Malta Needs A Change So The Economy Works For People Again, Says Alex Borg
Malta needs a change in economic direction, with a model that focuses not only on economic growth figures but also on productivity, wages, business confidence and the quality of life of families, according to Leader of the Opposition and of the Partit Nazzjonalista Alex Borg.
Speaking during an interview on the NET FM programme Issues, Alex Borg said the results of the latest SME Barometer should serve as a warning to the Government.
He said almost four out of every five small and medium-sized enterprises are either uncertain about investing or do not believe investment would be wise over the next 12 months, while 64% of SMEs believe Malta is heading in the wrong direction.
Alex Borg said these figures reflect the concerns of businesses facing rising costs, bureaucracy, shortages of skilled workers, traffic problems and infrastructure challenges.
He argued that the Government cannot continue focusing solely on Gross Domestic Product growth while ignoring the pressures affecting companies and households.
The PN Leader said the Partit Nazzjonalista wants an economy built around productivity, innovation and higher-value jobs. He argued that increasing the population and consumption alone does not necessarily create a better quality of life or a stronger economy.
Turning to the electricity supply crisis, Alex Borg accused the Government of avoiding scrutiny over what he described as years of poor planning, insufficient investment and misplaced priorities.
He defended Enemalta workers, saying they are not responsible for political decisions and are instead working under difficult conditions to restore services.
He reiterated the PN’s call for automatic compensation for families and businesses affected by prolonged or repeated power cuts, arguing that consumers should have a clear remedy when a service fails.
Alex Borg also criticised the Government over the closure of Parliament for the summer and its handling of scrutiny related to the Auditor General’s report in the Public Accounts Committee.
The PN Leader announced that the party will convene a meeting with social partners represented on the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development, MCESD, to discuss the electricity crisis, future measures and the introduction of an automatic compensation mechanism.
Alex Borg said he would continue meeting residents, businesses, workers, Local Councils and organisations across Malta, insisting that political work should be carried out within communities and not only through public statements. He said the Opposition must remain present and focused on addressing people’s concerns.
On the Bill establishing the National Commission for Human Rights and Equality, Alex Borg said the PN supports the creation of a strong and independent commission.
However, he argued that the Government should have carried out wider consultation with the Opposition, NGOs and civil society before presenting the legislation.
He said the PN remains willing to return to discussions to help approve legislation that enjoys broad consensus and reflects the views of those working in the human rights sector.
Asked about the ongoing trial connected to the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, Alex Borg said the Opposition does not want to interfere with court proceedings or risk prejudicing the case. He said political maturity required allowing the judicial process to continue while the Opposition follows developments closely.
He added that he has appointed a team of experts to advise him based on the evidence emerging in court and that the Opposition will comment and take any necessary action at the appropriate time. Alex Borg concluded by expressing confidence in the justice system and saying he believes justice will ultimately be served for those responsible and for the journalist’s family.
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