and PN leader Lawrence Gonzi who earlier today met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, stressed on government's successful track record in administering the economy.

He warned about the perils to the successes achieved so far: "Be cautious and take a responsible decision when you vote," Busuttil said, adding that a number of important and responsible decisions have cost the PN votes.

"We didn't think votes, but we thought responsibly to secure our economy, create jobs, but most especially safeguard jobs, without cutting expenditure on health and education," he stressed.

"We have heard it today from Angela Merkel, the leader of Europe's biggest and most powerful state, praising Malta, the smallest EU member for being successful in steering the economy in a formidable manner, despite times of difficulties," Busuttil said, garnering the applause of those present.

He said that contrary to Labour's pledges, the one and only real guarantee the country can be sure of is that should the PN be reconfirmed in government, it would immediately implement the Budget.

"It is only the PN who could implement the Budget, and not the Opposition who voted against it, said it was good, and is saying that it will implement it elected to power," Busuttil said.

He announced that the PN will be discussing and approving its electoral manifesto tomorrow.

Economist Lino Briguglio who participated in the talk, said that from his analysis, it was clear that despite the international economic crisis, the Maltese economy did rather well and weathered the storm.

"At the height of the international financial crisis, the economic policy was good, however, what I fear may be an issue to be scrutinise better, regards employment. Malta still has a low female participation rate, and whoever is elected after March 9, must address this problem," he said.

Briguglio said that Malta's economic success throughout the economic crisis was also the result of the people's trust in government.

"We can hold our head up high, that despite our deficit level, government worked hard to keep the situation under control, and the people oversubscribed every government bond issue."