Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1111510
6 WITH the notable exception of its energy policy which has seen the conversion from heavy fuel oil to natural gas, Labour has so far not been keen on environ- mental issues particularly those related to land use and construc- tion. Joseph Muscat's focus on en- vironmental issues in his address to the party's general conference on Sunday suggests that Labour strategists have started to recog- nise the risk posed by a ground- swell of discontentment on envi- ronmental issues . This suggests that despite poll- ing high, the party is not taking voters for granted in elections where they won't be voting to choose the country's govern- ment. This makes these elec- tions the best opportunity for people who though unwilling to change government may be crav- ing to vent their grievances on is- sues impacting their daily life. This also explains why Muscat insists on turning this contest in to one pitting him against the op- position leader when in reality it is merely an exercise in choosing the MEPs and local councillors. For even those who prefer Muscat to Delia may use their vote to solicit a change in direc- tion in those areas where the government has a poor track record. Moreover these voters do not even have to vote for the PN to do so. They may well do so by voting for smaller parties or independents in both MEP elections and in a considerable number of local elections. This time round they are even spoilt for choice when it comes to third party candidates. From Xaghra l-Hamra to Muscat's 'biggest' park Muscat's environmental epiphany is reminiscent of Law- rence Gonzi's 'discovery' of the environment in 2007-the year when he dropped plans for a golf course announcing a na- tional park in Xaghra l-Hamra. This happened a year after his government had unleashed en- vironmental havoc through his extension of building boundaries and increased heights in village cores, two measures from which the country is still suffering. It was also a reaction to rising dis- content among a category of pale blue voters who back in 2004 had voted for Arnold Cassola in the first MEP elections. It may be these voters, a large number of which may well have migrated to Labour in elections held in 2013 and 2017 which may be of concern to Muscat now. These may well constitute a pale red constituency which may start asserting itself in mid term elec- maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 1 MAY 2019 NEWS ANALYSIS JAMES DEBONO How Muscat 'discovered' the environment Joseph Muscat's focus on environmental issues in last Sunday's speech betrays unease at the sheer possibility of voters registering their protest on over development in mid term elections, but his approach to the issue confirms his unwillingness to turn away from the pro-business policies which are at the roots of the country's environmental deficit Even those who prefer Muscat to Delia may use their vote to solicit a change in direction in those areas where the government has a poor track record THE VILLAGE HOTEL Sqaq Nru 1, Giuseppe Stivala Street, Naxxar, Malta | VAT 2421-5613 CALL FOR TENDERS Project Reference: MEAE/MSD/27/2017 The Village Hotel Limited - C80492 is currently developing a 26 Bedroom Boutique Hotel, located on the outskirts of Naxxar, with magnificent views of Mdina. 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