MEP hopefuls spice up debate with talks on food stability and the drug policy shake-up

The food stability scheme, set to commence on February 1, is expected to result in lower inflation rates, Labour MEP candidate Steve Ellul said on Monday.

“Indications already show that stability in prices will help in addressing inflation,” Ellul remarked duringTVM’s Xtra.

Prime Minister Robert Abela, alongside Economy Minister Silvio Schembri, announced last week, a price stability agreement between the government and major food importers and retailers. 

As a result, the prices of approximately 400 food products are set to decrease starting next month.

The affected products span 15 food categories, including spaghetti, corned beef, tuna in vegetable oil, fresh and frozen pork chops and chicken legs, tea, and instant coffee. All brands in these selected categories are subject to the price stability agreement.

The reduction in profits on the specified items will be shared between importers and sellers.

Ralph Cassar, ADPD MEP candidate, also a guest on Xtra, expressed support for measures benefitting families. However, he criticised the government, asserting that it is not addressing the root causes of inflation.

Cassar cited both the price stability scheme and energy subsidies, stating that the problem begins with the public's own pockets. He highlighted the need for amendments to wages, especially considering the low wages faced by the working class, even with the government's change in COLA.

Regarding energy subsidies, Cassar argued that the measure encourages waste, particularly among families who can afford to pay their bills. 

He suggested that the scheme should be based on electricity usage, urging families not to abuse it by leaving their electricity running unnecessarily.

Norma Camilleri, PN MEP candidate, addressed recent news about Labour Party Leader Robert Abela welcoming former members who had been previously expelled due to "public ethical mistakes." 

Camilleri disagreed with Abela, stating that the government needs more conviction rather than convenience.

Camilleri insisted that politicians, who are supposed to set an example, should not be easily forgiven for grave errors like those of Rosianne Cutajar or Justine Caruana.

Switching to the vitals/stewards landmark judgment, Jesmond Bonello stated that the opposition party is not helping the situation improve.

Bonello referred to Adrian Delia's victory on February 24, 2023, in his landmark case against the government over the Vitals-Steward hospitals deal. 

The judge ordered the annulment of the deal and the return of the three hospitals to the government, with all costs to be borne by Steward Malta.

In December, after waiting for the government to act, PN filed a court case aiming to force the government to return over €400 million, which the party claims was stolen from taxpayer money.

Bonello argued that the nationalist party turned the situation "the country found itself in" into a political ball.

When asked about the law reform public consultation, PN MEP candidate Miriana Calleja Testaferata De Noto expressed disagreement with the government's idea.

“If we start treating drug traffickers the same as drug victims, we will have a problem,” the young MEP said.

The proposed changes include increasing the maximum allowable amounts for cannabis (from 300 grams to 500 grams), ecstasy (from 300 pills to 500 pills), and heroin and cocaine (from 100 grams to 200 grams). According to the government, this is a means of providing more options for the court to handle cases as they see fit.

Calleja Testaferata De Noto argued that this law reform will instead ease the minds of drug traffickers. 

The same sentiment was shared by Caritas and other church organisations.