Opposition Leader Adrian Delia lambasted government over what he sayd is their lack of a long-term vision in a number of sectors, including the health sector, construction industry, and migration.
Delia was being interviewed on Radio 101, and first spoke about the recent announcement by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) on Saturday, that it has formally filed with the European Central Bank (ECB) a recommendation for the withdrawal of Pilatus Bank's banking licence.
He said this recommendation by the MFSA was one that he had recommended to government many months ago, and said that Malta's reputation suffered since government opted to do nothing since then. He said that government knew of the bank's questionable activity, and did nothing.
He said that this doesn't just effect the banking sector, but all those who operate in financial services and everyone who benefits from the sector.
He highlighted that there are thousands of people who work in this sector, which pays well. He said these people pay rent, go out to eat, buy cars etc., turning the wheel of the economy. "It affects everyone." He highlighted the ripple effect on Malta's reputation, and that government did not protect the people in this regard.
"This bank should never have been given a licence," he said, adding that it was setup with the scope to commit illegal acts. He said that the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister must carry responsibility.
Asked about migration, and the recent European council Summit, Delia said that the Opposition backed government as long as they observe international law and take heed of humanitarian obligations. He also stressed the need to be one voice in Europe. He said however, that government sang victory when it wasn't true, highlighting that there was no European solution.
"I ask, was there an arrangement in the past with Italy? Or was there an agreement between former Italian Prime Minister Renzi and Prime Minister Muscat? If that agreement did not continue, then it was not an agreement between states. What was the agreement? If it was a good agreement, why wasn't it published?," he asked.
Turning to an immigration plan, he said government does not have one, and that government only reacts to what happens. He asked government to state what their long-term plan is.
He turned to the construction sector, and the lack of space to hold construction waste. He said government found a quarry in Siggiewi where the waste can be placed. He said government knows it needs construction for the economy to keep turning, and that this sector results in a lot of waste. He said that government knew of the limited space for years, yet did nothing. He said that figures aren't even available, in terms of how much of such waste is produced.
"Is government able to provide information in terms of space for this waste, or the rate at which they are filled? Let us be serious and plan ahead."
Turning to the uprooting of trees, he questions government's lack of capital projects over the years, and the scramble to try and solve the problem without planning.
"Government created a rhythm it cannot keep up, and instead of planning for a future of sustainable growth, is allowing everything to occur without a plan, the consequences of which we will feel for years to come."
He spoke of the need for 550 nurses in Malta, stating that this issue has been a long-time in the making, and that government does not talk about it.
Delia said that the only-long-term agreements came in the form of selling hospitals.
The lack of a plan, he said, will see the people suffer most of all.
Turning to government's recent announcement, that Malta requires a large number of foreign workers, Delia said that he is not against business, but questioned how these workers would be housed, and the effect this will have on the rental market. He stressed that many families are starting to live in small flats now, due to the rising rent prices.
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