"This government wants to listen and discuss" - PM

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat argued it is unacceptable that people slander Malta's name on international news for one's own political aims.

Speaking in an interview with One Journalist Dylan Farrell, Dr Muscat had harsh words for politicians who criticise their own country in the international news. "In five years as leader of the Opposition I was given multiple opportunities to criticise my country and its government, but foreigners do not see a government and an opposition, they see a country which is ridiculed by its own politicians", Muscat said.

The Individual Investor Programme

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat believes the Government and the Opposition can reach a consensus over the Individual Investor Programme and he has taken the plans back to the discussion table because, "this government wants to listen and discuss not impose". "The government strongly believes this will be a successful programme however things could have been presented in a better way from our end", Muscat said.

Dr Muscat announced negotiations are in their final stages and if both political parties shoulder their responsibilities towards the country an agreement could be reached. While not denying anything to local talent, this can be increased when joined with international talent. "We believe in the Maltese and will never state we don't want an Maltese idiot to head our corporation" Muscat said, quoting former minister Tonio Fenech.

Reduction in utility bills

The former PN administration had called for a report on the application of night tariffs. "I will not pay for this report as it was used by the PN not the Government", Muscat said, continuing that the Nationalist Party had said the night tariff idea was their proposal although being repeatedly told it will not give results. Now Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil had declared it was a mistake that the PN government increased utility bills in a single step. "He told us the increase should have been spread over a longer period, but he never mentioned anything about reducing tariffs", Muscat concluded.

Moreover the Prime Minister reiterated that utility bills would be decreased as from next March. "I am convinced that we will deliver, and the people have now believed the promise of a 25% reduction in electricity and a 5% reduction in water tariffs", he said.

Illegal immigration

Addressing the issue of immigration the Prime Minister said for the first time the European Union has taken serious consideration of Malta's proposals. "In all his years as an MEP, Simon Busuttil was proud of Malta's agreement on burden sharing. I have that agreement thrown in my face each time I try to negotiate over immigration," Muscat said, explaining how Malta entered into the burden sharing agreement on voluntary basis.

"While finances help, they are not the solution of the illegal immigration issue" the Prime Minister said. Malta has secured a further 10 million for border security, but money will not clamp Malta's call for support, which is the country's right as an EU state.

Environmental concerns

Speaking about yesterday's protest about environmental issues the Prime Minister appreciates that social partners voice their concerns over issues they have at heart. "This government will be more clear and transparent and will take all necessary action against illegalities, irrelevant of who is behind them. We will not tolerate that any bullying in any sector", Dr Muscat concluded.